Understanding Action Potentials Quiz

What is the primary function of the neuron's axon?

• To receive signals from other neurons

• To support the neuron structurally

• To transmit electrical signals away from the neuron's cell body

• To produce neurotransmitters

What is the resting membrane potential typically found in neurons?

• +30 mV

• 0 mV

• -70 mV

• +70 mV

During an action potential, what happens immediately after the threshold potential is reached?

• Potassium channels open

• Sodium channels close

• Sodium channels open

• All channels remain closed

What is the role of sodium channels during an action potential?

• To repolarize the membrane

• To hyperpolarize the membrane

• To depolarize the membrane

• To stabilize the membrane potential

What is the role of potassium channels during the action potential?

• To depolarize the membrane

• To hyperpolarize the membrane

• To repolarize the membrane

• To stabilize the membrane potential

Which of the following best describes the propagation of an action potential along an axon?

• It moves in both directions from the point of initiation.

• It moves towards the cell body.

• It moves away from the cell body.

• It jumps from the axon hillock directly to the axon terminals.

What happens to the membrane potential during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

• It becomes more negative.

• It becomes less negative, moving towards zero.

• It remains the same.

• It becomes positive.

Why is the action potential considered an "all-or-none" event?

• Because it can only propagate in one direction.

• Because once the threshold is reached, an action potential will happen.

• Because it occurs at every dendrite simultaneously.

• Because it affects all neurons in the vicinity.

What is the significance of the refractory period in the context of action potentials?

• It allows the neuron to fire action potentials more rapidly.

• It prevents the backward propagation of action potentials.

• It increases the strength of the action potential.

• It decreases the neuron's energy consumption.

Which ions are primarily involved in generating an action potential?

• Calcium and magnesium

• Sodium and potassium

• Chloride and bicarbonate

• Phosphate and sulfate