Deck 2: Structure and Functions of Cells of the Nervous System

Question 1

The portion of a neuron that carries a signal toward the cell body is the

A) soma.
B) axon terminal.
C) presynaptic membrane.
D) dendrite.
E) glial membrane.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The ________ system is comprised of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord.

A) peripheral nervous
B) central nervous
C) enteric nervous
D) corticospinal
E) corticospinal nervous

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The neuron region that resembles a tree is the

A) soma.
B) axon.
C) dendrites.
D) terminal buttons.
E) cell body.

Answer 3

C
Explanation: The neuron region that resembles a tree is the dendrites.

Question 4

________ are located entirely within the central nervous system.

A) Sensory neurons
B) Motor neurons
C) Relay interneurons
D) Efferent interneurons
E) Multipolar neurons.

Question 5

The membrane of a nerve cell is comprised of

A) protein molecules.
B) vesicle remnants.
C) a double layer of lipid molecules.
D) cytoplasm.
E) a double layer of protein molecules.

Question 6

The ________ contain(s)the nerve cell nucleus and functions to ______.

A) soma; provide for the life processes of the cell
B) axon; conduct action potentials
C) axon terminals; form the membrane of the nerve cell
D) dendrites; provide for the life processes of the cell
E) mitochondria; conduct action potentials

Question 7

The physical gap between two nerve cells across which messages are transmitted is the

A) glial junction.
B) axonal contact.
C) synapse.
D) dendritic apposition.
E) neural gap.

Question 8

The _____ carries information from the cell body out to the terminal buttons.

A) soma.
B) axon.
C) dendrites.
D) terminal buttons.
E) glia

Question 9

The major symptom experienced by Katharyn D.in the chapter prologue was

A) manic symptoms while at her job.
B) taking a long time to get to sleep at night.
C) excessive tiredness.
D) seizure-like activity just prior to a meal.
E) the recurrence of thoughts of dread and doom.

Question 10

The ________ is comprised of the brain and spinal cord.

A) peripheral nervous system
B) central nervous system
C) enteric nervous system
D) brainstem
E) antebrain

Question 11

A key function of specialized lipid molecules located in a nerve cell is to

A) detect the presence of chemicals inside the cell.
B) form the matrix that gives a neuron its shape..
C) form channels to carry ions into and out of the cell.
D) transport hormones into blood stream.
E) induce DNA synthesis.

Question 12

The _____ neuron has dendrite-like branches and transmits sensory information to the brain.

A) bipolar
B) multipolar
C) unipolar
D) apolar
E) tripolar

Question 13

Neurotransmitter molecules are secreted from a(n)________ in response to the arrival of an action potential.

A) glial cell
B) dendrite
C) axon terminal
D) mitochondrion
E) soma

Question 14

The ________ neuron is the most common nerve cell type in the central nervous system.

A) apolar
B) multiglial
C) unipolar
D) bipolar
E) multipolar

Question 15

An impaired ability to sense temperature and touch might be expected after damage to which type of nerve cell?

A) glial cells
B) multipolar neurons
C) unipolar neurons
D) Schwann cells
E) microglial cells

Question 16

________ neurons function to contract muscles.

A) Sensory
B) Motor
C) Golgi
D) Afferent
E) Local inter-

Question 17

Which of the following is correct regarding neurons?

A) Interneurons are located outside the brain and spinal cord.
B) Motor neurons gather information from the environment.
C) The number of neurons in the human nervous system is estimated at more than 100 billion.
D) Neurons are found only inside the brain and spinal cord.
E) The number of neurons in the human nervous system is estimated at less than 10 billion.

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the action potential (AP)?

A) The AP is carried along the glial membrane.
B) The AP is always of the same amplitude and duration in a given cell.
C) The AP is a graded signal.
D) The AP is a long-lasting electrical signal.
E) The AP is due to chloride currents.

