Question 1

Imagine you are resting comfortably on a sofa after dinner. This could be described as a state with ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  increased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems 
B)  decreased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems 
C)  decreased activity in the sympathetic nervous system and increased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems 
D)  increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system and decreased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems 
A)  increased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems 
B)  decreased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems 
C)  decreased activity in the sympathetic nervous system and increased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems 
D)  increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system and decreased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is involved in reducing perceptions of pain?

Accepted Answer

A)  acetylcholine 
B)  endorphin 
C)  epinephrine 
D)  nitric oxide 
E)  gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAB
A)  
A)  acetylcholine 
B)  endorphin 
C)  epinephrine 
D)  nitric oxide 
E)  gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAB
A)

Question 3

A toxin that binds specifically to voltage-gated sodium channels in axons would be expected to ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  prevent the hyperpolarization phase of the action potential 
B)  prevent the depolarization phase of the action potential 
C)  prevent graded potentials 
D)  increase the release of neurotransmitter molecules 
E)  have most of its effects on the dendritic region of a neuron 
A)  prevent the hyperpolarization phase of the action potential 
B)  prevent the depolarization phase of the action potential 
C)  prevent graded potentials 
D)  increase the release of neurotransmitter molecules 
E)  have most of its effects on the dendritic region of a neuron

Question 4

The point of connection between two communicating neurons is called the ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  axon hillock 
B)  dendrite 
C)  synapse 
D)  cell body 
E)  glia 
A)  axon hillock 
B)  dendrite 
C)  synapse 
D)  cell body 
E)  glia

Question 5

In a simple synapse, neurotransmitter chemicals are released by ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  the dendritic membrane 
B)  the presynaptic membrane 
C)  axon hillocks 
D)  cell bodies 
E)  ducts on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum 
A)  the dendritic membrane 
B)  the presynaptic membrane 
C)  axon hillocks 
D)  cell bodies 
E)  ducts on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Question 6

Calculation, contemplation, and cognition are human activities associated with increased activity in the ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  pituitary gland 
B)  hypothalamus 
C)  cerebrum 
D)  cerebellum 
E)  spinal cord 
A)  pituitary gland 
B)  hypothalamus 
C)  cerebrum 
D)  cerebellum 
E)  spinal cord

Question 7

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) produced nearly simultaneously by different synapses on the same postsynaptic neuron can also add together, creating ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  summation 
B)  interference 
C)  only action potentials 
D)  the refractory state 
A)  summation 
B)  interference 
C)  only action potentials 
D)  the refractory state

Question 8

A neurophysiologist is investigating nerve reflexes in two different animals: a crab and a fish. Action potentials are found to pass more rapidly along the fish's neurons. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

A)  The fish's axons are smaller in diameter; small axons transmit action potentials faster than large axons do. 
B)  Unlike the crab, the fish's axons are wrapped in myelin; myelination increases the speed of action potential transmission. 
C)  There are more ion channels in the axons of the crab compared with fish axons. 
D)  Unlike the crab, the fish's axons are wrapped in myelin, and the fish's axons are smaller in diameter; small axons transmit action potentials faster than large axons do. 
A)  The fish's axons are smaller in diameter; small axons transmit action potentials faster than large axons do. 
B)  Unlike the crab, the fish's axons are wrapped in myelin; myelination increases the speed of action potential transmission. 
C)  There are more ion channels in the axons of the crab compared with fish axons. 
D)  Unlike the crab, the fish's axons are wrapped in myelin, and the fish's axons are smaller in diameter; small axons transmit action potentials faster than large axons do.

Question 9

The surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles is the ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  dendrite 
B)  axon hillock 
C)  node of Ranvier 
D)  postsynaptic membrane 
E)  presynaptic membrane 
A)  dendrite 
B)  axon hillock 
C)  node of Ranvier 
D)  postsynaptic membrane 
E)  presynaptic membrane

Question 10

Self-propagation and refractory periods (or refractory states) are typical of ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  action potentials 
B)  graded hyperpolarizations 
C)  excitatory postsynaptic potentials 
D)  threshold potentials 
E)  resting potentials 
A)  action potentials 
B)  graded hyperpolarizations 
C)  excitatory postsynaptic potentials 
D)  threshold potentials 
E)  resting potentials

Question 11

What is the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes?

Accepted Answer

A)  the axon hillock 
B)  the nodes of Ranvier 
C)  the synaptic cleft 
D)  synaptic vesicle membranes 
E)  the myelin sheath 
A)  the axon hillock 
B)  the nodes of Ranvier 
C)  the synaptic cleft 
D)  synaptic vesicle membranes 
E)  the myelin sheath

Question 12

Functionally, which cellular location is the neuron's "decision-making site" as to whether or not an action potential will be initiated?

