Neuronal Signaling and The Structure of The Nervous System: Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 06 - Neuronal Signaling and the Structure of the Nervous System
Chapter 06
Neuronal Signaling and the Structure of the Nervous System

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is/are functions of the human nervous system?
A. Receiving, storing and processing information on the internal and external environments
B. Bringing about changes in physiology and/or behavior to ensure optimal functions of
homeostatic mechanisms
C. Secretion of hormones
D. Coordination of movement
E. All of the choices are correct
Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Section 6A
Topic: Nervous System

2. Which is not true of myelin?

A. Is a fatty membranous sheath
B. Is formed by glial cells
C. Influences the rate of conduction of the electrical signal down an axon
D. Myelin covers all parts of the neuron: axon, cell body and dendrites
E. None of the choices are true

Section 6A.01

3. Which of the following is not true about axon transport?

A. It refers to the passage of materials from the cell body of a neuron to the axon terminals
B. It refers to the passage of materials from axon terminals to the cell body of a neuron
C. It refers to the transport of materials across the axonal membrane
D. It is especially important for maintaining the integrity of neurons with long axons

Section 6A.01

6-1
4. A given neuron can

A. Be either a presynaptic neuron or a postsynaptic neuron
B. Receive information from more than one other neuron
C. Transmit information to more than one other neuron
D. Simultaneously release more than one type of neurotransmitter
E. Do all of these things

Section 6A.02

5. Which of the following is not true of glial cells?

A. They form the myelin for axons
B. Neurons outnumber glial cells 10 to 1 in the nervous system
C. They deliver fuel molecules to neurons and remove the waste products of metabolism
D. They are important for the growth and development of the nervous system
E. They regulate the composition of the extracellular fluid in the CNS

Section 6A.03

6. The difference in electrical charge between two points

A. Is called the potential difference between those points
B. Is called the diffusion potential between those points
C. Depends upon charge flow between those points
D. Is the same for all ions

Section 6B.01

6-2
7. Ohm's law (I = E/R) states that current increases with

A. Increasing voltage or increasing resistance
B. Decreasing voltage or decreasing resistance
C. Increasing voltage or decreasing resistance
D. Decreasing voltage or increasing resistance

Section 6B.01

8. Compartments A and B are separated by a membrane that is permeable to K+ but not to Cl-.
At time zero, a solution of KCl is poured into compartment A and pure H2O is poured into
compartment B. At equilibrium,
A. The concentration of K+ in A will be lower than it was at time zero
B. Diffusion of K+ from A to B will be equal to the diffusion of K+ from B to A
C. There will be a potential difference across the membrane, with side A negative relative to
side B
D. The electrical and diffusion potentials for K+ will be equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction
Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Section 6B.02

6-3
9. Compartments A and B are separated by a membrane that is permeable to K+ but not to Cl-.
At time zero, a solution of KCl is poured into compartment A and pure H2O is poured into
compartment B. Now they are emptied and the membrane replaced with one that is permeable
to both K+ and Cl-, but no other ions. At time zero, a solution of NaCl is poured into
compartment A and a solution of KA (A is an anion other than Cl-) is poured into
compartment B. At equilibrium,
A. Compartment A will be negatively charged relative to B
B. There is a net flux of K+ from B to A
C. There is a concentration gradient favoring Cl- diffusion from A to B and this gradient is
balanced by an electric force favoring diffusion from B to A
D. Both there is a net flux of K+ from B to A and there is a concentration gradient favoring Cl-
diffusion from A to B and this gradient is balanced by an electric force favoring diffusion
from B to A are correct

Section 6B.02

10. The resting membrane potential

A. Requires very few ions to be distributed unevenly
B. Is the same in all cells
C. Is oriented so that the cell's interior is positive with respect to the extracellular fluid
D. Occurs only in nerve and muscle cells
E. None of the choices are correct

Section 6B.02

6-4
11. In a resting neuron,

A. The plasma membrane is freely permeable to sodium ion
B. The concentration of sodium ion is greater inside the cell than outside
C. The permeability of the plasma membrane to potassium ion is about 50 times greater than
its permeability to sodium ion
D. The plasma membrane is completely impermeable to sodium ion

Section 6B.02

6-5
12. The membrane potential of most neurons at rest is

A. Equal to the equilibrium potential of potassium ion
B. Equal to the equilibrium potential of sodium ion
C. Slightly more negative than the equilibrium potential of potassium ion
D. Slightly more positive than the equilibrium potential of potassium ion
E. Both equal to the equilibrium potential of sodium ion and slightly more negative than the
equilibrium potential of potassium ion