Question 19

________ neurons gather information from the environment related to light,odors,and bodily contact with objects.

A) Sensory
B) Motor
C) Golgi
D) Relay inter-
E) Efferent

Question 20

The membranes that most commonly form synapses are the ________ and the ________.

A) axon terminals; dendrites
B) dendrites; soma
C) soma; glial
D) axon terminals; soma
E) glial cells; soma

Question 21

Which of the following glial cells are important for the supply of energy for neurons?

A) Schwann cells.
B) phagocytes
C) dendrocytes
D) astrocytes
E) nanotubules

Question 22

A key function of glial cells is to

A) provide nutrition to the brain.
B) remove physical debris from the blood.
C)secrete cerebrospinal fluid..
D) insulate a nerve cell from other nerve cells.
E) slow down conduction of action potentials.

Question 23

The ________ cells are the most important support cells of the central nervous system.

A) Schwann
B) glial
C) Golgi
D) platelet
E) microtubule

Question 24

________ is made up of thirteen filaments arranged around a hollow core and is involved in axoplasmic transport.

A) The myelin sheath
B) The terminal button
C) A neurofilament
D) A nanotubule
E) A microtubule

Question 25

Which of the following is true of Schwann cells?

A) Schwann cells are found within the brain.
B) Schwann cells provide myelin for central nerve cells.
C) A single Schwann cell wraps a single segment of a peripheral nerve cell.
D) A single Schwann cell myelinates up to 3 segments of axon membrane.
E) Schwann cells slow down conduction of action potentials along the axon.

Question 26

Which of the following is true of the blood-brain barrier?

A) The barrier is uniform throughout the brain.
B) The barrier is selectively permeable.
C) The barrier functions to regulate the chemical composition of the cerebrospinal fluid.
D) The barrier is formed by Schwann cells that line the capillaries of the brain.
E)The barrier is formed by astrocytes.

Question 27

Enzymes

A) are formed from lipids.
B) are molecules that control chemical reactions.
C) control the aborption of glucose into cells..
D) provide energy to the cell.
E) form the boundary of a nerve cell..

Question 28

Match the correct function with the appropriate neuronal organelle.

A) cell membrane; production of fat-like molecules
B) mitochondria; formation of vesicles
C) DNA; breakdown of proteins
D) microtubules; transport of molecules between the soma and the axon terminals
E) cytoskeleton; extraction of energy for cell use

Question 29

Which of the following is correct regarding axoplasmic transport?

A) Anterograde transport involves moving substances from the dendrites to the soma.
B) Retrograde transport involves moving substances from the soma to the axon terminals.
C) Vesicles are the major factor involved in retrograde transport.
D) Retrograde transport is half as fast as anterograde transport.
E) Vesicles are the major factor involved in anterograde transport.

Question 30

The process of phagocytosis involves

A) the removal of neuronal debris.
B) the transfer of lactate from a glial cell to a neuron.
C) the wrapping of layers of fatty material around an axon membrane.
D) structural support of a nerve cell.
E) the conversion of glycogen to glucose.

Question 31

Oligodendrocytes perform which of the following functions?

A) physical support of nerve cells
B) provision of nourishment to neurons
C) clean up debris within the brain
D) regulation of the chemical environment in the fluid surrounding neurons
E) enhance conduction velocity along an axon.

Question 32

Which of the following is true of neurons?

A) Neurons have a high metabolic rate and require a continuous source of fuel.
B) The dendrites store nutrients and oxygen for later use by the soma of the neuron.
C) Dead neurons are consumed by other neurons.
D) Neurons make up 89 percent of the volume of the brain.
E) Dead glial cells are replaced by newly formed neurons.

Question 33

Match up the correct pairing of each cell structure with its function.