Accepted Answer

A)  axonal membranes 
B)  axon hillock 
C)  presynaptic membranes 
D)  mitochondrial membranes 
A)  axonal membranes 
B)  axon hillock 
C)  presynaptic membranes 
D)  mitochondrial membranes

Question 13

A basic nervous system ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  must include chemical senses, mechanoreception, and vision 
B)  includes a minimum of 12 effector neurons 
C)  has information flow in only one direction: toward an integrating center 
D)  has information flow in only one direction: away from an integrating center 
E)  includes sensory information, an integrating center, and effectors 
A)  must include chemical senses, mechanoreception, and vision 
B)  includes a minimum of 12 effector neurons 
C)  has information flow in only one direction: toward an integrating center 
D)  has information flow in only one direction: away from an integrating center 
E)  includes sensory information, an integrating center, and effectors

Question 14

Refer to the following graph of an action potential to answer the question(s) below.  
-The neuronal membrane is at its resting potential at label ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E 
A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E

Question 15

Muscle cells are stimulated by neurotransmitters released from the synaptic terminals of ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  T tubules 
B)  motor neuron axons 
C)  sensory neuron axons 
D)  motor neuron dendrites 
E)  sensory neuron dendrites 
A)  T tubules 
B)  motor neuron axons 
C)  sensory neuron axons 
D)  motor neuron dendrites 
E)  sensory neuron dendrites

Question 16

Neurotransmitters can affect postsynaptic cells by ________.
I. initiating signal transduction pathways in the cells
II. causing molecular changes in the cells
III. affecting ion-channel proteins
IV. altering the permeability of the cells

Accepted Answer

A)  I and III 
B)  II and IV 
C)  II and III 
D)  III and IV 
E)  I, II, III, and IV 
A)  I and III 
B)  II and IV 
C)  II and III 
D)  III and IV 
E)  I, II, III, and IV

Question 17

Studies employing Aplysia suggest that memory formation requires ________.

Accepted Answer

A)  serotonin release 
B)  synaptic plasticity 
C)  electrical shock 
D)  increased neuron firing rate 
A)  serotonin release 
B)  synaptic plasticity 
C)  electrical shock 
D)  increased neuron firing rate

Question 18

-Which letter in the accompanying figure corresponds to a large influx of Na+ ions into the cell?

Accepted Answer

A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E 
A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E

Question 19

-Which letter in the accompanying figure corresponds to a large efflux of K+ ions from the cell?

Accepted Answer

A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E 
A)  A 
B)  B 
C)  C 
D)  D 
E)  E

Question 20

How do myelin sheaths increase the speed with which action potentials are propagated along an axon?

Accepted Answer

A)  They increase the permeability of Na+ ions in the plasma membrane. 
B)  They amplify the action potential by increasing sodium influx along the entire distance of the neuron. 
C)  They insulate the axon, preventing K+ ions from exiting the neuron. 
D)  They cause action potentials to "jump" down the axon rather than travel in a continuous path along every site on the axon. 
A)  They increase the permeability of Na+ ions in the plasma membrane. 
B)  They amplify the action potential by increasing sodium influx along the entire distance of the neuron. 
C)  They insulate the axon, preventing K+ ions from exiting the neuron. 
D)  They cause action potentials to "jump" down the axon rather than travel in a continuous path along every site on the axon.

Exam 43: Animal Nervous Systems

Imagine you are resting comfortably on a sofa after dinner. This could be described as a state with ________.

Which neurotransmitter is involved in reducing perceptions of pain?

A toxin that binds specifically to voltage-gated sodium channels in axons would be expected to ________.

The point of connection between two communicating neurons is called the ________.

In a simple synapse, neurotransmitter chemicals are released by ________.

Calculation, contemplation, and cognition are human activities associated with increased activity in the ________.

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) produced nearly simultaneously by different synapses on the same postsynaptic neuron can also add together, creating ________.

A neurophysiologist is investigating nerve reflexes in two different animals: a crab and a fish. Action potentials are found to pass more rapidly along the fish's neurons. What is the most likely explanation?

The surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles is the ________.

Self-propagation and refractory periods (or refractory states) are typical of ________.

What is the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes?

Functionally, which cellular location is the neuron's "decision-making site" as to whether or not an action potential will be initiated?

A basic nervous system ________.

Refer to the following graph of an action potential to answer the question(s) below. -The neuronal membrane is at its resting potential at label ________.

Muscle cells are stimulated by neurotransmitters released from the synaptic terminals of ________.

Neurotransmitters can affect postsynaptic cells by ________. I. initiating signal transduction pathways in the cells II. causing molecular changes in the cells III. affecting ion-channel proteins IV. altering the permeability of the cells

Studies employing Aplysia suggest that memory formation requires ________.

-Which letter in the accompanying figure corresponds to a large influx of Na+ ions into the cell?

-Which letter in the accompanying figure corresponds to a large efflux of K+ ions from the cell?

How do myelin sheaths increase the speed with which action potentials are propagated along an axon?

Biology and the Tree of Life

Water and Carbon: the Chemical Basis of Life

Protein Structure and Function

Nucleic Acids and the Rna World

An Introduction to Carbohydrates

Ecosystems and Global Ecology

Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells

Inside the Cell

Energy and Enzymes: an Introduction to Metabolism

Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Photosynthesis

Cellcell Interactions

The Cell Cycle

Meiosis

Mendel and the Gene

Dna and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair

How Genes Work

Transcription, Rna Processing, and Translation

Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria

Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes

The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology and Beyond

Genes, Development, and Evolution

Evolution by Natural Selection

Evolutionary Processes

Speciation

Phylogenies and the History of Life

Bacteria and Archaea

Protists

Green Algae and Land Plants

Fungi

An Introduction to Animals

Protostome Animals

Deuterostome Animals

Viruses

Plant Form and Function

Water and Sugar Transport in Plants

Plant Nutrition

Plant Sensory Systems, Signals, and Responses

Plant Reproduction and Development

Animal Form and Function

Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals

Animal Nutrition

Gas Exchange and Circulation

Animal Sensory Systems

Animal Movement

Chemical Signals in Animals

Animal Reproduction and Development

The Immune System in Animals

An Introduction to Ecology

Behavioral Ecology

Population Ecology

Community Ecology

Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

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