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

Question 1

_______ neurons gather information from the environment related to light, odors, and contact of our skin with objects.

A) Sensory
B) Motor
C) Inter-
D) Relay inter-
E) Local inter-

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Sally's stomach begins to rumble, reminding her that she skipped breakfast this morning. This hunger signal is sent to the brain, which is part of the __________ nervous system.

A) peripheral
B) central
C) enteric
D) human
E) local circuit

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following represents a correct match between a neuronal organelle and its function?

A) mitochondria; extraction of energy
B) Golgi apparatus; extraction of energy
C) endoplasmic reticulum; breakdown of proteins
D) microtubules; transport of chemicals through the cell membrane
E) mitochondria; formation of vesicles

Answer 3

A

Question 4

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

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

Question 5

Neurotransmitter molecules are most commonly secreted from the

A) glial cell.
B) dendrite.
C) axon terminal.
D) dendritic apposition.
E) soma.

Question 6

In order to cross the synapse between two cells, a substance called ___________ is released from the first cell (pre-synapse) to activate or inhibit the second cell (post-synapse).

A) a neurotransmitter
B) protein
C) kinesin
D) dynein
E) mitochondria

Question 7

Which of the following structures is the site of production of proteins?

A) vesicles
B) ribosomes
C) genes
D) myeline
E) the nucleolus

Question 8

When substances are transported from the terminal buttons at the end of the axon back to the soma, this process is referred to as ____________.

A) retrograde axoplasmic transport
B) systemic axoplasmic transport
C) anterograde axoplasmic transport
D) peripheral axoplasmic transport
E) anterograde somatoplasmic transport

Question 9

The nucleus of the nerve cell is located within the

A) soma.
B) axon.
C) axon terminals.
D) dendrites.
E) mitochondria.

Question 10

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

A) detect the presence of hormones outside the cell.
B) form the membrane.
C) form channels to carry ions in and out of the cell.
D) transport molecules into the cell.
E) transport vesicles within the neuron.

Question 11

_______ neurons function to contract muscles.

A) Sensory
B) Motor
C) Inter-
D) Relay
E) Local

Question 12

The primary symptom shown by Kathryn D. was

A) severe nausea.
B) inability to sleep.
C) muscle weakness.
D) distortions of memory.
E) difficulty in recognizing facial displays of emotion.

Question 13

_______ are located only within the central nervous system.

A) Sensory
B) Motor
C) Relay interneurons
D) Projection neurons
E) Schwann cells

Question 14

The official diagnosis that Kathryn D. received was

A) lupus.
B) multiple sclerosis.
C) myasthenia gravis.
D) muscular dystrophy.
E) Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

Question 15

When substances are transported from the soma to the terminal buttons at the end of the axon, this process is referred to as ____________.

A) retrograde axoplasmic transport
B) systemic axoplasmic transport
C) anterograde axoplasmic transport
D) peripheral axoplasmic transport
E) anterograde somatoplasmic transport

Question 16

Match up the internal cell structure with the function most closely associated with that structure.

A) nucleolus; production of cytoplasm
B) ribosomes; production of DNA
C) lipid bilayer; production of ribosomes
D) nucleolus; production of ribosomes
E) mRNA; production of cytoplasm

Question 17

You reach out and touch a piece of cloth, feeling its texture. The cells that gather this sensory information are part of the __________ nervous system.

A) central
B) peripheral
C) autonomic
D) parasympathetic
E) sympathetic

Question 18

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 single layer of lipid molecules interfaced with a layer of protein molecules.

Question 19

When an impulse enters a neuron, it is received by the _________ and passed to the next cell via the ____________.

A) dendrite; axon
B) axon; dendrite
C) soma; axon
D) soma; dendrite
E) axon; soma

Question 20

The _______ system is that portion of the nervous system that lies outside of the brain and spinal cord.

A) extraspinal
B) central nervous
C) enteric nervous
D) human nervous
E) peripheral nervous

Question 21

A key feature for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in Dr. C. was

A) focal damage to a single brain region evident in a CT scan.
B) diverse neurological symptoms that appeared at different times.
C) the excess production of myelin in the nervous system.
D) the occurrence of small strokes that impair brain function.
E) an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin found in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 22

___________ are multi-function glial cells that participate in phagocytosis, provide lactate for cells, and structurally support neurons in the brain.

