General Neuron Physiology - Human Anatomy and Physiology
Card 0 of 20
Which of the following does NOT take place during an action potential?
Which of the following does NOT take place during an action potential?
An action potential across a cell membrane has five phases:
1. The resting membrane potential is a negative membrane potential established by the sodium-potassium pump and maintained by potassium leak channels.
2. Depolarization involves opening of voltage-gated sodium channels and results in a rapid influx of positively-charged sodium ions into the cell, creating a positive membrane potential.
3. Overshoot occurs during the maximal value (peak) of the action potential.
4. Hyperpolarization occurs when sodium channels close and potassium channels open, allowing potassium to leak out the cell, and establishing a negative membrane potential below the resting potential.
5. Repolarization occurs when voltage-gated potassium channels eventually close and the membrane potential returns to the resting value via action of the sodium-potassium pump.
Potentiation refers to the phenomenon when nerves become more effective at transmitting signals due to extensive use of the same pathway.
An action potential across a cell membrane has five phases:
1. The resting membrane potential is a negative membrane potential established by the sodium-potassium pump and maintained by potassium leak channels.
2. Depolarization involves opening of voltage-gated sodium channels and results in a rapid influx of positively-charged sodium ions into the cell, creating a positive membrane potential.
3. Overshoot occurs during the maximal value (peak) of the action potential.
4. Hyperpolarization occurs when sodium channels close and potassium channels open, allowing potassium to leak out the cell, and establishing a negative membrane potential below the resting potential.
5. Repolarization occurs when voltage-gated potassium channels eventually close and the membrane potential returns to the resting value via action of the sodium-potassium pump.
Potentiation refers to the phenomenon when nerves become more effective at transmitting signals due to extensive use of the same pathway.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What part of the action potential results in the depolarization of the cell?
What part of the action potential results in the depolarization of the cell?
When at rest, the neuron initially has a negative membrane potential. At the beginning of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to enter the cell. This causes the cell to become positively charged compared to the outside of the cell. This process is called depolarization.
After depolarization occurs, the sodium channels close, initiating the absolute refractory period. Voltage-gated potassium channels then open and potassium ions exit the cell. This results in hyperpolarization and the relative refractory period. The potassium channels then close and the sodium-potassium pump returns the cell to its resting potential by removing sodium and collecting potassium.
When at rest, the neuron initially has a negative membrane potential. At the beginning of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to enter the cell. This causes the cell to become positively charged compared to the outside of the cell. This process is called depolarization.
After depolarization occurs, the sodium channels close, initiating the absolute refractory period. Voltage-gated potassium channels then open and potassium ions exit the cell. This results in hyperpolarization and the relative refractory period. The potassium channels then close and the sodium-potassium pump returns the cell to its resting potential by removing sodium and collecting potassium.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following statements is true concerning the absolute refractory period?
Which of the following statements is true concerning the absolute refractory period?
Once an action potential has been created, the membrane has a period of time during which it cannot be stimulated to create another action potential. The absolute refractory period occurs when the voltage-gated sodium channels initially close. The first gating mechanism of these channels cannot be overcome by an electrical stimulus, and the sodium channels will remain closed even if a large electrical stimulus is present. During this period, even a very large stimulus cannot result in neural depolarization.
Following this, the secondary gating mechanism for the channel becomes active. This mechanism is sensitive to electrical stimuli, but keeps the channels closed when the neuron is at rest. The relative refractory period results when sodium channels are capable of opening, but the cell is hyperpolarized, making it very difficult to initiate a stimulus that reaches the action potential threshold.
Once an action potential has been created, the membrane has a period of time during which it cannot be stimulated to create another action potential. The absolute refractory period occurs when the voltage-gated sodium channels initially close. The first gating mechanism of these channels cannot be overcome by an electrical stimulus, and the sodium channels will remain closed even if a large electrical stimulus is present. During this period, even a very large stimulus cannot result in neural depolarization.
Following this, the secondary gating mechanism for the channel becomes active. This mechanism is sensitive to electrical stimuli, but keeps the channels closed when the neuron is at rest. The relative refractory period results when sodium channels are capable of opening, but the cell is hyperpolarized, making it very difficult to initiate a stimulus that reaches the action potential threshold.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following are in the correct order regarding action potentials?
