Exam 7: The Nervous System and Neuronal Excitability

Ionotropic receptors are typically associated with fast postsynaptic responses because the receptors

Which of the following conditions would create this graph when a channel opens and the specific ion passes through?

Depolarizing post-synaptic potentials are can also be called excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) because they

Electrical synapses send ions and other small particles directly between cells via gap junctions. This allows

John just learned that neither of the gaseous neurotransmitters (NO, CO) are produced in advance. Rather they are produced on demand for immediate release and action. John thinks it would be much more efficient if the body could make the free radical NO in advance and wants to look for a way to make this happen. What argument would convince him that this is not possible?

A signal to cause your muscle to contract, pulling your hand away from a hot object, would travel along

A graded potential is generated half-way along a dendrite's length. The graded potential

When processing data to answer this multiple-choice question, you are utilizing the _______ of the nervous system.

The somatic, sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric divisions of the nervous system all play a role in the __________ of the nervous system.

You have accidentally poisoned the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump with ouabain. Predict what effect this might have on the action potential.

A patient is having problems with tissues that use the acetylcholine (ACh) receptor. You suspect the problem is with the nicotinic ACh receptors because the problems are occurring with

Metabotropic receptors can open or close ion channels indirectly. The intermediary is typically a

In the nervous system, there is normally stimulation at the synapses, as well as some inhibition. If the inhibition is not occurring, then the individual may be deficient in

You have discovered a novel cell that has leak channels for ions. Predict which ion will have the largest influence over the resting membrane potential. a) Na⁺, relative permeability = 0.09 b) Ca ²⁺, relative permeability = 0.05 c) Mg ²⁺, relative permeability = 0.5 d) Cl^-, relative permeability = 0.3

A neuron generated postsynaptic potentials from several neurons, all of which are below threshold from the start. What must occur for an action potential to be generated?

Changes in ion concentrations in the extracellular fluid can alter electrochemical gradients making cells more or less likely to depolarize.

There is a lower than normal level of CSF being formed. Using your knowledge of the functions of each of the types glial cells, you surmise that the _______ are malfunctioning.

Which of the following choices would result in the greatest flow of ions across the membrane?

Action and graded potentials both use local current flow, but action potentials can travel long distances while graded potentials decay. How is this possible?

The voltage-gated Na⁺ channels have inactivation gates which cause the action potential to have specific characteristics such as