Master Neurophysiology Basics: Online Quizzes and Learning

Question 1

What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

-70 mV

Answer

-50 mV

Answer

-90 mV

Answer

-110 mV

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Answer

Potassium

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Chloride

Question 3

What is the main function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

To increase the speed of action potential propagation

Answer

To reduce the refractory period

Answer

To generate action potentials

Answer

To facilitate synaptic transmission

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is predominantly involved in the transmission of excitatory signals at most synapses in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Glycine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Question 5

What is the process by which presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft called?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Transcytosis

Answer

Invagination

Question 6

Which technique is commonly used to record electrical signals from individual neurons?

Accepted Answer

Patch-clamp technique

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computerized tomography (CT)

Question 7

Which brain region is primarily responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, such as decision-making and memory?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Answer

Brainstem

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 8

What is the phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus results in a decreased response over time called?

Accepted Answer

Habituation

Answer

Sensitization

Answer

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

Answer

Long-term depression (LTD)

Question 9

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which neurons communicate with each other?

Accepted Answer

Synaptic transmission via neurotransmitters

Answer

Electrical coupling through gap junctions

Answer

Hormonal signaling involving hormones

Answer

Mechanical connections via desmosomes

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the neuromuscular junction, facilitating skeletal muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 11

The refractory period of a neuron refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Period of time during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential

Answer

Period of time during which a neuron is maximally excited

Answer

Period of time during which a neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic terminal

Answer

Period of time during which a postsynaptic potential is generated

Question 12

Which neuronal structure is responsible for initiating action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock

Answer

Dendrites

Answer

Soma

Answer

Axon terminals

Question 13

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A strengthening of synaptic connections associated with learning and memory

Answer

A weakening of synaptic connections associated with forgetting

Answer

A temporary increase in neurotransmitter release

Answer

A decrease in the threshold for action potential generation

Question 14

The action potential is characterized by a rapid:

Accepted Answer

Depolarization followed by repolarization

Answer

Hyperpolarization followed by depolarization

Answer

Gradual depolarization

Answer

Gradual repolarization

Question 15

Glycine is a neurotransmitter that primarily acts as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Inhibitory neurotransmitter, hyperpolarizing postsynaptic neurons

Answer

Excitatory neurotransmitter, depolarizing postsynaptic neurons

Answer

Modulatory neurotransmitter, influencing the effects of other neurotransmitters

Answer

Neuromodulator, altering the sensitivity of postsynaptic neurons to neurotransmitters

Question 16

Which neurophysiological property of neurons is crucial for preserving the electrical stability of the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Leak potassium channels

Answer

Voltage-gated calcium channels

Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels

Question 17

How does electroencephalography (EEG) contribute to the study of sleep-wake cycles?

Accepted Answer

EEG records brain activity during sleep, distinguishing between different sleep stages.

Answer

EEG is primarily used to diagnose epilepsy.

Answer

EEG measures electrical activity in muscles.

Answer

EEG signals can directly control prosthetic limbs.

Question 18

Which ion plays the primary role in maintaining a neuron's resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Answer

Chloride (Cl-)

Answer

Sodium (Na+)

Answer

Calcium (Ca2+)

Question 19

What is the process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic terminal?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Osmosis

Question 20

What is the refractory period in neuronal function?

Accepted Answer

The brief period after an action potential during which another action potential cannot be generated.

Answer

The period of rapid action potential firing.

Answer

The time when a neuron is hyperpolarized.

Question 21

Which of the following is considered the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Question 22

What is the phenomenon of summation in neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

The combined effect of multiple subthreshold stimuli to reach the threshold for an action potential.

Answer

The generation of action potentials at regular intervals.

Answer

The suppression of action potential generation by multiple stimuli.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a function of glial cells?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter synthesis

Answer

Myelination of axons

Answer

Regulation of extracellular ion concentrations

Answer

Immune surveillance

Question 24

What is the primary structural component of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions between capillary endothelial cells

Answer

Astrocyte foot processes

Answer

Myelin sheaths

Question 25

Which of the following techniques is commonly used to record the electrical activity of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Question 26

What does the concept of neuronal plasticity refer to?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the nervous system to adapt its structure and function in response to experiences.

Answer

The resistance of the nervous system to change.

Answer

The unchanging and rigid nature of the nervous system.