Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They support, nourish, and protect neurons, including producing myelin.

Question 2

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing muscle weakness and erratic neural signaling. Which neural structure is most likely damaged in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 3

During the resting potential of a neuron, which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

The neuron is polarized, with a negative charge inside and positive outside.

Question 4

Which process occurs immediately after an action potential, helping to restore the neuron's resting state?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ions (K+) flow out of the neuron.

Question 5

The all-or-none law in neural firing states that:

Accepted Answer

A neuron will fire at full strength or not at all, regardless of stimulus intensity.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the role of neurotransmitters in neural communication?

Accepted Answer

They act as chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.

Question 7

A drug that blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain would most likely:

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of serotonin's effect on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of an agonist in neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

A drug that mimics acetylcholine and enhances its effect.

Question 9

If a neuron is in its refractory period, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

It cannot fire another action potential regardless of stimulus strength.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

Excitatory neurotransmitters make it more likely a neuron will fire; inhibitory make it less likely.

Question 11

A neuroscientist is studying the effect of a new drug that increases the amount of GABA in the brain. What is the most likely effect of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Decreased neural activity and dampened brain signals.

Question 12

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the frequency of action potentials and stimulus intensity?

Accepted Answer

$$f = k \cdot I$$

Question 13

Which step in neural firing is characterized by the outflow of potassium ions (K+) from the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Repolarization

Question 14

A patient is given a drug that acts as an antagonist at dopamine receptors. What is the most likely effect of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It will block dopamine's effects, potentially reducing symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons transmit signals faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier, speeding conduction.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the lock-and-key model of neurotransmitter action?

Accepted Answer

A neurotransmitter binds only to a specific receptor that matches its shape.

Question 17

Which of the following is most likely to occur if sodium channels fail to open during neural firing?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will remain at resting potential and not fire.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the synaptic cleft in neural communication?

Accepted Answer

It is the gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.

Question 19

A neuroscientist observes that a neuron is not responding to any incoming signals, regardless of their strength. Which phase is the neuron most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Refractory period

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the frequency of action potentials, rather than their amplitude, encodes the intensity of a stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The all-or-none law ensures that action potentials are always the same size, so intensity is encoded by how often they occur.

Biological Psychology: Neurons, Glial Cells, and Neural Communication

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