Which of the following are in the correct order regarding action potentials?
The neuron has a resting potential. In its resting state, the neuron has a resting potential with a slightly negative interior compared to the exterior. Sodium ions 
enter the cell and alter the membrane potential. Through voltage-gated channels, 
enters and makes the interior less negative therefore decreasing the membrane potential difference, which is known as depolarization. The membrane potential depolarizes all the way up to the threshold level. After enough 
enters, the threshold membrane potential is reached. This opens more 
channels. An action potential is fired, which means that the depolarization spreads down the neuron's axon. This travels down the entire axon, eventually reaching the dendrite and signaling to other neurons.
The neuron has a resting potential. In its resting state, the neuron has a resting potential with a slightly negative interior compared to the exterior. Sodium ions
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What are the two gates of the voltage-gated 
channels along the axonal plasma membrane?
What are the two gates of the voltage-gated
The voltage-gated 
channels along the axonal plasma membrane open and close in response to changes in voltage, and may exist in three distinct states: deactivated, activated, and inactivated. While the axon is at rest, these channels are said to be deactivated; they are impermeable to sodium ions since their activation gates are closed. Once the neuron gets depolarized to the threshold of the voltage-gated sodium channels, the activation gates open, allowing the influx of sodium down its concentration gradient into the cell. During this time the channels are in their activated state. At the peak of the action potential the activation gates are still open, but the inactivation gates close, stopping the flow of sodium through the channels. The channels are in the inactivated state due to the cell becoming depolarized. Once the membrane potential drops back down towards resting, the inactivation gates open, and the activation gates close, thereby deactivating the channels again, until another action potential depolarizes the membrane.
The voltage-gated
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which type of signal is transmitted along a neuron?
Which type of signal is transmitted along a neuron?
To support the general function of the nervous system, neurons must communicate within the cell (intracellular signaling) and between other cells (intercellular signaling). In order to achieve long distance and rapid communication, neurons have special abilities for sending electrical signals (action potentials) along axons. This mechanism is called conduction, and it is how the neuron's cell body communicates with its own terminals via the axon. Communication between neurons is achieved at synapses by the process of neurotransmission.
To support the general function of the nervous system, neurons must communicate within the cell (intracellular signaling) and between other cells (intercellular signaling). In order to achieve long distance and rapid communication, neurons have special abilities for sending electrical signals (action potentials) along axons. This mechanism is called conduction, and it is how the neuron's cell body communicates with its own terminals via the axon. Communication between neurons is achieved at synapses by the process of neurotransmission.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
When an action potential occurs, the permeability of __________ across the cell membrane becomes much greater.
When an action potential occurs, the permeability of __________ across the cell membrane becomes much greater.
At resting potential, the cell membrane is about 25 times more permeable to potassium ions than it is to sodium ions. During an action potential, the membrane becomes much more permeable to sodium ions than potassium ions, causing the membrane potential to become more positive, as sodium flows down its concentration gradient into the cell. Note that this concentration gradient is largely set up by the action of the sodium-potassium ATPase, which pumps three sodium ions out of the cell in exchange for two potassium ions into the cell.
At resting potential, the cell membrane is about 25 times more permeable to potassium ions than it is to sodium ions. During an action potential, the membrane becomes much more permeable to sodium ions than potassium ions, causing the membrane potential to become more positive, as sodium flows down its concentration gradient into the cell. Note that this concentration gradient is largely set up by the action of the sodium-potassium ATPase, which pumps three sodium ions out of the cell in exchange for two potassium ions into the cell.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The junction between the transmitting and receiving neuron is called a(n) __________.
The junction between the transmitting and receiving neuron is called a(n) __________.
A synapse is a specialized junction between cells. It is involved in the integration and converging of signals between neurons. At a synaptic junction, the membranes of the pre- and post- synaptic neurons are separated by a gap called a synaptic cleft, which is the site of neurotransmitter release.
A synapse is a specialized junction between cells. It is involved in the integration and converging of signals between neurons. At a synaptic junction, the membranes of the pre- and post- synaptic neurons are separated by a gap called a synaptic cleft, which is the site of neurotransmitter release.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following is responsible for opening sodium channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, leading to an action potential or more excitable neuron?
