Chapter 12.3 and 12.4

Question 1

Graded potentials occur when a neurotransmitter is released into the synapse between two neurons and binds a ligand-gated ion channels.

True
False

Answer 1

True

Graded potentials occur when a neurotransmitter is released into the synapse and binds to ligand-gated ion channels on the postsynaptic neuron. This binding causes the ion channels to open, leading to a localized change in membrane potential, which is known as a graded potential.

Question 2

Graded potentials may occur on a neuron cell body, dendrites or axons.

True
False

Answer 2

False

Graded potentials primarily occur on the dendrites and cell body of a neuron, not on the axons. Axons are typically associated with action potentials.

Question 3

Action potentials occur only in axons of neurons and in muscle fibers.

True
False

Answer 3

True

Action potentials typically occur in the axons of neurons and in muscle fibers. In neurons, action potentials propagate along the axon to transmit signals over long distances, while in muscle fibers, they lead to muscle contraction.

Question 4

For an action potential to be generated, depolarizations must reach threshold.

True
False

Answer 4

True

For an action potential to be generated, the depolarization of the neuron’s membrane must reach a certain threshold level. If this threshold is not reached, an action potential will not occur.

Question 5

The unidirectional flow of an action potential is due to the delay in K+ channels closing until they are “reset” by hyperpolarization.

True
False

Answer 5

False

The unidirectional flow of an action potential is primarily due to the refractory period, which consists of the absolute and relative refractory periods. During the absolute refractory period, Na+ channels are inactivated and cannot reopen immediately, preventing the action potential from traveling backward. Hyperpolarization, caused by K+ channels remaining open longer, contributes to the relative refractory period but is not the main reason for the unidirectional flow.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about graded potentials is not true?

A) Graded potentials can occur in a variety of intensities unlike action potential which are of one size only.
B) Graded potentials are short, localized impulses.
C) Graded potentials always initiate action potentials.
D) Graded potentials can occur in the neuron soma (cell body) or in dendrites.

Answer 6

C) Graded potentials always initiate action potentials.

This statement is not true. Graded potentials do not always initiate action potentials; they only do so if they are strong enough to reach the threshold at the axon hillock. If the threshold is not reached, an action potential will not be generated.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about action potentials is false?

A) Action potentials (A.P.’s) are initiated by local changes in membrane current (graded potential) and the associated influx of ions through voltage gated Na+ channels.
B) During an A.P. repolarization is due to the closing of Na+ channels and opening of K+ channels, causing the cytoplasmic side of the membrane to become more negative once again.
C) A.P.’s are self-sustaining - once begun they will continue all along the length of an axon.
D) The absolute refractory period is key in the one-way transmission of A.P.’s down the axon.
E) All are true statements

Answer 7

E) All are true statements

Question 8

Put the events of the generation of an action potential in the correct order:

A)
1. An A.P. arrives at the pre-synaptic neuron terminal
2. Neurotransmitters are released and diffuse across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic terminal
3. Na+ influx causes a localized membrane depolarization (graded potential)
4. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors and open ion channels
5. If the depolarization is strong enough, voltage gated Na+ channels in the axon hillock open
6. An action potential is generated and moves down the neuron

B)
1. An A.P. arrives at the pre-synaptic neuron terminal
2. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors and open ion channels
3. If the depolarization is strong enough, voltage gated Na+ channels in the axon hillock open
4. Na+ influx causes a localized membrane depolarization (graded potential)
5. Neurotransmitters are released and diffuse across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic terminal
6. An action potential is generated and moves down the neuron

C)
1. An A.P. arrives at the pre-synaptic neuron terminal
2. Neurotransmitters are released and diffuse across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic terminal
3. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors and open ion channels
4. Na+ influx causes a localized membrane depolarization (graded potential)
5. If the depolarization is strong enough, voltage gated Na+ channels in the axon hillock open
6. An action potential is generated and moves down the neuron

Answer 8

C)
1. An A.P. arrives at the pre-synaptic neuron terminal
2. Neurotransmitters are released and diffuse across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic terminal
3. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors and open ion channels
4. Na+ influx causes a localized membrane depolarization (graded potential)
5. If the depolarization is strong enough, voltage gated Na+ channels in the axon hillock open
6. An action potential is generated and moves down the neuron

Question 9

An action potential will travel fastest along which type of axon?

A) A non-myelinated axon
B) A myelinated axon

Answer 9

B) A myelinated axon

Action potentials travel fastest along myelinated axons due to the process of saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps from one Node of Ranvier to the next, increasing the speed of transmission.

