Action Potential MCQ
1. Which of the following best describes an action potential? a) A continuous, gradual
increase in membrane potential
b) A rapid, brief reversal of the membrane potential
c) A slow, depolarizing event
d) A temporary loss of membrane potential
Answer: b) A rapid, brief reversal of the membrane potential
2. What is the primary ion responsible for the depolarization phase of an action
potential? a) Sodium (Na⁺)
b) Potassium (K⁺)
c) Calcium (Ca²⁺)
d) Chloride (Cl⁻)
Answer: a) Sodium (Na⁺)
3. During the repolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves out of the
cell? a) Sodium (Na⁺)
b) Potassium (K⁺)
c) Calcium (Ca²⁺)
d) Chloride (Cl⁻)
Answer: b) Potassium (K⁺)
4. What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in the action potential? a) To
generate the action potential
b) To maintain resting membrane potential by pumping Na⁺ out and K⁺ in
c) To facilitate depolarization by allowing Na⁺ entry
d) To amplify the action potential during hyperpolarization
Answer: b) To maintain resting membrane potential by pumping Na⁺ out and K⁺ in
5. What occurs during the refractory period of an action potential? a) The neuron can
fire another action potential if the stimulus is strong enough
b) The neuron is incapable of generating another action potential
c) The sodium channels remain open indefinitely
d) The action potential propagates in both directions
Answer: b) The neuron is incapable of generating another action potential
6. What is the threshold potential? a) The membrane potential at which the action
potential reaches its peak
b) The membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential
c) The point at which the sodium-potassium pump becomes active
d) The resting membrane potential before any action occurs
Answer: b) The membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential
7. Which statement about myelinated neurons is true? a) Myelin decreases the speed
of the action potential
b) Myelin prevents depolarization from occurring
c) Myelin increases the speed of the action potential through saltatory conduction
d) Myelin is only present in motor neurons
Answer: c) Myelin increases the speed of the action potential through saltatory
conduction
8. Which ion channel is responsible for the repolarization phase of an action
potential? a) Voltage-gated Na⁺ channels
b) Voltage-gated K⁺ channels
c) Ligand-gated Na⁺ channels
d) Calcium channels
Answer: b) Voltage-gated K⁺ channels
9. What is the function of the axon hillock in generating an action potential? a) It
serves as the site of neurotransmitter release
b) It initiates the action potential when the threshold potential is reached
c) It stores ions required for action potential propagation
d) It controls the direction of action potential travel
Answer: b) It initiates the action potential when the threshold potential is reached
10. Which of the following describes the "all-or-nothing" principle of action
potentials? a) The action potential is initiated with varying amplitudes based on the
stimulus
b) The action potential only occurs once the threshold is reached, regardless of the
stimulus strength
c) Action potentials are initiated at varying rates based on the stimulus strength
d) The action potential is always initiated regardless of the stimulus strength
Answer: b) The action potential only occurs once the threshold is reached, regardless
of the stimulus strength