A) mitochondria; production of cytoplasm
B) cytoskeleton; production of DNA
C) lipid bi-layer; formation of the cell membrane
D) synapse; production of ribosomes
E) microtubules; production of cytoplasm

Question 34

The presence of a barrier between the blood stream and the brain is suggested by the observation that

A) all cells of the body are stained by a dye injected into the bloodstream.
B) injection of dye into the bloodstream stains all cells but those of the brain and spinal cord.
C) the gut is stained by a dye injected into the brain ventricles.
D) injection of dye into the ventricles stains all cells of the body.
E) most chemicals rapidly reach the brain after oral ingestion..

Question 35

The recipes for generating individual proteins are contained within the

A) mitochondria.
B) cytoskeleton.
C) genes.
D) terminal buttons.
E) dendrites.

Question 36

Which of the following cells are important for the removal of nerve cell debris?

A) Schwann cells
B) phagocytes
C) dendrocytes
D) microglia
E) nanotubules

Question 37

The ________ are important for the process of myelination of nerve axon membranes in brain.

A) oligodendrocytes
B) microglia
C) astrocytes
D) neurocytes
E) Schwann cells

Question 38

Match the correct function with the appropriate neuronal organelle.

A) mitochondria; extraction of energy from nutrients
B) mitochondria; formation of vesicles
C) microtubules; breakdown of proteins
D) microtubules; transport of chemicals across the synapse
E) cytoskeleton; extraction of energy from nutrients

Question 39

Which of the following cells are important for the immune system reaction to brain damage?

A) Schwann cells
B) phagocytes
C) dendrocytes
D) astrocytes
E) microglia

Question 40

Activation of cells within the area postrema would be predicted to produce

A) stimulation of locomotion.
B) the experience of a visual hallucination.
C) consumption of a palatable food.
D) feelings of nausea and vomiting.
E) auditory hallucinations.

Question 41

The simplest version of a withdrawal reflex involves a

A) pain receptor synapsing onto a motor neuron in the spinal cord.
B) pain receptor that projects to the thalamus, which then projects to motor cortex and then down to the spinal cord.
C) motor neuron within the spinal cord that is spontaneously active.
D) sensory neuron in visual cortex that synapses onto a motor neuron in the spinal cord.
E) muscle fiber connecting onto an interneuron.

Question 42

The membrane voltage level at which an action potential is triggered is termed the

A) refractory period.
B) hyperpolarization event.
C) threshold of excitation.
D) rate level.
E) equilibrium point.

Question 43

Which of the following is true of ion distribution across the axon membrane?

A) Sodium ions are concentrated outside the axon membrane.
B) Potassium ions are concentrated outside the axon membrane.
C) The action potential is the balance point between diffusion and electrostatic pressure.
D) Chloride ions are concentrated inside the axon membrane.
E) Sodium ions are concentrated inside the axon membrane.

Question 44

________ are substances that form charged particles when dissolved in water.

A) Ions
B) Molecules
C) Electrolytes
D) Cations
E) Anions

Question 45

Which of the following is inserted into an axon to record electrical potentials?

A) a single reference wire.
B) a microelectrode inserted into the axon interior
C) an oscilloscope
D) a voltmeter terminal
E) A thin metal cannula

Question 46

The giant squid axon is specialized for which of the following?

A) integration of sensory messages regarding the environment
B) planning of feeding-related movements
C) rapid contraction of the squid mantle which propels the squid away from danger
D) coordination of general sensory-motor function
E) contraction of the mouth of the squid to produce chewing movements

Question 47

Movement of the axon membrane potential from -70 mV to -90 mV would be termed a(n)

A) action potential.
B) threshold potential.
C) depolarization.
D) hyperpolarization.
E) excitatory local potential.

Question 48

The process by which similarly charged particles repel each other and are thus distributed throughout a medium is termed

A) diffusion.
B) carrier-mediated transport.
C) refraction.
D) electrostatic pressure.
E) diffraction.

Question 49

The interior of a neuron at rest

A) is positively charged relative to the outside.
B) is at the same voltage potential as the outside.
C) has the same ionic concentrations as the outside.
D) is negatively charged relative to the outside.
E) contains high levels of sodium ions..