Section 6B.02

13. The diffusion potential for Na+ across a nerve cell membrane
A. Favors its movement into the cell at resting potential
B. Favors its movement out of the cell at resting potential
C. Is equal and opposite to the electrical potential acting on sodium at resting potential
D. Is in the same direction as the diffusion potential for potassium
E. Both favors its movement into the cell at resting potential and is equal and opposite to the
electrical potential acting on sodium at resting potential are correct

Section 6B.02

14. An increase in the extracellular concentration of K+ above normal would result in

A. A decrease in intracellular K+
B. An increase in intracellular K+
C. A decrease in intracellular Na+
D. An increase in intracellular Na+
E. No change in intracellular ion concentrations
Bloom's Level: 3. Apply

Section 6B.02

6-6
15. An increase in the extracellular concentration of K+ above normal would result in

A. Depolarization of resting nerve cells
B. Hyperpolarization of resting nerve cells
C. No change in the resting membrane potential

Section 6B.02

16. The Na, K-ATPase in a nerve cell

A. Maintains an electrical gradient such that the inside is negative with respect to the outside
B. Maintains a concentration gradient for K+ such that diffusion forces favor movement of K+
into the cell
C. Maintains an electrical gradient at the equilibrium potential of K+
D. Transports an equal number of sodium and potassium ions
E. Both maintains an electrical gradient such that the inside is negative with respect to the
outside and transports an equal number of sodium and potassium ions are correct

Section 6B.02

17. If the concentration of ATP were depleted in a typical nerve cell, the
A. Resting membrane potential would increase (become more negative)
B. Resting membrane potential would decrease (become less negative)
C. Concentration gradient for Na+ would remain the same
D. Resting membrane potential would eventually become positive inside with respect to
outside

Section 6B.02

6-7
18. The equilibrium potential of a given ion across a membrane is

A. A function of the concentration of that ion on both sides of the membrane
B. The potential at which there is no net movement of that ion across the membrane
C. The potential difference across the membrane that creates an electric force favoring
diffusion of the ion in one direction that is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the
diffusion force provided by the concentration difference of the ion across the membrane
D. Both a function of the concentration of that ion on both sides of the membrane and the
potential at which there is no net movement of that ion across the membrane are correct

Section 6B.02

19. The equilibrium potential of K ions in nerve cells is about -90 mV. The membrane
potential of typical nerve cells at rest is -70 mV. Therefore
A. Increasing the permeability of a resting neuronal membrane to K ions will increase the
membrane potential (that is, make it more negative, inside with respect to outside)
B. In nerve cells at rest, there is a net diffusion of K ions out of the cell
C. Increasing the membrane potential of a nerve cell would slow the diffusion of K ions out
of it
D. Potassium is not the only permeant ion at rest
E. All of the choices are true

Section 6B.02

20. Which of the following statements concerning the permeability of a typical nerve cell
membrane at rest is true?
A. The permeability to Na ion is very much greater than the permeability to K ion
B. All of the K ion channels in the membrane are open
C. The voltage-gated Na ion channels are inactivated
D. The voltage-gated Na ion channels are closed

Section 6B.02

6-8
6-9
21. Graded potentials
A. Include receptor potentials and postsynaptic potentials
B. Are conducted decrementally
C. Include depolarizing and hyperpolarizing potentials
D. Can be summed
E. Are described by all of the choices

Section 6B.03

22. An action potential in a neuronal membrane differs from a graded potential in that
A. An action potential requires the opening of Ca+2 channels, whereas a graded potential does
not
B. An action potential is propagated without decrement, whereas a graded potential is not
C. An action potential has a threshold and is an all-or-none phenomenon, whereas a graded
potential does not have a threshold and is not all-or-none
D. Both an action potential requires the opening of Ca+2 channels, whereas a graded potential
does not and an action potential is propagated without decrement, whereas a graded potential
is not are correct
E. Both an action potential is propagated without decrement, whereas a graded potential is
not and an action potential has a threshold and is an all-or-none phenomenon, whereas a
graded potential does not have a threshold and is not all-or-none are correct

Section 6B.03

23. A threshold stimulus applied to an excitable membrane is one that is just sufficient to
A. Trigger a graded potential in the membrane
B. Cause a change in membrane potential
C. Cause net inward movement of positive charge through the membrane
D. Be conducted to the axon hillock
E. Depolarize a dendrite

Section 6B.03

6-10
24. For an action potential to occur,

A. The stimulus must reach or exceed threshold
B. Na+ influx must exceed K+ efflux
C. The membrane must be out of the relative refractory period
D. Both the stimulus must reach or exceed threshold and Na+ influx must exceed K+ efflux
must happen
E. All of the choices must happen

