Understanding Neuron Function and Signal Transmission

What are the three main parts of a neuron?

• Nucleus, dendrites, and myelin

• Axon, myelin, and nucleus

• Dendrites, soma, and axon

• Soma, nucleus, and ion channels

What is the main function of the dendrites?

• To receive signals from other neurons

• To generate action potentials

• To release neurotransmitters

• To insulate the neuron with myelin

How do neurons convert chemical signals into electrical signals?

• By opening ion channels

• Through the action potential

• Using neurotransmitters

• Via the sodium-potassium pump

What triggers an action potential in a neuron?

• A sufficient change in the overall charge of the cell

• The binding of neurotransmitters to dendrites

• A decrease in the cell's overall charge

• The closing of ion channels

What is the neuron's resting membrane potential?

• Close to -65 millivolts

• Around +40 millivolts

• Approximately +65 millivolts

• Exactly 0 millivolts

What happens when a ligand-gated Na+ ion channel opens?

• Na+ flows out of the cell

• The cell becomes more polar

• Na+ flows into the cell

• The cell's charge remains the same

What initiates the opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels?

• The inactivation of sodium channels

• The closing of potassium channels

• Reaching a specific threshold membrane potential

• Hyperpolarization of the neuron

What causes the neuron to become less negative during depolarization?

• Inflow of chloride ions

• Outflow of sodium ions

• Inflow of sodium ions

• Outflow of potassium ions

What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

• A net influx of positive charge into the neuron

• The resting state of the neuron

• A net influx of negative charge into the neuron

• A decrease in the neuron's membrane potential

How do neurotransmitters affect the neuron's membrane potential?

• By directly changing the membrane's potential

• By opening ligand-gated ion channels

• By closing all ion channels

• By activating the sodium-potassium pump