Question 50

________ are negatively charged particles.

A) Transmitters
B) Solvents
C) Electrolytes
D) Cations
E) Anions

Question 51

________ are positively charged particles.

A) Transmitters
B) Solvents
C) Electrolytes
D) Cations
E) Anions

Question 52

________ are charged particles formed when certain molecules dissolves in water.

A) Ions
B) Solvents
C) Electrolytes
D) Electrons
E) Proteins

Question 53

The ________ is defined as the difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of the axon membrane.

A) membrane
B) local
C) glial
D) action
E) axon

Question 54

The process by which molecules are evenly distributed throughout a medium is

A) retrograde transport.
B) diffusion.
C) anterograde transport.
D) electrostatic pressure.
E) carrier-mediated transport.

Question 55

Cation is to anion as

A) transport is to diffusion.
B) positive is to negative.
C) diffusion is to transport.
D) negative is to positive.
E) intracellular is to extracellular.

Question 56

Movement of the axon membrane potential from -90 mV to -80 mV would be termed a(n)

A) depolarization.
B) threshold potential.
C) action potential.
D) hyperpolarization.
E) inhibitory local potential.

Question 57

Which of the following represents the normal order of activation in neuronal transmission?

A) axon -> dendrite -> cell body -> axon terminals
B) axon terminals -> cell body -> axon -> dendrite
C) dendrite -> cell body -> axon -> terminal button
D) cell body -> axon -> dendrite -> axon terminal
E) dendrite -> axon terminal -> cell body -> axon

Question 58

An electrical charge applied to an axon that moves the membrane potential from -70 mV to -45 mV will result in a(n)

A) action potential.
B) local potential.
C) downward shift of the threshold of excitation.
D) upward shift of the membrane threshold.
E) long-term change in the membrane potential.

Question 59

Toxic substances in the blood are detected at the ______ which in turn triggers vomiting.

A) cerebellum
B) blood-brain barrier
C) hypothamus
D) amygdala
E) area postrema

Question 60

The force of diffusion would tend to move ________ ions ________ the axon.

A) chloride; out of
B) sodium; into
C) potassium; into
D) organic; into
E) sodium; out of

Question 61

A key event for the release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic membrane is the

A) hyperpolarization of the axon membrane.
B) arrival of an action potential at the axon terminal.
C) influx of potassium ions into the axon terminal.
D) activation of the sodium-potassium pumps.
E) opening of ion channels within the microtubules.

Question 62

The specialized pores located in the axon membrane that open or close are termed

A) receptors.
B) voltage transporters.
C) autoreceptors.
D) ion channels.
E) sodium-potassium transporters.

Question 63

Which of the following is true of an action potential?

A) The sodium channels are opened at a lower voltage than are potassium channels.
B) An action potential requires 5 msec for completion.
C) During an action potential, the interior becomes even more negative.
D) The potassium channels are opened at a lower voltage than are sodium channels.
E) The overshoot is due to a prolonged change in sodium conductance.

Question 64

The term ________ means "little bladder."

A) vesicle
B) neurite
C) cisternae
D) mitochondria
E) storage pool

Question 65

Which of the following events restores the membrane potential from the peak of the action potential back to the resting level?

A) Sodium ions move into the cell.
B) Potassium ions move out of the cell.
C) Potassium ions move into the cell.
D) Chloride ions move into the cell.
E) Chloride ions are extruded from the cell.

Question 66

Saltatory conduction is rapid because

A) the action potential does not have to depolarize every segment of the axon membrane.
B) myelinated cells have more leakage through the membrane.
C) myelinated axons are larger in diameter.
D) myelinated cells have more ion channels per unit area than do non-myelinated cells.
E) myelinated fibers have a lower threshold of activation.

Question 67

Match up the receptor type with its action.