Section 6B.03

25. When an axon is stimulated to threshold, the voltage-gated

A. K+ channels open before the voltage-gated Na+ channels
B. Na+ channels are activated and then inactivated
C. K+ channels open at the same time as the voltage-gated Na+ channels
D. K+ channels are opened when Na+ binds to the channel

Section 6B.03

26. During the rising (depolarizing) phase of an action potential,

A. PK+ becomes much greater than PNa+
B. PNa+ becomes much greater than PK+
C. PK+ is the same as PNa+
D. Na+ efflux (flow out of the cell) occurs
E. None of the choices occur

Section 6B.03

6-11
27. During the rising phase of an action potential, voltage-gated

A. Na+ channels open
B. K+ channels open
C. Na+ channels close
D. K+ channels close
E. Both Na+ channels open and K+ channels close are correct

Section 6B.03

28. At the peak of the action potential,

A. The electrical gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell
B. The concentration gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell
C. The permeability for K+ greatly increases
D. Both the electrical gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell and the
concentration gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell occur
E. The electrical gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell, the concentration
gradient for K+ tends to move this ion out of the cell and the permeability for K+ greatly
increases occur

Section 6B.03

29. Which of the following is responsible for the falling (repolarizing) phase of the action
potential?
A. Voltage-gated Na+ channels are opened
B. The Na+, K+ pump restores the ions to their original locations inside and outside of the cell
C. The permeability to Na+ increases greatly

D. ATPase destroys the energy supply that was maintaining the action potential at its peak
E. The permeability to K+ increases greatly while that to Na+ decreases

Section 6B.03

6-12
30. Action potentials are said to be "all-or-none" in character because

A. The rate of propagation of an action potential down an axon is independent of stimulus
strength
B. They are associated with an absolute refractory period
C. A supra-threshold stimulus is required to stimulate an action potential during the relative
refractory period
D. The amplitude of an action potential generated in any given neuron is the same, regardless
of the stimulus strength
E. All of these statements describe the "all-or-none" character of action potentials

Section 6B.03

31. Which of the following statements about the phases of an action potential are correct?
A. During the hyperpolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to sodium ion is
greater than its permeability at rest
B. During the hyperpolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to potassium ion is
C. During the repolarizing phases, the permeability of the membrane to potassium ion is
D. Both during the hyperpolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to sodium ion is
greater than its permeability at rest and during the repolarizing phases, the permeability of the
membrane to potassium ion is greater than its permeability at rest are correct
E. Both during the hyperpolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to potassium ion
is greater than its permeability at rest and during the repolarizing phases, the permeability of
the membrane to potassium ion is greater than its permeability at rest are correct

Section 6B.03

6-13
32. Which of the following statements regarding the phases of an action potential is correct?
A. During the depolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to Na+ is greater than its
permeability at rest
B. During the repolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to K+ is greater than its
permeability at rest
C. The relative refractory period of the membrane coincides with the hyperpolarized and
second repolarizing phases
D. Both during the depolarizing phase, the permeability of the membrane to Na+ is greater
than its permeability at rest and during the repolarizing phase, the permeability of the
membrane to K+ is greater than its permeability at rest are correct

Section 6B.03

33. Which of the following statements about the refractory period of a membrane is true?
A. The absolute refractory period refers to the period of time during which another action
potential cannot be initiated in that part of the membrane that has just undergone an action
potential, no matter how great the strength of the stimulus
B. The relative refractory period refers to the period of time during which another action
potential can be initiated in that part of the membrane that has just undergone an action
potential, if the stimulus is strong enough
C. The refractory period prevents the action potential from spreading back over the part of
the membrane that just underwent an action potential
D. The refractory period places an upper limit on the frequency with which a nerve cell can
conduct action potentials

Section 6B.03

6-14
34. The relative refractory period of an axon coincides with the period of
A. Activation and inactivation of voltage-dependent Na+ channels
B. Increased Na+ flux into the cell
C. Increased K+ flux into the cell
D. Increased K+ flux out of the cell
E. Increased Na+ flux out of the cell

Section 6B.03

35. Axons typically have abundant

A. Voltage-regulated channels for Na+ that open in response to depolarization
B. Voltage-regulated channels for K+ that open in response to hyperpolarization
C. Receptor-mediated channels for Na+
D. Both voltage-regulated channels for Na+ that open in response to depolarization and
voltage-regulated channels for K+ that open in response to hyperpolarization are correct

Section 6B.03

36. Which of the following statements regarding action potentials generated in a membrane is
not true?
A. Action potentials travel decrementally down the membrane
B. An action potential generates a new action potential in an adjacent area of membrane
C. An action potential generates a local current that depolarizes adjacent membrane to
threshold potential
D. The first action potential generated is the same size as the action potential ultimately
generated at the end of the membrane
E. An action potential generated by a threshold stimulus is the same size as one generated by
a supra-threshold stimulus

