Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the sodium-potassium pump in a neuron at rest?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move three Na$$^+$$ ions out of the cell and two K$$^+$$ ions into the cell, maintaining the resting membrane potential.

Question 2

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated K$$^+$$ channels in neurons. What is the most likely effect on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will repolarize more slowly, prolonging the action potential.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key advantage of cephalization in animal nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

It enables animals to better detect and respond to stimuli encountered during forward locomotion.

Question 4

During the rising phase of an action potential, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels open, allowing Na$$^+ to $$enter the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why action potentials only travel in one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

The refractory period prevents the region of the membrane that just fired from immediately firing again.

Question 6

A neuron receives two excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rapid succession at the same synapse. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE about glial cells?

Accepted Answer

They provide insulation, nutrients, and support for neurons.

Question 8

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a neurotransmitter binding to its receptor on the postsynaptic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Ligand-gated ion channel

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the myelin sheath in neurons?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of action potential conduction by allowing saltatory propagation between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 10

A person touches a hot stove and immediately withdraws their hand before feeling pain. Which neural pathway is primarily responsible for this rapid response?

Accepted Answer

A reflex circuit connecting sensory neurons directly to motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Question 11

Which of the following neurotransmitters is most commonly associated with inhibitory synapses in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of sensory transduction?

Accepted Answer

The conversion of a stimulus energy into a change in the membrane potential of a sensory receptor.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Generation and experience of emotions

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the vertebrate nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes cranial and spinal nerves.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why photoreceptors in vertebrate eyes are unusual compared to other sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

They hyperpolarize the cell membrane and inhibit the firing rate of other neurons.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the coding of stimulus intensity by neurons?

Accepted Answer

A stronger stimulus increases the frequency of action potentials.

Question 17

A patient is given a drug that blocks ligand-gated Cl$$^-$$ channels on the postsynaptic membrane. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) will be reduced, making neurons more likely to fire action potentials.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the corpus callosum in the human brain?

Accepted Answer

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a neurotransmitter and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine – muscle stimulation

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct action potentials faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from node to node (nodes of Ranvier) in a process called saltatory conduction.

Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling: Structure and Function of Nervous Systems

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