PRACTICE EXAM

Question 1

which function is a characteristic primarily of neurons only, and not glia?

-transmits APs
-supports electrical signals
-repairs the nervous system
-produces myelin
-all of the above

Answer 1

transmits APs

Question 2

golgi tendon organs are most sensitive to

-muscle tension
-muscle stretch
-absolute joint position
-skin stretch

Answer 2

muscle tension

Question 3

the axons of the medial lemniscus synapse with the neurons of the

-primary sensory cortex
-thalamus
-gracile nucleus
-cuneate nucleus
-dorsal root ganglion

Answer 3

thalamus

Question 4

the amplitude of the AP of a given neuron is

-larger in response to depolarizing currents of greater magnitude
-dependent on the magnitude of the sensory stimulus
-related to the number of synapses on the neuron
-smaller if the resting potential of the neuron is lower
-always the same

Answer 4

always the same

Question 5

in a 2-compartment model of a cell with a K+ permeable membrane, at K+ equilibrium potential, there is ____ flux of K+ ions

-a large inward
-a large outward
-no net
-a small inward
-a small outward

Answer 5

no net

Question 6

muscles in which region would most likely have the lowest density of muscle spindles?

-tongue
-extraocular
-hand
-neck
-leg

Answer 6

leg

Question 7

how would application of a Ca2+ channel blocker affect the function of a synapse?

-it would increase the magnitude of postsynaptic potential
-it would eliminate the presynaptic Ca2+ current and the postsynaptic potential
-it would eliminate the presynaptic Ca2+ current but have no effect on the postsynaptic potential
-it would have no effect on the function of a synapse

Answer 7

it would eliminate the presynaptic Ca2+ current and the postsynaptic potential

Question 8

where would the primary afferent axons conveying mechanosensory signals from the right arm be found?

-in the right dorsal column of the cervical spinal cord
-in the left dorsal column of the cervical spinal cord
-in the right dorsal column of the lumbosacral spinal cord
-in the left dorsal column of the lumbosacral spinal cord

Answer 8

in the right dorsal column of the cervical spinal cord

Question 9

while in the library studying, you observe another student reading a Braille textbook. which mechanoreceptor is responsible for registering the sharpest perception of the Braille type?

-free nerve endings of C-fibers
-pacinian corpuscles
-ruffini endings
-merkel cells
-meissner corpuscles

Answer 9

merkel cells

Question 10

a student new to neuroscience research is practicing recording resting membrane potentials from giant squid axons. during one of the trials, the resting membrane potential, which is normally around -60 mV, measured -15 mV. which statement best describes what might have occurred during the experiment?

-the student added too much potassium to the extracellular solution
-the student added too much sodium to the extracellular solution
-the student did not add enough potassium to the extracellular solution
-the student did not add enough sodium to the extracellular solution

Answer 10

the student added too much potassium to the extracellular solution

Question 11

if the distribution of EPP amplitudes has peaks at 0.4 mV, 0.8 mV, 1.2 mV, 1.6 mV, and 2.0 mV, what is the most likely amplitude of the MEPP?

-0.4 mV
-0.8 mV
-1.2 mV
-1.6 mV
-2.0 mV

Answer 11

0.4 mv