A) metabotropic; direct opening of an ion channel
B) ionotropic; more time required to open an ion channel
C) metabotropic; G-protein activation leads to activation of a second messenger
D) metabotropic; second messenger effects are specific to opening ion channels
E) metabotropic; rapid and short-lived effects on ion channels

Question 68

,Which of the following is true of synapses?

A) Action potentials open chloride channels to release neurotransmitters.
B) Presynaptic voltage changes past threshold triggers the release of neurotransmitters.
C) The interior of the nerve cell becomes more negative during the action potential.
D) The exterior of the nerve cell becomes more positive during the action potential.
E) Glia are shown to slow down the release of transmitter substances from the axon.

Question 69

The force of ________ moves sodium ions ________ the axon

A) diffusion; into
B) retrograde transport; out of
C) diffusion; out of
D) electrostatic pressure; out of
E) sodium-potassium pump; into

Question 70

Ions enter and leave the membrane of a myelinated axon at the

A) terminal buttons.
B) axon hillock.
C) nodes of Ranvier.
D) segment of membrane under the Schwann cell wrapping.
E) release zone.

Question 71

A key advantage of saltatory conduction is that

A) more sodium ions have to be pumped out of the cell after an action potential.
B) myelin allows the nerve cell to recycle neurotransmitter molecules.
C) less transmitter is required to send a message across the next synapse.
D) myelin speeds up the velocity at which an axon can conduct an action potential.
E) myelin requires that nerve cell axons be larger in order to rapidly conduct a signal.

Question 72

In which portion of a neuron would you expect to find the largest number of vesicles?

A) the dendritic spines
B) the soma
C) near the nuclear membrane
D) the release zone
E) the axon hillock

Question 73

A common form of a synapse can involve a junction between an axon terminal and a(n)________.

A) dendrite
B) blood vessel
C) axon hillock
D) glial cell
E) Node of Ranvier.

Question 74

Subthreshold depolarizations of the axon membrane

A) are not conducted along the membrane.
B) remain the same size at each point along the membrane.
C) are just smaller versions of the action potential.
D) decrease in amplitude as they sweep along the membrane.
E) involve the closing of ion channels.

Question 75

Which of the following is true of neurotransmitter function?

A) Neurotransmitters diffuse widely across the brain to exert changes in metabolism.
B) Neurotransmitters directly alter ion channels using a second-messenger chemical.
C) Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse from the cistaerna.
D) Neurotransmitters open ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane.
E) Neurotransmitters alter ion channel activity for minutes.

Question 76

In a resting nerve cell,which of the forces listed below will act to push sodium ions into the cell?

A) diffusion
B) osmotic pressure
C) sodium-potassium pump
D) ion channel inactivation
E) electrostatic pressure resulting from positive charge inside the axon

Question 77

Neuronal signals are carried across the synapse by

A) direct electrical connections between the two cells.
B) the secretion of transmitter molecules into the synapse.
C) the transfer of ions from one cell to another.
D) an inhibitory effect of a transmitter molecule on the postsynaptic membrane.
E) an influx of potassium ions into the axon terminal.

Question 78

The "all-or-none law" refers to the observation that an action potential

A) will diminish to near zero when transmitted down a long axon.
B) fires at the same rate regardless of the inputs to the neuron.
C) is conducted more rapidly down the axon as it reaches the axon terminal.
D) is produced whenever the membrane potential reaches threshold.
E) travels only in one direction.

Question 79

Which of the following is a consequence of the activity of the sodium-potassium transporters?

A) Extracellular sodium concentrations are kept low.
B) Intracellular sodium concentrations are kept very high.
C) Extracellular potassium concentrations are kept very high.
D) Intracellular sodium concentrations are kept low.
E) Little energy is required to maintain ionic differences across the membrane.

Question 80

Sensory stimuli that vary in intensity are coded by variations in the ________ of a neuron.

A) firing rate
B) resting membrane potential
C) speed of conduction of action potentials
D) total amplitude of the action potential
E) repolarization rate