A) Schwann
B) Astrocytes
C) Microglia
D) Oligodendrocytes
E) Microtubules

Question 23

Surplus substances within the cytoplasm are degraded by

A) mitochondria.
B) ribosomes.
C) lysosomes.
D) the cytoskeleton.
E) cytoskeletal proteins.

Question 24

Movement of cargo from one end of the axon to the other involves _______ along the _______.

A) axoplasmic transport; myelin sheath
B) facilitated diffusion; exterior of the cell membrane
C) facilitated diffusion; neurofilaments
D) protein synthesis; microtubules
E) axoplasmic transport; microtubules

Question 25

The scar tissue generated in the brain by _______ cells acts to impede the regrowth of nerve cells.

A) astrocytes
B) microglia
C) Schwann cells
D) axon terminals
E) phagocytes

Question 26

The _______ are the key supply source of energy for neurons.

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

Question 27

A drug that specifically killed the _______ cells would be expected to alter the physical and nutritional support of brain cells.

A) phagocyte
B) Schwann
C) microglia
D) astrocyte
E) microtubule

Question 28

What is true about axons?

A) They receive information from other neurons.
B) Axons can only be two inches long.
C) Axons house the Golgi apparatus.
D) Axons generate the energy of the cell.
E) The longest axon in a human stretches from the foot to a region located in the base of the brain.

Question 29

Myelination of brain nerve axon membranes is accomplished by

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

Question 30

Match the correct function with the neuronal organelle.

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

Question 31

Which of the following is correct regarding axoplasmic transport?

A) Dendrograde transport involves moving substances from the dendrites to the soma.
B) Retrograde transport involves moving substances from the soma to the axon terminals.
C) The kinesin molecule is involved in anterograde transport.
D) Retrograde transport is twice as fast as anterograde transport.
E) The dynein molecule is involved in anterograde transport.

Question 32

Which of the following is correct regarding axoplasmic transport?

A) The dynein molecule is involved in anterograde axoplasmic transport.
B) Retrograde axoplasmic transport involves moving substances from the soma to the axon terminals.
C) The kinesin molecule is involved in retrograde axoplasmic transport.
D) Retrograde transport is half as fast as anterograde axoplasmic transport.
E) Transport of materials occurs only in one direction.

Question 33

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 fatty material around an axon membrane.
D) structural support of a nerve cell.
E) the degradation of transmitter molecules within the synapse.

Question 34

Neurons of the central nervous system are provided nutrients, oxygen, and physical support by _______ cells.

A) Schwann
B) glial or neuroglial
C) Golgi
D) stem
E) microtubule

Question 35

Which of the following is a key a function of the glial cells?

A) protection of the outer surface of the brain
B) removal of physical debris from the brain
C) secretion of CSF in the brain
D) movement of vesicles along the axon
E) the conduction of action potentials

Question 36

Nerve cells are able to rapidly metabolize fuel because

A) of their capacity to store glucose in the cytoplasm.
B) neurons receive lactate from astrocytes.
C) glial cells can transfer ATP into neurons.
D) brain blood vessels can convert glucose into lactate for neuron use.
E) glial cell mitochondria process fuel for the neuron.

Question 37

Proteins are produced within the neuron cytoplasm by

A) mitochondria.
B) ribosomes.
C) lysosomes.
D) the cytoskeleton.
E) nucleoli.

Question 38

____________ are supporting cells that can provide myelination to multiple axons at once.

A) Schwann
B) Astrocytes
C) Microglia
D) Oligodendrocytes
E) Microtubules

Question 39

A key function of lysosomes is to

A) move vesicles from the soma to the axon terminal.
B) produce proteins.
C) degrade surplus cellular materials.
D) provide energy to the neuron.
E) transport vesicles within the neuron.

Question 40

The _______ mediates the inflammatory reaction that follows brain damage.

A) Schwann cell
B) phagocyte
C) dendrocyte
D) astrocyte
E) microglia

Question 41

_______ will be recorded from a nerve cell whose membrane potential rises above threshold.

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 42

A scan shows that a particular substance has spread throughout the body via the bloodstream but has not entered the brain. This finding demonstrates the existence of

A) the blood-brain barrier.
B) blood efficacy.
C) medicine effects.
D) the lipid bilayer.
E) the doctrine of specific nerve energies.