Section 6B.03

6-15
37. Which of the following statements concerning the properties of action potentials is true?
A. The rate of propagation of an action potential down an axon is independent of stimulus
strength
B. Action potentials can be summed
C. A supra-threshold stimulus is required to stimulate an action potential during the absolute
refractory period
D. Action potentials are conducted decrementally down the axon

Section 6B.03

38. The neural code that signals stimulus strength is

A. The size of action potentials
B. The frequency of action potentials
C. The duration of action potentials
D. Both the size of action potentials and the frequency of action potentials

Section 6B.03

39. Which of the following statements concerning the rate of action potential propagation is
true?
A. It is faster in large-diameter axons than in small-diameter ones
B. It is faster for a strong stimulus than for a weak one
C. It is faster in myelinated nerve fibers than in nonmyelinated ones
D. Both it is faster in large-diameter axons than in small-diameter ones and it is faster in
myelinated nerve fibers than in nonmyelinated ones are true
E. All of the choices are true

Section 6B.03

6-16
40. An action potential does not restimulate the adjacent membrane that was previously
depolarized because
A. Stimulation is inhibited by the myelin sheath
B. It is impossible for an action potential to be propagated along an axon toward the nerve cell
body
C. The resting membrane potential of the axon is too high
D. The resting membrane potential of the axon is too low
E. This area of membrane is absolutely refractory to depolarization

Section 6B.03

41. The regions of axon membrane that lie between regions of myelin are the
A. Islets of Langerhans
B. Nodes of Ranvier
C. Synaptic membranes
D. Glial cells
E. Dendrites

Section 6A.01

42. Interneurons are said to function as integrators of information because they

A. Receive synaptic input from many other neurons
B. Sum excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input
C. Are presynaptic to many other neurons
D. Both receive synaptic input from many other neurons and sum excitatory and inhibitory
synaptic input are correct

Section 6A.02

6-17
43. Exocytosis of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft is triggered by an influx of ______
in response to the arrival of an action potential in the axon terminal.
A. K+
B. Na+
C. Ca2+
D. ATP
E. Cl-

Section 6C.02

44. The role of calcium ion at chemical synapses is to

A. Depolarize the axon terminal of the presynaptic cell
B. Bind to neurotransmitter receptors on the postsynaptic cell
C. Cause fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane of the axon terminal
D. Interfere with IPSPs in the postsynaptic cell

Section 6C.02

45. At an excitatory synapse,

A. There is increased permeability of the postsynaptic cell to both Na+ and K+
B. A small hyperpolarization occurs
C. An action potential in the presynaptic neuron always causes an action potential in the
postsynaptic neuron
D. Both there is increased permeability of the postsynaptic cell to both Na+ and K+ and a
small hyperpolarization occurs are correct

Section 6C.03

6-18
46. An inhibitory postsynaptic potential

A. Is produced by an increased permeability to both Na+ and K+
B. Is produced by an increased permeability to Cl- and/or K+
C. Is a small depolarization in a postsynaptic cell
D. Can be summed with other IPSPs to trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic cell
E. Both is produced by an increased permeability to both Na+ and K+ and can be summed
with other IPSPs to trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic cell are correct

Section 6C.03

47. Which of the following statements about EPSPs is false?

A. They are produced by the opening of chemically regulated sodium channels
B. They can be conducted only a short distance
C. They are depolarizing
D. They are able to summate
E. Their amplitude is all-or-none

Section 6C.03

48. An EPSP in a membrane

A. Is a direct result of the opening of ligand-sensitive channels for Na+ and K+ ions in the
membrane
B. Is a direct result of the opening of voltage-gated channels for Na+ and K+ ions in the
membrane
C. Stabilizes the membrane to remain at its resting potential
D. Both is a direct result of the opening of ligand-sensitive channels for Na+ and K+ ions in
the membrane and stabilizes the membrane to remain at its resting potential are correct
E. Both is a direct result of the opening of voltage-gated channels for Na+ and K+ ions in the
membrane and stabilizes the membrane to remain at its resting potential are correct

Section 6C.03

6-19
49. Temporal summation on a postsynaptic membrane

A. Refers to the effect on the membrane of one (or more) synaptic event before the effects of
a previous synaptic event have died away
B. Refers only to addition of EPSPs
C. Refers only to the effect of stimulating different synapses repeatedly
D. Inevitably leads to action potentials in the axon
E. Is described by none of these choices

