Chapter 12: Physiology of Neurons

1. The change in membrane potential (Vm) caused by the flow of charge generated at a nerve
ending of a sensory neuron due to certain chemicals, light or mechanical deformation.
a. Postsynaptic potential
b. Receptor potential
c. Sensory potential
d. Neurotransmitter potential

2. The following statements are true of synaptic potential, EXCEPT:

a. synaptic potentials generated at the ends of a dendrite are communicated to the
soma, but usually substantial attenuation of the signal
b. dendrites behave like leaky electrical cables
c. strong dendritic potentials do not decline in amplitude before reaching the soma
d. dendritic potentials may be amplified thru summation at synapses

3. Synaptic inputs that are produce by either GABA or glycine causing opening of Cl channels
thereby hyperpolarizing the cell are termed as:
a. Excitatory postsynaptic potential
b. Excitatory presynaptic potential
c. Inhibitory postsynaptic potential
d. Inhibitory presynaptic potential

4. The following statements are true regarding dendritic attenuation, EXCEPT:

a. thick dendrites let more current flow toward the soma than thin dendrites do
b. graded signal spreads farther in a thick dendrite
c. branching increases attenuation because current has more paths to follow
d. dendrites attenuate high-frequency (rapidly changing) signals less than low-
frequency or steady signals

5. Functions of rhythmically bursting cells are the following, EXCEPT:

a. participate in the central circuits that generate rhythmic motor output for locomotion
and respiration
b. drive the synchronous oscillations of neural activity in thalamus and cortex during
certain behavioral states
c. effective stimulus for release peptide neurohormones from the posterior pituitary
gland
d. control rhythmic output such as snoring during sleep

6. The action potential then propagates in two directions. This propagation progresses forward
into the axon, with no loss of amplitude and carries the signal to the next set of neurons.
a. Antidromic conduction
b. Orthodromic conduction
c. Antiplastic propagation
d. Orthoplastic propagation
7. A consequence of demyelination wherein conduction in a demyelinated axon may continue,
but at a lower velocity, if the demyelination is not too severe. It is manifested as longer
delays for the arrival of the train of spikes.
a. Decreased velocity
b. Frequency-related block
c. Total blockade
d. Ectopic impulse generation

8. This occurs if demyelination affects 2 adjacent axons and the signal from one demyelinated
axon can excite an adjacent demyelinated axon. Action potentials can be conducted in both
directions in the adjacent axon
a. Ectopic impulse
b. Mechanosensitivity
c. Crosstalk
d. Total blockade

9. A demyelinating disease characterized by its transient nature, wherein patients generally

fully recover because the affected neurons have the ability to remyelinate itself.
a. Multiple sclerosis
b. Guillain-Barre syndrome
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B

10. Few dendrites have a high density of voltage-gated ion channels that can produce action
potentials. An example of a neuron with a high density of Ca channels is:
a. Cerebral cortical interneuron
b. Purkinje cell
c. Magnocellular neuron of the hypothalamus
d. Small pyramidal cell

Chapter 13: Synaptic Transmission in the Nervous System

11. Most common types of synapses in the nervous system include the following, except:
a. Dendrodendritic b. Axodendritic c. Axosomatic d. Axoaxonic

12. What is the postsynaptic site in >90% of all excitatory synapses?

a. Axon b. Dendrite c Dendritic spine d. neurons

13. Where is the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, located?

a. Locus coeruleus b. Raphe nuclei c. midbrain d. Forebrain

14. What neurotransmitter seemed to be intimately involved in the control of sleep-wake cycles
as well as different stages of sleep and control of mood and certain types of emotional
behaviour?
a. Norepinehrine b. Dopamine c. Acetylcholine d. Serotonin

15. What is the neurotransmitter implicated in Parkinson’s disease?

a. Norepinehrine b. Dopamine c. Acetylcholine d. Serotonin
16. Which of the following are excitatory synapses?
a. Aspartate and glutamate
b. GABA and glycine
c. GABA and glutamate
d. Glycine and aspartate

17. Which of the following are inhibitory synapses?

a. Aspartate and glutamate
b. GABA and glycine
c. GABA and glutamate
d. Glycine and aspartate

18. What do you call the ability of one transmitter to activate more than one of receptor?
a. Convergence b. Modulatory c. Amplification d. Divergence