Question 43

Regrowth of a damaged axon can occur more readily in the peripheral nervous system than in the brain because

A) Schwann cells form barriers to axon regrowth.
B) Schwann cells form cylinders through which new axons can grow and reinnervate a target cell nerve cell.
C) Schwann cells generate a chemical signal that instructs nerve cells to die.
D) Astrocytes form cylinders through which new axons can grow and reinnervate a target cell nerve cell.
E) Oligodendroglia form barriers to axon regrowth.

Question 44

The normal order of activation during neuronal transmission is

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 45

The interior of a neuron at rest

A) has the same ionic concentrations as the outside.
B) is at the same voltage potential as the outside.
C) has a higher sodium concentration than outside.
D) is negatively charged relative to the outside.
E) has a lower potassium concentration than outside.

Question 46

As you study for your neuroscience exam, you feel a tickle on your arm. You look and see a large spider and you jerk your arm automatically. What might be the neural path for this action?
a. sensory neuron -> interneuron -> motor neuron -> muscle
b. interneuron -> sensory neuron -> motor neuron -> muscle
c. motor neuron -> sensory neuron -> interneuron -> muscle
d. sensory neuron -> motor neuron -> interneuron -> muscle
e. motor neuron -> interneuron -> sensory neuron -> muscle

Question 47

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

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

Question 48

The function of a _______ in a giant squid physiology experiment is to _______.

A) microelectrode; inject potassium ions into the axon
B) voltmeter; stimulate the interior of the axon
C) microelectrode; compare the electric charge of the interior with that of the exterior
D) voltmeter; compare the electric charge of the interior with that of the exterior
E) microelectrode; dampen the electric charge within the axon

Question 49

If the inner voltage of a cell is -70 mV and application of stimulation results in a -95 mV charge, the stimulation had a ____________ effect. On the other hand, a resultant charge of +40 mV would be a ___________ effect.

A) hyperpolarizing; depolarizing
B) depolarizing; hyperpolarizing
C) repolarizing; depolarizing
D) repolarizing; hyperpolarizing
E) hyperpolarizing; repolarizing

Question 50

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

A) The barrier is uniform, protecting all brain structures.
B) The barrier pumps glucose out of the brain into the bloodstream.
C) The barrier functions to regulate the chemical composition of the extracellular fluid surrounding the brain cells.
D) The barrier is formed by cells that line the capillaries of the brain.
E) The ventricles have a blood-brain barrier.

Question 51

The _______ is the voltage level at which an action potential is triggered in a patch of axon membrane.

A) resting membrane potential
B) hyperpolarization event
C) threshold of excitation
D) rate level
E) refractory period

Question 52

A substance that forms oppositely charged particles when dissolved into water would be termed a(n)

A) ion.
B) molecule.
C) electrolyte.
D) cation.
E) anion.

Question 53

A cup of sugar is dumped into a gallon of hot water. After 30 minutes, we will expect that the process of _______ will ensure that the sugar molecules are evenly distributed throughout the water.

A) retrograde transport
B) diffusion
C) anterograde transport
D) electrostatic pressure
E) salinity

Question 54

Activation of cells within the _______ by a poison in the blood would be predicted to produce _______.

A) nucleus accumbens; visual hallucinations
B) hippocampus; locomotion
C) hypothalamus; vomiting
D) area postrema; vomiting
E) hippocampus; vomiting

Question 55

Susie takes a huge drink of her coffee, assuming that it is tolerable, and the heat sears her mouth. Although the pain is so great that her reflex is to spit out the coffee, she does not do so. The reflex to spit out the coffee is inhibited at the

A) sensory neuron.
B) interneuron.
C) motor neuron.
D) glial cell.
E) astrocyte.

Question 56

The _______ potential is defined as the difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of an undisturbed axon membrane.

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

Question 57

A change in the axon membrane potential from -70 mV to -90 mV would be termed a(n)

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

Question 58

Which of the following is true of Schwann cells?