Section 6C.04

50. A postsynaptic neuron has three presynaptic inputs - from neurons X, Y and Z. When X
and Y are stimulated simultaneously and repeatedly, the postsynaptic neuron reaches threshold
and undergoes an action potential. When X and Z are stimulated simultaneously, however,
there is no change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron. What can you tell
about presynaptic neurons Y and Z?
A. They are probably both excitatory
B. They are probably both inhibitory
C. Y is probably excitatory and Z is probably inhibitory
D. Z is probably excitatory and Y is probably inhibitory

Section 6C.04

51. A postsynaptic neuron has three presynaptic inputs - from neurons X, Y and Z. When X
and Y are stimulated simultaneously and repeatedly, the postsynaptic neuron reaches threshold
and undergoes an action potential. When X and Z are stimulated simultaneously, however,
there is no change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron. The simultaneous
stimulation of X and Y is an example of
A. Temporal summation
B. Presynaptic inhibition
C. Spatial summation
D. Neuronal divergence

Section 6C.04

6-20
6-21
52. The significance of the initial segment of axons is that

A. Its threshold potential is higher than that of the cell body and dendrites
B. Its threshold potential is lower than that of the cell body and dendrites
C. Synapses close to it are more effective in influencing whether an action potential will be
generated in that axon than are synapses farther away from the initial segment
D. Both its threshold potential is higher than that of the cell body and dendrites and synapses
close to it are more effective in influencing whether an action potential will be generated in
that axon than are synapses farther away from the initial segment are correct
E. Both its threshold potential is lower than that of the cell body and dendrites and synapses
close to it are more effective in influencing whether an action potential will be generated in
that axon than are synapses farther away from the initial segment are correct

Section 6C.04

53. A presynaptic synapse

A. Is a synapse between an axon terminal and a dendrite
B. Is a synapse between axons
C. May be either stimulatory or inhibitory
D. Both is a synapse between an axon terminal and a dendrite and may be either stimulatory
or inhibitory are correct
E. Both is a synapse between axons and may be either stimulatory or inhibitory are correct

Section 6C.05

6-22
54. Neuron X makes inhibitory axon-axon synaptic contact with neuron Y at the synapse of Y
and neuron Z. Stimulation of action potentials in X
A. Will inhibit propagation of action potentials in Y
B. Inhibit release of neurotransmitter by Y
C. Make the Y-Z synapse more effective (i.e., increase the size of the postsynaptic potential in
Z)
D. Both will inhibit propagation of action potentials in Y and inhibit release of
neurotransmitter by Y are correct

Section 6C.05

6-23
55. Which of the following is not known to be an important neurotransmitter in the CNS?

A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Morphine
D. Glutamate
E. Substance P

Section 6C.06

56. Which of the following statements about acetylcholine is correct?

A. Acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors
B. Acetylcholine binds to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
C. Acetylcholine synthesis is catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase
D. Both acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors and acetylcholine binds to nicotinic and
muscarinic receptors are correct
E. Both acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors and acetylcholine synthesis is catalyzed
by acetylcholinesterase are correct

Section 6C.06

57. Which of the following statements regarding neurotransmitters is true?

A. Acetylcholine is broken down by enzymes present on postsynaptic cell membranes
B. Acetylcholine that is released at synapses binds to adrenergic receptors in the postsynaptic
cell membrane
C. Catecholamines are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the central nervous system
D. Opiate drugs, such as morphine, are antagonists of a class of neurotransmitters called
endorphins
E. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major excitatory transmitter in the central nervous
system

Section 6C.06

6-24
58. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter for

A. Preganglionic sympathetic neurons
B. Postganglionic sympathetic neurons
C. Motor neurons
D. Preganglionic sympathetic neurons and postganglionic sympathetic neurons
E. Preganglionic sympathetic neurons and motor neurons

Section 6C.06

59. Which of the following statements about norepinephrine is not correct?

A. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter
B. Norepinephrine binds to adrenergic receptors
C. Norepinephrine binds to catecholaminergic receptors
D. Dopamine is a precursor to norepinephrine
E. Epinephrine is a precursor to norepinephrine

Section 6C.06

60. Which of the following neurotransmitters is secreted by adrenergic neurons?

A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Endorphins
D. Norepinephrine

Section 6C.06

6-25
61. Which of the following enzymes is/are important for the metabolism of catecholamines?
A. Tyrosine hydroxylase
B. Monoamine oxidase
C. Acetylcholinesterase
D. Both tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase are correct

Section 6C.06

62. Nicotine is
A. A cholinergic antagonist
B. A beta-adrenergic agonist
C. A cholinergic agonist
D. An alpha-adrenergic antagonist
E. A neurotransmitter