Question 10

Most synapses are electrical synapses.

True
False

Answer 10

False

Most synapses are chemical synapses, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons. Electrical synapses are less common and involve direct electrical connections between neurons through gap junctions.

Question 11

The arrival of a neurotransmitter at the post-synaptic neuron cell membrane causes an excitatory or inhibitory event (a graded potential).

True
False

Answer 11

True

The arrival of a neurotransmitter at the post-synaptic neuron cell membrane can cause either an excitatory or inhibitory event, which results in a graded potential.

Question 12

Action potentials are initiated by IPSPs (inhibitory postsynaptic potentials) and inhibited by EPSPs (excitatory postsynaptic potentials)

True
False

Answer 12

False

Action potentials are initiated by excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibited by inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). EPSPs depolarize the membrane and bring it closer to the threshold for firing an action potential, while IPSPs hyperpolarize the membrane, making it less likely to reach the threshold.

Question 13

The brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

True
False

Answer 13

True

The brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Question 14

Neurotransmitters can have both excitatory and inhibitory effects.

True
False

Answer 14

True

Neurotransmitters can have both excitatory and inhibitory effects, depending on the type of receptors they bind to on the post-synaptic neuron and the context within the nervous system.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSP) is not true?

A) An EPSP is a local depolarization of the post-synaptic membrane caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the cell.
B) An EPSP makes the neuron more likely to initiate an action potential.
C) An EPSP causes primarily Na+ to move into the cell.
D) Neurons may receive many EPSPs at the same time.
E) All are true statements

Answer 15

E) All are true statements

Question 16

Which of the following statements about inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSP) is not true?

A) An IPSP is a local hyperpolarization of the post-synaptic membrane caused by the flow of positively charged ions out of the cell or negatively charged ions into the cell.
B) An IPSP makes the neuron less likely to initiate an action potential.
C) An IPSP causes primarily Ca++ to move into the cell.
D) Neurons may receive many IPSPs at the same time.
E) All are true statements

Answer 16

C) An IPSP causes primarily Ca++ to move into the cell.

This statement is not true. An IPSP typically involves the movement of K+ ions out of the cell or Cl- ions into the cell, leading to hyperpolarization of the post-synaptic membrane, not the movement of Ca++ ions into the cell.

Question 17

If a neuron is stimulated simultaneously by many axon terminals at the same time, this would be an example of _______ summation.

A) Spatial
B) Temporal

Answer 17

A) Spatial

When a neuron is stimulated simultaneously by many axon terminals at different locations on its dendrites or cell body, this is an example of spatial summation.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about neurotransmitters is false?

A) Some neurotransmitters can be either excitatory or inhibitory depending upon the receptor.
B) Acetylcholine is an excitatory neurotransmitter secreted by motor neurons innervating skeletal muscle.
C) Endorphins are a class of primarily inhibitory neurotransmitters that act as natural pain killers.
D) Most neurons produce only one type of neurotransmitter.
E) Direct acting neurotransmitters bind to and open ion channels.

Answer 18

D) Most neurons produce only one type of neurotransmitter.

This statement is false. Many neurons can produce and release more than one type of neurotransmitter.

Question 19

Graded potentials vary in magnitude depending on the strength of the stimulus.

True
False

Answer 19

True

Explanation: Graded potentials are not all-or-none responses like action potentials; their magnitude varies based on the strength and duration of the stimulus.

Question 20

Which type of ion channel is primarily involved in generating an action potential?

A) Ligand-gated ion channels
B) Voltage-gated ion channels
C) Mechanically-gated ion channels
D) Leak channels

Answer 20

B) Voltage-gated ion channels

Explanation: Voltage-gated ion channels are crucial for the initiation and propagation of action potentials.

Question 21

Hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane is due to the opening of which type of channels?

A) Na+ channels
B) Ca2+ channels
C) K+ channels
D) Cl- channels

Answer 21

C) K+ channels and D) Cl- channels

Explanation: Hyperpolarization occurs due to the efflux of K+ ions or the influx of Cl- ions, making the inside of the membrane more negative.

Question 22

The refractory period in neurons ensures that:

A) Action potentials can travel in both directions
B) Action potentials are unidirectional
C) Graded potentials can summate
D) Neurotransmitter release is inhibited

Answer 22

B) Action potentials are unidirectional

Explanation: The refractory period prevents the action potential from traveling backward, ensuring unidirectional flow.

Question 23

Which of the following statements about synaptic transmission is true?

