Neurophysiology – CNS, PNS, neuron structure, impulse transmission, neurotransmitters, reflexes - One Line Questions

1. The 'all-or-none' principle of action potential generation means that: A neuron will fire an action potential only if the stimulus reaches a certain threshold
2. What is a reflex action? An involuntary, rapid response to a stimulus
3. Which part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles? Somatic nervous system
4. The withdrawal reflex (e.g., pulling your hand away from a hot object) is an example of what type of reflex? Somatic reflex
5. What is the main structural and functional unit of the nervous system called? Neuron
6. Which part of the neuron contains the nucleus and major organelles? Cell body (soma)
7. Which part of a neuron typically receives signals from other neurons? Dendrites
8. The gap between two neurons where information is transmitted is known as the: Synapse
9. Which part of the neuron integrates incoming signals? Cell body (soma) and axon hillock
10. Gaps in the myelin sheath where the action potential is regenerated are called: Nodes of Ranvier
11. Which of the following is NOT a component of the CNS? Cranial nerves
12. The PNS is divided into the somatic nervous system and the: Autonomic nervous system
13. The brain region responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and balance is the: Cerebellum
14. What type of synapse involves direct electrical connection between neurons? Electrical synapse
15. The process of impulse transmission along a myelinated axon is called: Saltatory conduction
16. What is the term for the process where neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron? Reuptake
17. What is the long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body? Axon
18. What is the insulating layer around many axons that speeds up nerve impulse transmission? Myelin sheath
19. When a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on the postsynaptic membrane, it can cause: Both depolarization and hyperpolarization
20. Which type of neurotransmitter is Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)? Inhibitory
21. Which of the following is a common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS? Glutamate
22. Which neurotransmitter is often associated with mood, sleep, and appetite regulation? Serotonin
23. What causes repolarization of the neuron membrane after an action potential? Efflux of potassium ions
24. What are chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses called? Neurotransmitters
25. Which of the following is a key characteristic of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)? It connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
26. What is the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the peripheral nervous system? It excites skeletal muscles at the neuromuscular junction.
27. The process of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft after signal transmission is crucial for: Allowing for precise and controlled signaling
28. In a simple reflex arc, what is the first component that detects a stimulus? Sensory receptor
29. What is the electrical signal that travels along a neuron called? Action potential
30. A polysynaptic reflex arc involves: A sensory neuron, a motor neuron, and at least one interneuron
31. Which division of the ANS prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses? Sympathetic nervous system
32. Damage to the myelin sheath can lead to which of the following conditions? Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
33. The brain is primarily composed of which part of the nervous system? Central Nervous System (CNS)
34. In a chemical synapse, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles within the: Presynaptic terminal
35. During an action potential, which ion primarily rushes into the neuron? Sodium (Na+)
36. The spinal cord's primary role in the CNS includes: Relaying sensory information and coordinating reflexes
37. The structure that carries out the response in a reflex action is called the: Effector
38. The phenomenon where a neuron becomes less responsive to repeated stimulation after prolonged exposure to a neurotransmitter is known as: Habituation
39. Which type of neuron carries impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands? Motor neuron
40. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction? Acetylcholine (ACh)
41. Which neurotransmitter plays a key role in reward pathways and is implicated in addiction? Dopamine
42. The parasympathetic nervous system is primarily involved in: Conserving energy and promoting 'rest and digest' functions
43. The pathway followed by a nerve impulse during a reflex action is called a: Reflex arc
44. The process by which a neuron transmits a signal is called: All of the above
45. What is the resting potential of a neuron? The electrical charge across the membrane when the neuron is inactive
46. What is summation in neurophysiology? The combined effect of multiple synaptic inputs on a neuron's membrane potential
47. What is the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters? To decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential
48. What is the primary role of sensory receptors in the PNS? To detect stimuli from the internal and external environment
49. What is the primary function of the central nervous system (CNS)? To process information and coordinate bodily activities
50. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for: Regulating involuntary bodily functions