Section 6C.06

63. Serotonin
A. Is a neuromodulator
B. Facilitates incoming sensory stimuli in the CNS
C. Activity in the brain is highest during sleep
D. Both is a neuromodulator and facilitates incoming sensory stimuli in the CNS are correct
E. Both is a neuromodulator and activity in the brain is highest during sleep are correct

Section 6C.06

6-26
64. Which of the following drugs would not enhance the activity of serotoninergic neurons?
A. A drug that increases the uptake of tryptophan into neurons
B. A drug that inhibits enzymes that break down serotonin
C. A drug that facilitates reuptake of serotonin by serotoninergic neurons
D. A drug that up-regulates serotonin receptors

Section 6C.06

65. Alzheimer's disease is thought to involve primarily

A. Loss of neurons that secrete or respond to catecholamines
B. Loss of adrenergic neurons
C. Loss of cholinergic neurons
D. Loss of neurons that secrete or respond to dopamine
E. The inevitable loss of brain function with aging

Section 6C.06

66. One of the major inhibitory neurotransmittors in the CNS is

A. Glutamate
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
E. Beta-endorphin

Section 6C.06

6-27
67. One of the most abundant excitatory neurotransmittors in the CNS is

A. Glutamate
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
E. Endorphin

Section 6C.06

68. The major known classes of neurotransmitters and/or neuromodulators include each of the
following except
A. Amino acids
B. Cyclic nucleotides
C. Neuropeptides
D. ACh
E. Biogenic amines

Section 6C.06

69. The central nervous system includes the

A. Afferent nerves and spinal cord
B. Efferent nerves and spinal cord
C. Autonomic nervous system and the brain
D. Brain stem and the autonomic nervous system
E. Brain and spinal cord

Section 6D.01

6-28
70. The portion of the peripheral nervous system that is composed of nerve fibers that
innervate skeletal muscle is the
A. Afferent nervous system
B. Sympathetic nervous system
C. Parasympathetic nervous system
D. Somatic motor nervous system
E. Autonomic nervous system

Section 6D.03

71. The region of the brain most closely associated with homeostasis and survival of the
individual is
A. The thalamus
B. The hippocampus
C. The cerebrum
D. The cerebellum
E. The hypothalamus

Section 6D.01

72. Which of the following kinds of neurons are not cholinergic?

A. Motor neurons
B. Postganglionic sympathetic neurons
C. Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons
D. Preganglionic sympathetic neurons
E. Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons

Section 6D.04

6-29
73. The binding of nicotine with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can trigger each of the
following effects, except
A. A mild form of skeletal muscle paralysis to create a more relaxed state
B. Mediation of signal transmission at neuromuscular junctions
C. Generation of excitatory signals within autonomic ganglia
D. The release of norepinephrine, dopamine and epinephrine
E. Facilitation of the release of multiple neurotransmitters within the brain, including the
"reward pathway" involving dopamine

Section 6D.04

74. Which of the following is not true of neuromodulators? They may

A. Influence synaptic effectiveness
B. Act through second messengers
C. Be released with neurotransmitters
D. Be the same molecules as neurotransmitters
E. Be none of the choices

Section 6C.06

75. Drug X interferes with the action of norepinephrine at synapses. Which of the following
mechanisms would not explain the effects of X?
A. X inhibits synthesis of norepinephrine at the axon terminal
B. X inhibits norepinephrine release from the terminal
C. X blocks reuptake of norepinephrine by the terminal
D. X is a norepinephrine antagonist
E. X stimulates the catabolism of norepinephrine

Section 6C.06

6-30
76. Synthesis of neuropeptides differs from that of other neurotransmitters because it

A. Takes place in the axon terminals of neurons
B. Takes place in the cell bodies of neurons
C. Involves synthesis of precursor molecules
D. Both takes place in the axon terminals of neurons and involves synthesis of precursor
molecules are correct
E. Both takes place in the cell bodies of neurons and involves synthesis of precursor
molecules are correct

Section 6C.06

77. Glial cells
A. Help to form the blood-brain barrier
B. Outnumber neurons in the central nervous system
C. Form the myelin sheath of neuronal axons
D. Both help to form the blood-brain barrier and outnumber neurons in the central nervous
system are correct

Section 6A.03

78. The reticular formation of the brain

A. Is part of the cerebellum
B. Is essential for life
C. Sends and receives information from all regions of the CNS
D. Both is part of the cerebellum and sends and receives information from all regions of the
CNS are correct
E. Both is essential for life and sends and receives information from all regions of the CNS
are correct