A) Schwann cells provide myelin for peripheral nerve cells.
B) Schwann cells are found within the brain.
C) A single Schwann cell wraps multiple segments around a peripheral nerve cell.
D) A single Schwann cell can myelinate up to 50 segments of axon membrane.
E) Schwann cells remove the cellular debris left by dead neurons in brain.

Question 59

A key function of the giant squid axon is the

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

Question 60

A neuron membrane potential moves from -90 mV to -80 mV in response to a brief stimulation. We would term this change in potential as a(n)

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

Question 61

Which of the following sets of terms do NOT belong together?

A) saltatory conduction; faster conduction speeds in smaller neurons
B) open sodium channels; membrane depolarization
C) saltatory conduction; slower conduction speeds in smaller neurons
D) open potassium channels; membrane repolarization
E) sodium-potassium pump; restoration of the normal concentrations of these ions

Question 62

Which of the following events restores the membrane potential from the peak of the action potential back down 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) Protein anions move out of the cell.

Question 63

The specialized protein molecules located in the axon membrane that can open or close are termed

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

Question 64

The nervous system codes for variation in the intensity of incoming sensory stimuli by variations in the _______ of a neuron.

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

Question 65

A cation would be attracted to

A) another cation.
B) an anion.
C) a sodium ion.
D) a potassium ion.
E) a calcium ion.

Question 66

Which of the following is true of the action potential?

A) More sodium channels are opened at a lower voltage level than are the potassium channels.
B) The action potential requires 10 msec for completion.
C) The action potential requires the activity of the sodium-potassium transporters during the rising phase.
D) More 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 67

_______ are charged particles formed when an electrolyte dissolves in water.

A) Ions
B) Solvents
C) Transmitters
D) Electrons
E) Solutes

Question 68

Movement of _______ ions _______ the axon would be induced by the force of diffusion.

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

Question 69

Sodium ions move out of the axon because of

A) the opening of sodium channels.
B) the opening of voltage-gated channels.
C) kinesin.
D) electrostatic pressure.
E) the sodium-potassium transporter.

Question 70

Sodium ions will be pushed into a resting neuron by the forces of

A) inactivation of potassium channels; diffusion.
B) electrostatic pressure; sodium-potassium pump activation.
C) sodium-potassium pump activation; diffusion.
D) ion channel inactivation; diffusion.
E) diffusion; electrostatic pressure.

Question 71

If a bowling ball fell on your foot, the action potentials would differ from a feather falling on your foot. The action potentials for the bowling ball would be

A) larger in size and faster in occurrence.
B) the same size as for the feather but they would be slower in occurrence.
C) the same size as for the feather but they would be faster in occurrence.
D) larger in size and slower in occurrence.
E) smaller in size and faster in occurrence.

Question 72

The Na+/K+ pump removes ______ Na+ ions and adds _______ K+ ions.

A) 3; 2
B) 2; 3
C) 3; 4
D) 2; 4
E) 4; 3

Question 73

Which of the following is consistent with the "all-or-none" law?

A) The action potential will diminish to near 0 mV when transmitted down a long axon.
B) The action potential fires at the same rate regardless of the inputs to the neuron.
C) The action potential is conducted more rapidly down the axon as it reaches the axon terminal.
D) The action potential is produced whenever the membrane potential reaches threshold.
E) The action potential travels only in one direction.

Question 74

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

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

Question 75

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

A) The AP is conducted along the dendrite.
B) The AP is conducted faster in unmyelinated nerve cells.
C) The AP is an all-or-none electrical event.
D) The AP amplitude is higher for an intense signal.
E) The AP amplitude depends on its location along the axon.

Question 76

When students enter a class, they tend to spread themselves out (provided there are enough desks to do so). In biological terms, this effect would be

A) electrostatic pressure.
B) ionic movement.
C) diffusion.
D) antisocialism.
E) ionic static.

Question 77

As 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) very little energy is required to maintain ionic differences across the membrane.

Question 78

_______ are negatively charged particles.

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

Question 79

Match the ion channel action with its resulting change in membrane potential.

A) entry of a negative ion; hyperpolarization
B) entry of a positive ion; hyperpolarization
C) exit of a positive ion; depolarization
D) exit of a negative ion; hyperpolarization
E) inactivation of sodium-potassium transporters; depolarization

Question 80

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

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