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 TRUE?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the brief reversal of charge across the axon membrane during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 5

The 'all-or-none law' in neural firing refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A neuron either fires at full strength or not at all, regardless of stimulus intensity.

Question 6

After an action potential, which ion flows out of the neuron to help restore the resting potential?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to transmit signals across the synapse.

Question 8

A drug that blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain would most likely have which effect?

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of serotonin's action at the synapse

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with pleasure, reward, and voluntary movement, and is implicated in both Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 10

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 11

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

Accepted Answer

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of a neuron firing, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → neurotransmitter released into synapse → neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors

Question 13

A person is given a drug that acts as an antagonist for acetylcholine. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Impaired movement and possible memory deficits

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter is most directly involved in regulating sleep and alertness, and is also implicated in anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

It insulates axons to speed up neural transmission.

Question 16

A neuroscientist is studying the effects of a new drug that mimics the action of dopamine at its receptor sites. This drug would be classified as:

Accepted Answer

An agonist

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Intensity} \propto 	ext{Frequency of Action Potentials}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of myelin in neural function?

Accepted Answer

A person with multiple sclerosis experiencing muscle weakness due to demyelination

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cocaine produces a prolonged feeling of euphoria?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of dopamine, increasing its effect in the synaptic cleft.

Question 20

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.

Biological Psychology: Neurons, Glial Cells, and Neural Communication

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