A) Electrical synapses use neurotransmitters to transmit signals.
B) Chemical synapses involve direct flow of ions between neurons.
C) Electrical synapses allow faster transmission compared to chemical synapses.
D) Chemical synapses do not require neurotransmitter receptors.

Answer 23

C) Electrical synapses allow faster transmission compared to chemical synapses.

Explanation: Electrical synapses provide rapid communication through direct electrical connections, whereas chemical synapses rely on neurotransmitter release and receptor binding.

Question 24

What type of glial cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the central nervous system?

A) Schwann cells
B) Astrocytes
C) Microglia
D) Oligodendrocytes

Answer 24

D) Oligodendrocytes

Explanation: Oligodendrocytes are the glial cells that form myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system.

Question 25

In a neuron, the region where an action potential is initiated is called the:

A) Dendrite
B) Soma
C) Axon hillock
D) Synaptic terminal

Answer 25

C) Axon hillock

Explanation: The axon hillock is the region where graded potentials summate to initiate an action potential if the threshold is reached.

Question 26

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the ‘fight or flight’ response?

A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) Acetylcholine
D) Norepinephrine

Answer 26

D) Norepinephrine

Explanation: Norepinephrine is involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response, increasing alertness and energy levels.

Question 27

Temporal summation occurs when:

A) Multiple neurons release neurotransmitters simultaneously
B) A single neuron releases neurotransmitters in rapid succession
C) Action potentials decrease in amplitude over time
D) Neurotransmitter reuptake is inhibited

Answer 27

B) A single neuron releases neurotransmitters in rapid succession

Explanation: Temporal summation is the additive effect of multiple excitatory signals from a single neuron over a short period of time.

Question 28

Which structure in a neuron is responsible for receiving incoming signals?

A) Axon
B) Soma
C) Dendrites
D) Synaptic terminal

Answer 28

C) Dendrites

Explanation: Dendrites are the branched projections of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and convey them to the soma.

Question 29

What is the main function of the Na+/K+ pump in neurons?

A) To generate action potentials
B) To maintain the resting membrane potential
C) To release neurotransmitters
D) To facilitate synaptic transmission

Answer 29

B) To maintain the resting membrane potential

Explanation: The Na+/K+ pump helps maintain the resting membrane potential by actively transporting Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell.

Question 30

The period during which a neuron cannot initiate another action potential, no matter how strong the stimulus, is called the:

A) Absolute refractory period
B) Relative refractory period
C) Resting period
D) Depolarization period

Answer 30

A) Absolute refractory period

Explanation: During the absolute refractory period, Na+ channels are inactivated, preventing the initiation of another action potential.

Question 31

Which of the following ions is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential?

A) K+
B) Na+
C) Cl-
D) Ca2+

Answer 31

B) Na+

Explanation: The influx of Na+ ions through voltage-gated Na+ channels is responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential.

Question 32

Inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSPs) are typically associated with the influx of which ion?

A) Na+
B) K+
C) Cl-
D) Ca2+

Answer 32

C) Cl-

Explanation: IPSPs often involve the influx of Cl- ions, which hyperpolarize the post-synaptic membrane and make it less likely to generate an action potential.

Question 33

Which neurotransmitter is involved in both learning and memory and is found in the central and peripheral nervous systems?

A) Dopamine
B) Glutamate
C) GABA
D) Acetylcholine

Answer 33

D) Acetylcholine

Explanation: Acetylcholine plays a crucial role in learning and memory and is involved in neuromuscular junctions in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 34

What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

A) GABA
B) Glutamate
C) Serotonin
D) Dopamine

Answer 34

B) Glutamate

Explanation: Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory.

Question 35

The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft is triggered by the influx of which ion?

A) Na+
B) K+
C) Cl-
D) Ca2+

Answer 35

D) Ca2+

Explanation: The influx of Ca2+ ions into the synaptic terminal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Question 36

Which part of the neuron contains the nucleus and is responsible for the metabolic activities of the cell?

A) Axon
B) Soma
C) Dendrites
D) Synaptic terminal

Answer 36

B) Soma

Explanation: The soma, or cell body, contains the nucleus and is responsible for the neuron’s metabolic activities and maintenance.

Question 37

The process by which neurotransmitters are cleared from the synaptic cleft includes all of the following except:

A) Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron
B) Enzymatic degradation
C) Diffusion away from the synaptic cleft
D) Conversion into ions

Answer 37

D) Conversion into ions

Explanation: Neurotransmitters are cleared from the synaptic cleft by reuptake, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion, but not by conversion into ions.