Question 1

Which of the following best explains why a single neurotransmitter can be excitatory at one synapse and inhibitory at another?

Accepted Answer

The effect depends on the type of receptor present on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with inhibitory effects in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 4

A patient is given a drug that blocks all GABA receptors in the CNS. What is the most likely effect on neuronal activity?

Accepted Answer

Increased neuronal firing due to loss of inhibition

Question 5

Which of the following statements about neurotransmitter classes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Biogenic amines include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the structural property of neuropeptide neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

They are short chains of amino acids.

Question 7

A neurotransmitter binds to a postsynaptic receptor and causes an influx of $$\mathrm{Cl^-}$$ ions. What is the likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane

Question 8

Which of the following is a functional property of glutamate in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in learning and memory by promoting excitatory synaptic transmission.

Question 9

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of neurotransmitter specificity at the receptor level?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine causes muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction but slows heart rate at cardiac synapses.

Question 10

Which of the following neurotransmitters is classified as a biogenic amine?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 11

A researcher discovers a new neurotransmitter that is a gas and diffuses directly across cell membranes. Which class does this neurotransmitter most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Gaseous neurotransmitters

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which GABA exerts its inhibitory effect?

Accepted Answer

It opens chloride channels, causing hyperpolarization.

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to be involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy due to its role in inhibition?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and its primary effect in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate – excitatory

Question 15

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is treated with a drug that increases dopamine levels in the CNS. Which class of neurotransmitter does dopamine belong to?

Accepted Answer

Biogenic amines

Neurotransmitters: Structure, Function, and Types

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