Neurons and Neurotransmission: Master the Basics for Nursing Students

Question 1

What is the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release?

Accepted Answer

They trigger the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane

Answer

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing sodium ion influx

Answer

They block neurotransmitter reuptake into the presynaptic neuron

Answer

They stimulate neurotransmitter synthesis

Question 2

Which neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Question 3

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is approximately what value?

Accepted Answer

-70 millivolts

Answer

-50 millivolts

Answer

-30 millivolts

Answer

-10 millivolts

Question 4

The blood-brain barrier is primarily composed of which specialized capillary cells?

Accepted Answer

Endothelial cells

Answer

Neurons

Answer

Astrocytes

Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Active transport

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function typically attributed to neuroglia?

Accepted Answer

Generating action potentials

Answer

Providing structural support to neurons

Answer

Removing waste products from the nervous system

Answer

Producing myelin

Question 7

What is the primary role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Promoting relaxation and energy conservation

Answer

Preparing the body for the "fight-or-flight" response

Answer

Controlling voluntary muscle movements

Answer

Regulating hormone production

Question 8

What is the fundamental functional unit of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Answer

Glial cell

Answer

Neurotransmitter

Answer

Synapse

Question 9

In the central nervous system, which neurotransmitter is predominantly excitatory?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glycine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 10

What is the primary distinction between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials are all-or-nothing impulses, while graded potentials are not.

Answer

Graded potentials propagate over long distances, while action potentials do not.

Answer

Graded potentials are generated by ligand-gated ion channels, while action potentials are generated by voltage-gated ion channels.

Answer

Action potentials can travel in both directions, while graded potentials can only travel in one direction.

Question 11

Which statement best describes the process of neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

The release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron, binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, and generating an electrical or chemical signal.

Answer

The movement of ions across the plasma membrane of a neuron, causing a change in membrane potential.

Answer

The synthesis of neurotransmitters in the neuron's cell body.

Answer

The reuptake of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron.

Question 12

What is the main role of the myelin sheath in neurons?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the speed of action potential propagation.

Answer

To protect the neuron from damage.

Answer

To provide nutrients to the neuron.

Answer

To regulate the release of neurotransmitters.

Question 13

What effect does an antagonist have at a neurotransmitter receptor?

Accepted Answer

Blocks or reduces the neurotransmitter's effect.

Answer

Enhances the neurotransmitter's effect.

Answer

Has no effect on the neurotransmitter's effect.

Answer

Reverses the neurotransmitter's effect.

Question 14

Which disorder is associated with a deficiency of dopamine in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Question 15

Which drug is known to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Prozac

Answer

Xanax

Answer

Morphine

Answer

Cocaine

Question 16

Which membrane structure surrounds the neuron and controls substance exchange?

Accepted Answer

Cell membrane

Answer

Myelin sheath

Answer

Axon hillock

Answer

Node of Ranvier

Question 17

Which ion predominantly establishes the resting membrane potential in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K+)

Answer

Sodium (Na+)

Answer

Chloride (Cl-)

Answer

Calcium (Ca++)

Question 18

Define the threshold potential in neurons.

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential at which an action potential is triggered

Answer

The membrane potential at which an action potential ends

Answer

The membrane potential at which a neuron becomes hyperpolarized

Answer

The membrane potential at which a neuron becomes depolarized

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Sustained hyperpolarization phase

Answer

Rapid depolarization phase

Answer

Brief repolarization phase

Answer

All-or-nothing response

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter acts as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Glycine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 21

Describe the process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron.

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Phagocytosis

Answer

Pinocytosis

Question 22

Which neurotransmitter is associated with reward and pleasure pathways in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Epinephrine

Question 23

How does the absolute refractory period impact the excitability and communication of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Prevents the generation of subsequent action potentials during its duration.

Answer

Facilitates the repolarization of the neuron.

Answer

Maintains the neuron's resting membrane potential.

Answer

Enables the propagation of action potentials along the neuron.

Question 24

Revised: What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

Enhances the axon's ability to transmit action potentials

Answer

Transmits action potentials

Answer

Receives neurotransmitters

Answer

Stores genetic material

Question 25

Revised: What is the neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 26

Revised: Which type of neurotransmitter receptor is directly coupled to ion channels?

Accepted Answer

Ionotropic

Answer

Metabotropic

Answer

GABAergic

Answer

Glutamatergic

Question 27

Revised: What is the role of voltage-gated sodium channels?

Accepted Answer

Allow sodium ions to enter the cell during depolarization

Answer

Allow potassium ions to exit the cell during repolarization

Answer

Regulate neurotransmitter release

Answer

Control calcium homeostasis

Question 28

Revised: Which neurotransmitter is associated with the "fight or flight" response?

Accepted Answer

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Question 29

Revised: What is the sequence of events that occurs during synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter release -> Receptor activation -> Ion influx/efflux -> Post-synaptic potential

Answer

Ion influx/efflux -> Neurotransmitter release -> Receptor activation -> Post-synaptic potential

Answer

Receptor activation -> Neurotransmitter release -> Ion influx/efflux -> Post-synaptic potential

Answer

Post-synaptic potential -> Receptor activation -> Neurotransmitter release -> Ion influx/efflux

Question 30

Revised: Which neurotransmitter is involved in the regulation of mood and sleep?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Non-polarized membrane

Answer

Long, slender axon

Answer

Dendrites that receive signals from other neurons

Answer

Nucleus located in the cell body

Question 32

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is primarily maintained by:

Accepted Answer

Sodium-potassium pumps

Answer

Voltage-gated calcium channels

Answer

Ligand-gated ion channels

Answer

Mechanosensitive ion channels

Question 33

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glycine

Question 34

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron is known as:

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis

Answer

Endocytosis

Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Active transport

Question 35

Which of the following is a neurotoxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels?

Accepted Answer

Tetrodotoxin

Answer

Botulinum toxin

Answer

Strychnine

Answer

Curare

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a neurodegenerative disease?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Question 37

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites

Answer

Axon

Answer

Cell body

Answer

Synapse

Question 38

What is the role of ion channels in the generation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

They allow ions to flow into and out of the neuron, creating an electrical gradient.

Answer

They amplify the electrical signal as it travels down the axon.

Answer

They prevent ions from entering the neuron, maintaining its resting potential.

Answer

They regulate the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron.

Question 39

Which of the following cell types is NOT considered a neuroglia?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Answer

Astrocyte

Answer

Microglia

Question 40

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

To insulate axons, increasing the speed of action potential conduction.

Answer

To produce neurotransmitters.

Answer

To transmit action potentials across synapses.

Question 41

What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

-70 mV

Answer

+50 mV

Answer

-50 mV

Answer

0 mV

Question 42

Which ion is primarily responsible for the rapid depolarization (rising phase) of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ions (Na+)

Answer

Chloride ions (Cl-)

Answer

Potassium ions (K+)

Answer

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Question 43

What is the refractory period in neuron function?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The period before an action potential when a neuron is ready to fire.

Answer

The period during which the action potential is actively being generated.

Question 44

Which neurotransmitter is directly responsible for initiating muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 45

What is the primary function of neurotransmitter receptors?

Accepted Answer

To bind to specific neurotransmitters, triggering changes in neuron activity.

Answer

To produce neurotransmitters.

Answer

To transport neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft.

Question 46

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To receive, process, and transmit information to control and coordinate body functions.

Answer

To regulate reproduction.

Answer

To facilitate respiration.

Answer

To carry out digestion.

Question 47

Which of the following are recognized types of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons

Answer

Neuron, neurotransmitter, and receptor

Answer

Action potential, synapse, and neuroglia

Answer

Astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, and microglia