Section 6D.01

6-31
79. The cerebellum
A. Is important for coordinating body movement
B. Has a cortex
C. Is part of the brain stem
D. Both is important for coordinating body movement and has a cortex are correct

Section 6D.01

80. The limbic system is

A. Composed of several parts of the diencephalon and cerebrum
B. Composed of white and gray matter
C. Associated with emotional responses and learning
D. Composed of several parts of the diencephalon and cerebrum and associated with
emotional responses and learning

Section 6D.01

81. Cerebrospinal fluid
A. Has the same composition as blood plasma
B. Acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord
C. Is secreted by cells lining the ventricles
D. Both acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord and is secreted by cells lining the
ventricles are correct

Section 6D.05

6-32
82. The blood-brain barrier

A. Is formed by cells lining tiny blood vessels in the brain
B. Is present in all parts of the brain
C. Prevents entry of all lipid-insoluble molecules into the brain
D. Both is formed by cells lining tiny blood vessels in the brain and prevents entry of all lipid-
insoluble molecules into the brain are correct

Section 6D.05

83. Which of the following characteristics is not attributed to the sympathetic division of the
ANS?
A. Preganglionic neurons tend to be long, with the ganglion located in or near the effector
target tissue(s)
B. Preganglionic neurons are short and synapse in ganglia located near the spinal cord
C. Preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine at synapses with postganglionic neurons
D. Postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine at their neuroeffector junctions
E. Postganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the collateral chain ganglia or vertebral
ganglia

Section 6D.04

84. Postganglionic neuron cell bodies of the autonomic nervous system have which category
of neurotransmitter receptor?
A. Adrenergic receptor
B. Serotonin receptors
C. M-AchR receptors
D. N-AchR receptors
E. Dopamine receptors

Section 6D.04

True / False Questions

6-33
6-34
85. A myelinated axon is shielded from direct contact with the extracellular fluid all along its
length.
FALSE

Section 6A.01

86. The most numerous cells in the CNS are interneurons.

FALSE

Section 6A.02

87. Neuron cell division and nervous system growth continue throughout life.
FALSE

Section 6A.04

88. The lipid portion of a cell's plasma membrane constitutes a barrier to current.

TRUE

Section 6B.02

89. Ions other than Na+, K+ and Cl- play no role in generating the resting membrane potential
of a cell.
FALSE

Section 6B.02

6-35
6-36
90. The maintenance of a resting potential in a neuron depends upon the functioning of the
Na, K-ATPase pumps in the membrane.
TRUE

Section 6B.02

91. The resting membrane potential of a neuron is constant because the components of the
extracellular and intracellular fluid are in equilibrium.
FALSE

Section 6B.02

92. A graded potential in a membrane results in an electric current along an adjacent area of
membrane and this current diminishes with distance from the site of the initial potential
change.
TRUE

Section 6B.03

93. During a hyperpolarizing graded potential, positively charged ions flow away from the
site of the initial hyperpolarization on the outside of membrane and toward this site on the
inside.
TRUE

Section 6B.03

6-37
94. Because so many Na ions move into a cell during an action potential and so many K ions
move out, no further action potentials can be generated in a given membrane until the Na, K-
ATPase pumps can restore the concentration gradient.
FALSE

Section 6B.03

95. The Na+ and K+ channels that open during an action potential are voltage regulated, both
responding to hyperpolarization of the membrane.
TRUE

Section 6B.03

96. SNARE receptor protein complexes in presynaptic neurons function as inhibitors of

calcium transport to dampen or reduce the amount of neurotransmitter vesicles which
participate in exocytosis.
FALSE

Section 6C.02

97. The action potential elicited by a supra-threshold stimulus is larger than one elicited by a
threshold stimulus.
FALSE

Section 6B.03

6-38
98. The refractory period of an excitable membrane refers to the period of time during which
no stimulus, however strong, will elicit a second action potential in the membrane.
FALSE

Section 6B.03

99. The absolute refractory period of an excitable membrane roughly corresponds to the

period when sodium channels are opening and closing.
TRUE

Section 6B.03

100. Two neurons joined by an electric synapse function as a single neuron.

TRUE

Section 6C.01

101. Because all parts of a neuronal cell body have the same threshold, no one synapse on the
cell is more important than any other.
FALSE

Section 6C.03

6-39
102. The frequency of action potentials in a postsynaptic cell is directly related to the degree
of postsynaptic depolarization of the cell.
TRUE

Section 6C.04

6-40
103. During a high-frequency burst of action potentials down an axon, the amount of

neurotransmitter released with each action potential increases (for a finite time).
TRUE

