Neural Communication: From Action Potentials to Synapses

What is the resting membrane potential typically found in neurons?

• +35 mV

• -70 mV

• 0 mV

• +70 mV

Which ion's rapid influx into the neuron is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential?

• Sodium (Na+)

• Potassium (K+)

• Calcium (Ca2+)

• Chloride (Cl-)

What happens to the neuron's membrane potential when it reaches the threshold level?

• It hyperpolarizes

• It remains the same

• It depolarizes, triggering an action potential

• It repolarizes

During an action potential, what is the process called when the membrane potential is restored to its resting state?

• Depolarization

• Hyperpolarization

• Repolarization

• Thresholding

Which part of the neuron is primarily involved in the propagation of the action potential?

• Dendrites

• Cell body

• Axon

• Synaptic terminals

Which of the following neurotransmitters is commonly associated with the inhibition of neuronal firing?

• Dopamine

• Serotonin

• Glutamate

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

• They generate action potentials in the postsynaptic neuron

• They carry the electrical signal across the synaptic cleft

• They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to either excite or inhibit it

• They repolarize the presynaptic neuron

After an action potential, which ion is actively pumped out of the neuron to help re-establish the resting membrane potential?

• Sodium (Na+)

• Potassium (K+)

• Both Sodium (Na+) and Potassium (K+)

• Calcium (Ca2+)

What is the primary role of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

• To generate action potentials

• To speed up the transmission of action potentials

• To inhibit the transmission of action potentials

• To repolarize the neuron

Which of the following is a key function of the dendrites in a neuron?

• To propagate the action potential

• To receive signals from other neurons

• To transmit signals to other neurons

• To repolarize the neuron