Understanding Neurons and Action Potentials

What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

• To store energy

• To transmit electrical signals

• To produce hormones

• To digest food

Where are sodium ions primarily located in relation to neurons?

• Outside the neuron

• In the synaptic cleft

• Inside the neuron

• In the nucleus

What creates the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane?

• The presence of neurotransmitters

• The action of enzymes

• The gradient of sodium and potassium ions

• The movement of water molecules

How many sodium ions are moved out of the neuron by the sodium-potassium pump?

• Two

• One

• Three

• Four

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

• To store calcium ions

• To generate neurotransmitters

• To break down proteins

• To maintain the membrane potential

What happens during depolarization of a neuron?

• The membrane potential becomes more negative

• The membrane potential becomes less negative

• The neuron stops functioning

• The neuron releases neurotransmitters

What triggers the opening of sodium channels during an action potential?

• A decrease in temperature

• A change in membrane potential

• The presence of neurotransmitters

• The action of enzymes

What is the threshold for starting an action potential?

• A specific level of repolarization

• A specific level of depolarization

• A specific level of hyperpolarization

• A specific level of neurotransmitter release

How does an action potential propagate along an axon?

• By jumping from one neuron to another

• By moving continuously along the axon

• By being absorbed by the axon

• By being reflected back to the cell body

What happens when the nerve terminal becomes depolarized?

• It generates a new neuron

• It absorbs neurotransmitters

• It stops the action potential

• It releases neurotransmitters