Neuronal Structure and Function: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter primarily mediates excitatory synaptic communication in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glycine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 2

Define the 'refractory period' in neurons:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The period before an action potential during which initiation is most likely.

Answer

The duration of an action potential as it travels along the axon.

Answer

The period after an action potential during which the neuron is hyperpolarized.

Question 3

Distinguish between myelinated and unmyelinated axons:

Accepted Answer

Myelinated axons are encased in a fatty sheath that facilitates faster action potential conduction than unmyelinated axons.

Answer

Unmyelinated axons are encased in a fatty sheath that facilitates faster action potential conduction than myelinated axons.

Answer

Myelinated axons are exclusively found in the central nervous system, whereas unmyelinated axons are found solely in the peripheral nervous system.

Answer

There is no distinction between myelinated and unmyelinated axons.

Question 4

What is the primary function of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of action potentials

Answer

Release of neurotransmitters

Answer

Integration of synaptic inputs

Answer

Formation of myelin sheath

Question 5

Which ion is primarily responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Answer

Sodium (Na+)

Answer

Chloride (Cl-)

Answer

Calcium (Ca2+)

Question 6

What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

Accepted Answer

To maintain ion balance across the neuronal membrane

Answer

To initiate action potentials

Answer

To terminate action potentials

Answer

To synthesize neurotransmitters

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is excitatory, meaning it increases the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glycine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 8

What is the main purpose of myelin in neurons?

Accepted Answer

To increase the speed of action potential propagation

Answer

To initiate action potentials

Answer

To insulate neurons from electrical interference

Answer

To synthesize neurotransmitters

Question 9

Which type of ion channel is involved in the generation of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channel

Answer

Leak channel

Answer

Ligand-gated ion channel

Answer

Mechanically-gated ion channel

Question 10

What is the primary function of neuroglia in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To provide structural support and protection for neurons

Answer

To transmit electrical signals

Answer

To synthesize and release neurotransmitters

Answer

To regulate ion balance

Question 11

At the neuromuscular junction, which neurotransmitter is released?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Question 12

In the nervous system, what is the major function of astrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism and nutrient transport

Answer

Electrical insulation of neurons

Answer

Synaptic plasticity

Answer

Generation of action potentials

Question 13

What is the refractory period of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The period where the neuron cannot generate another action potential

Answer

The period where the neuron is most likely to generate an action potential

Answer

The period where the neuron is hyperpolarized

Answer

The period where the neuron is depolarized

Question 14

What is the importance of ion channels in neuronal function?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the selective movement of ions across the neuronal membrane, influencing membrane potential and excitability

Answer

They generate electrical signals that propagate along the neuron

Answer

They are responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters

Answer

They transport nutrients into the neuron

Question 15

Describe a characteristic of myelin.

Accepted Answer

Insulates axons, increasing conduction velocity

Answer

Is composed of neuron cell bodies

Answer

Is the site of synaptic transmission

Answer

Contains abundant mitochondria

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of the resting membrane potential in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is positive on the inside and negative on the outside.

Answer

It is maintained primarily by the sodium potassium pump.

Answer

It is typically around -70 millivolts.

Answer

It is reversible with a powerful depolarizing stimulus.

Question 17

What is the term for the minimum potential that must be reached to initiate an action potential in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Threshold potential

Answer

Action potential potential

Answer

Resting potential

Answer

Hyperpolarization potential

Question 18

Which ion is chiefly responsible for the rapid depolarization phase in an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Answer

Potassium

Answer

Chloride

Answer

Calcium

Question 19

What is meant by the refractory period of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The period during which a neuron cannot generate an action potential.

Answer

The period during which a neuron is generating an action potential.

Answer

The period during which a neuron is repolarizing.

Answer

The period during which a neuron is hyperpolarized.

Question 20

What is the primary function of ionotropic receptors in synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

They facilitate the direct flow of ions across the neuronal membrane.

Answer

They activate second messengers.

Answer

They modulate voltage-gated ion channels.

Answer

They induce long-term potentiation.

Question 21

Which of the following is a common technique employed to record electrical activity in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Patch clamp

Answer

Electrocardiography

Answer

Electromyography

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT recognized as a form of synaptic plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Axonal sprouting

Answer

Long-term potentiation

Answer

Long-term depression

Answer

Short-term potentiation

Question 23

What is the primary role of the myelin sheath in neuronal function?

Accepted Answer

It accelerates the conduction of action potentials.

Answer

It provides insulation for the neuron.

Answer

It supplies nutrients to the neuron.

Answer

It controls the release of neurotransmitters.