Section 6C.02

104. Catecholamines are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the CNS.

FALSE

Section 6C.06

105. Opioid drugs, such as morphine, are agonists of a class of neurotransmitters called
endorphins.
TRUE

Section 6C.06

106. Neuroeffector communication is similar to synaptic communication except that, in the

former, the effector cells are not neurons.
TRUE

Section 6C.07

6-41
107. The most common neurotransmitters for neuroeffector communication are dopamine and
acetylcholine.
FALSE

Section 6C.07

108. Dorsal root ganglia contain the cell bodies of efferent neurons.

FALSE

Section 6D.02

109. Spinal nerves are composed of the axons of both afferent and efferent neurons.
TRUE

Section 6D.02

110. Although nerve cells in each cerebral hemisphere make connections with other cells in
the same hemisphere, there is no crossover of information between the two hemispheres.
FALSE

Section 6D.01

111. The cerebrum consists only of gray matter.

FALSE

Section 6D.01

6-42
6-43
112. The basal ganglia are important subcortical nuclei in the cerebrum.

TRUE

Section 6D.01

113. The thalamus is the single most important control area for regulating the internal
environment.
FALSE

Section 6D.01

114. The efferent division of the peripheral nervous system consists of the somatic nervous
system and the autonomic nervous system.
TRUE

Section 6D.03

115. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

leave the CNS at the level of the brain and sacral portions of the spinal cord.
TRUE

Section 6D.04

6-44
116. Most of the parasympathetic ganglia lie in chains along the spinal cord called
sympathetic trunks.
FALSE

Section 6D.04

6-45
117. Responses made possible by motor signals transmitted by the parasympathetic nervous

system tend to be displayed throughout the body simultaneously because there is much
divergence of nerve pathways and close anatomical association between presynaptic neurons
and their ganglia as well as accessory activity with the adrenal glands.
FALSE

Section 6D.04

118. The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is arranged so that it acts
largely as a unit, whereas the components of the parasympathetic division generally act
independently.
TRUE

Section 6D.04

119. "Dual innervation of effectors" refers to the innervation of the same effector organs by
somatic and autonomic nerves.
FALSE

Section 6D.04

Fill in the Blank Questions

120. A solution of water and ions is a (good/poor) conductor of electricity and thus offers
(low/high) resistance to charge flow. These electrical properties are due to the ions in the
solution, called ________.
good, low, electrolytes

Section 6B.01

6-46
6-47
121. The two enzymes that catalyze breakdown of catecholamines are called ________
(MAO) and (COMT). Catecholamine catabolism differs from the breakdown of acetylcholine
in that the enzymes for the former are found primarily (inside/outside) the cell and those for
the latter are found (inside/outside).
monoamine oxidase, catecholamine O methyl transferase, inside, outside

Section 6C.06

122. The most abundant cells in the CNS are __________ cells.

glial

Section 6A.03

Multiple Choice Questions

123. Are propagated decrementally describes

A. Graded potentials
B. Action potentials
C. Both graded potentials and action potentials
D. Neither graded potentials nor action potentials

Section 6B.03

6-48
124. Amplitude depends on stimulus strength describes


Section 6B.03

6-49
125. Amplitude independent of stimulus strength describes


Section 6B.03

126. Are propagated without decrement describes


Section 6B.03

127. Result in current flow describes


Section 6B.03

128. Have a threshold describes


Section 6B.03

6-50
6-51

Neuronal Signaling and The Structure of The Nervous System: Multiple Choice Questions

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Neuronal Signaling and The Structure of The Nervous System: Multiple Choice Questions

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Chapter 06 - Neuronal Signaling and the Structure of the Nervous System

Multiple Choice Questions

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

2. Which is not true of myelin?

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

3. Which of the following is not true about axon transport?

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

4. A given neuron can

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

5. Which of the following is not true of glial cells?

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

6. The difference in electrical charge between two points

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

7. Ohm's law (I = E/R) states that current increases with

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

10. The resting membrane potential

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

11. In a resting neuron,

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

12. The membrane potential of most neurons at rest is

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

14. An increase in the extracellular concentration of K+ above normal would result in

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply

15. An increase in the extracellular concentration of K+ above normal would result in

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply

16. The Na, K-ATPase in a nerve cell

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply

18. The equilibrium potential of a given ion across a membrane is

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

24. For an action potential to occur,

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

25. When an axon is stimulated to threshold, the voltage-gated

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

26. During the rising (depolarizing) phase of an action potential,

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

27. During the rising phase of an action potential, voltage-gated

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

28. At the peak of the action potential,

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

C. The permeability to Na+ increases greatly

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

30. Action potentials are said to be "all-or-none" in character because

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand

35. Axons typically have abundant

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

38. The neural code that signals stimulus strength is

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember