Neuronal Communication: The Basics of How Neurons Talk

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

All-or-nothing

Answer

Gradual

Answer

Variable threshold

Answer

No refractory period

Question 4

Which of the following does NOT influence the amplitude of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The rate of hyperpolarization

Answer

The number of sodium channels in the neuronal membrane

Answer

The transmembrane concentration gradient of sodium ions

Question 5

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is primarily maintained by the differential distribution of which ions across the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

Sodium and potassium

Answer

Magnesium and bicarbonate

Answer

Calcium and chloride

Answer

Chloride and hydroxide

Question 6

Which of the following events directly triggers the initiation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization reaching the threshold potential

Answer

Synaptic transmission

Answer

Repolarization reaching the threshold

Answer

Hyperpolarization reaching the threshold

Question 7

What is the primary function of sodium-potassium pumps in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

Restore resting membrane potential after an action potential

Answer

Transmit neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft

Answer

Generate an action potential

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Question 9

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic terminal into the synaptic cleft is known as:

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Pinocytosis

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Diffusion

Question 10

The myelin sheath that surrounds some axons in the nervous system primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Increase the speed of action potential conduction

Answer

Generate action potentials

Answer

Decrease the speed of action potential conduction

Answer

Transmit neurotransmitters

Question 11

Which type of synaptic plasticity involves a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength?

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation

Answer

Short-term depression

Answer

Short-term potentiation

Answer

Long-term depression

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with feelings of reward, motivation, and pleasure?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Noradrenaline

Question 13

The process by which neurons transmit information and communicate with each other is known as:

Accepted Answer

Neuronal communication

Answer

Neurogenesis

Answer

Neuroprotection

Answer

Synaptic transmission

Question 14

Which mechanism is responsible for the gradual strengthening of synaptic connections over time?

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation

Answer

Retrograde signaling

Answer

Glutamate excitotoxicity

Answer

Synaptic depression

Question 15

How do neurons combine multiple synaptic signals to determine their firing pattern?

Accepted Answer

Summation of all inputs, both excitatory and inhibitory

Answer

Only the strongest input determines the neuron's response

Answer

Neurons fire action potentials regardless of synaptic inputs

Answer

Synaptic inputs have no effect on the neuron's firing pattern

Question 16

Which process do NMDA receptors play a crucial role in?

Accepted Answer

Synaptic plasticity

Answer

Neurotransmitter release

Answer

Resting membrane potential

Question 17

The membrane potential reaches its peak value during which phase of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Answer

Hyperpolarization

Answer

Repolarization

Question 18

Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of events during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization -> Repolarization -> Hyperpolarization -> Resting state

Answer

Hyperpolarization -> Depolarization -> Resting state -> Repolarization

Answer

Repolarization -> Depolarization -> Hyperpolarization -> Resting state

Question 19

What is the primary function of voltage-gated ion channels in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

To control the flow of ions across the membrane based on changes in membrane potential.

Answer

To generate the action potential by releasing neurotransmitters.

Answer

To maintain the resting membrane potential through active transport.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is known for its excitatory effects on postsynaptic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glycine

Question 21

What is the main function of the synaptic cleft in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

To allow neurotransmitters to diffuse across it and transmit signals between neurons.

Answer

To generate action potentials in the postsynaptic neuron.

Answer

To maintain the resting membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 22

What is the significance of myelin in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

It insulates axons, enabling faster and more efficient transmission of signals.

Answer

It helps maintain the resting membrane potential.

Answer

It releases neurotransmitters at the synapse.

Question 23

Which technique is primarily used to study neuronal communication in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Question 24

How does neuronal communication contribute to brain function?

Accepted Answer

It enables neurons to transmit and process information, coordinating their activity for cognitive processes and behaviors.

Answer

It generates the electrical impulses that power the brain

Question 25

What is the threshold of excitation?

Accepted Answer

The minimum level of depolarization required to trigger an action potential

Answer

The maximum level of depolarization possible

Answer

The resting membrane potential

Question 26

Which type of neurotransmitter is primarily inhibitory?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 27

What is the role of voltage-gated sodium channels in action potential generation?

Accepted Answer

Allow sodium ions to rapidly enter the neuron, causing depolarization

Answer

Allow potassium ions to rapidly enter the neuron, causing hyperpolarization

Answer

Prevent sodium ions from entering the neuron

Question 28

What is the effect of an influx of chloride ions into a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization

Answer

Depolarization

Answer

No change in membrane potential

Answer

Action potential generation

Question 29

What is the main function of the sodium-potassium pump?

Accepted Answer

Restore resting membrane potential and maintain ion gradients

Answer

Generate action potentials

Answer

Release neurotransmitters

Question 30

Which of the following neurotransmitters is involved in both reward and motivation?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 31

Which component is NOT found in the neural membrane?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria

Answer

Phospholipids

Answer

Sodium-potassium pump

Answer

Glycoproteins

Question 32

The stable electrical state of a neuron is primarily maintained by the uneven distribution of which ions across the plasma membrane?

Accepted Answer

Sodium and potassium ions

Answer

Hydrogen and oxygen ions

Answer

Chloride and calcium ions

Answer

Magnesium and phosphate ions

Question 33

At which point does the rapid depolarization of the neuron's membrane trigger the initiation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

When depolarization reaches a specific threshold level

Answer

When the membrane hyperpolarizes

Answer

When calcium ions enter the cell

Answer

When sodium channels fully close

Question 34

During which phase of an action potential is the neuron temporarily unable to generate another action potential in the same direction?

Accepted Answer

Refractory period

Answer

Recovery phase

Answer

Hyperpolarization phase

Answer

Depolarization phase

Question 35

Which of the following substances is NOT classified as a neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 36

At the neuromuscular junction, the primary neurotransmitter that facilitates communication between neurons and muscle cells is:

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Question 37

Which type of receptor plays a crucial role in long-term potentiation, a process associated with memory formation?

Accepted Answer

NMDA receptor

Answer

Dopamine receptor

Answer

AMPA receptor

Answer

GABA receptor

Question 38

The process of neurotransmitter reuptake primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

End synaptic transmission

Answer

Enhance synaptic transmission

Answer

Sustain synaptic transmission

Answer

Initiate synaptic transmission

Question 39

The myelin sheath that surrounds certain axons primarily functions as an:

Accepted Answer

Electrical insulator

Answer

Structural support

Answer

Electrical conductor

Answer

Chemical barrier

Question 40

What is the difference between the resting membrane potential and the action potential?

Accepted Answer

During the resting membrane potential, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside, while during the action potential, the inside of the neuron becomes positively charged compared to the outside.

Answer

During the resting membrane potential, the inside of the neuron is positively charged compared to the outside, while during the action potential, the inside of the neuron becomes negatively charged compared to the outside.

Question 41

What is the function of sodium-potassium pumps in the maintenance of the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

They actively transport three sodium ions out of the neuron for every two potassium ions pumped in, creating an unequal distribution of ions across the membrane.

Answer

They pump two sodium ions out of the neuron for every three potassium ions pumped in.

Answer

They passively transport three potassium ions out of the neuron for every two sodium ions pumped in.

Question 42

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, influencing its electrical activity.

Answer

Neurotransmitters are electrical signals that travel from the presynaptic neuron directly to the postsynaptic neuron.

Answer

Neurotransmitters are released from the postsynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the presynaptic neuron.

Question 43

What is the main function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

It provides insulation around the axon of some neurons, which increases the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission.

Answer

It helps to generate electrical signals in the neuron.

Answer

It protects the neuron from physical damage.

Question 44

Which of the following is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Huntington's disease

Question 45

What is the primary effect of the neurotransmitter GABA on the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

It makes the postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Answer

It makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Answer

It has no effect on the neuron.

Question 46

What is the key difference between an excitatory and an inhibitory synapse?

Accepted Answer

An excitatory synapse increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential, while an inhibitory synapse decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Answer

An excitatory synapse decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential, while an inhibitory synapse increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Question 47

What is the primary role of the hippocampus in memory?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in the initial formation of new memories and the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term memories.

Answer

It is the primary storage site for long-term memories.

Question 48

The threshold potential of an action potential refers to:

Accepted Answer

The minimum membrane potential required for an action potential to occur

Answer

The peak membrane potential reached during an action potential

Answer

The resting membrane potential of the neuron

Question 49

Which of the following is characteristic of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

All-or-none response; propagates without decrement

Answer

Graded amplitude; decrements as it propagates

Answer

Refractory period precedes propagation

Answer

Hyperpolarization precedes action potential

Question 50

How does the sodium-potassium pump contribute to the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Maintains an unequal distribution of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane

Answer

Equalizes the distribution of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane

Answer

Prevents the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane

Question 51

Which neurotransmitter is known for its excitatory effects on postsynaptic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glycine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 52

What is the specialized junction between two neurons called?

Accepted Answer

Synapse

Answer

Soma

Answer

Axon

Answer

Dendrite

Question 53

What is the main function of the myelin sheath that surrounds some axons?

Accepted Answer

Increases the speed of action potential propagation

Answer

Generates action potentials

Answer

Prevents the leakage of ions

Question 54

What is the period of reduced responsiveness of a neuron immediately after an action potential known as?

Accepted Answer

Refractory period

Answer

Synaptic delay

Answer

Hyperpolarization

Answer

Depolarization