Which of the following is responsible for opening sodium channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, leading to an action potential or more excitable neuron?
Glutamate opens sodium channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, moving the action potential towards (depolarize) the sodium Nernst potential (81mV). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which opens chloride channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, making the neuron more difficult to excite (hyperpolarized).
Glutamate opens sodium channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, moving the action potential towards (depolarize) the sodium Nernst potential (81mV). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which opens chloride channels in the plasma membrane of the receiving neuron, making the neuron more difficult to excite (hyperpolarized).
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which part of the neuron generates the action potential?
Which part of the neuron generates the action potential?
The action potential of a neuron is generate at the axon hillock and is propagated down the axon and to the terminal branches where it will synapse with the dendrites of the next neuron.
The action potential of a neuron is generate at the axon hillock and is propagated down the axon and to the terminal branches where it will synapse with the dendrites of the next neuron.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
When the neuron becomes depolarized, which of the following events takes place?
When the neuron becomes depolarized, which of the following events takes place?
Depolarization is when the neuron becomes more positive by gaining positively charged ions, specifically sodium ions. During depolarization the sodium ion channels open and sodium ions enter the neuron, reducing the membrane potential to roughly +35 mV.
Depolarization is when the neuron becomes more positive by gaining positively charged ions, specifically sodium ions. During depolarization the sodium ion channels open and sodium ions enter the neuron, reducing the membrane potential to roughly +35 mV.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The following are the main steps in the generation of an action potential:
1. inactivation of Na channels and activation of K channels
2. depolarization to threshold
3. return to normal permeability
4. activation of Na channels
What is the proper sequence of these events?
The following are the main steps in the generation of an action potential:
1. inactivation of Na channels and activation of K channels
2. depolarization to threshold
3. return to normal permeability
4. activation of Na channels
What is the proper sequence of these events?
In order to have an action potential, you must have a depolarization. Na channels must close before K channels open
In order to have an action potential, you must have a depolarization. Na channels must close before K channels open
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The presence of __________ dramatically increases the speed at which an action potential moves along an axon.
The presence of __________ dramatically increases the speed at which an action potential moves along an axon.
Myelin helps to increase resistance along the axon, which helps to propagate the action potential along the axon.
Myelin helps to increase resistance along the axon, which helps to propagate the action potential along the axon.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following describes the influx of 
ions into the neuron?
Which of the following describes the influx of
The influx of positive sodium ions into the neuron is known as depolarization. This is the loss of negative charge that occurs when positive sodium passes through the neural membrane and enters the neuron.
The influx of positive sodium ions into the neuron is known as depolarization. This is the loss of negative charge that occurs when positive sodium passes through the neural membrane and enters the neuron.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The resting membrane potential (RMP) is primarily determined by which ion?
The resting membrane potential (RMP) is primarily determined by which ion?
The resting membrane potential is based on the difference in electrical charges of the ions that flow through the membrane. The membrane potential has a greater permeability to potassium when at rest which causes a shift in its potential. Thus, potassium has the strongest affect on the RMP and causes it to be closer to potassium's reversal potential. Side note: This potential is strongly held by the sodium potassium pump.
The resting membrane potential is based on the difference in electrical charges of the ions that flow through the membrane. The membrane potential has a greater permeability to potassium when at rest which causes a shift in its potential. Thus, potassium has the strongest affect on the RMP and causes it to be closer to potassium's reversal potential. Side note: This potential is strongly held by the sodium potassium pump.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A stimulus applied to a neuronal membrane that causes its potential to become more positive is __________. A stimulus that moves the potential closer to 0 is __________.
A stimulus applied to a neuronal membrane that causes its potential to become more positive is __________. A stimulus that moves the potential closer to 0 is __________.
If an already positive membrane potential becomes more positive, it is becoming hyperpolarized because the electrical difference between the inside and outside of the cell is getting larger. On the other hand, a stimulus that moves the potential difference closer to 0 is depolarizing because it is decreasing the difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of the cell.
If an already positive membrane potential becomes more positive, it is becoming hyperpolarized because the electrical difference between the inside and outside of the cell is getting larger. On the other hand, a stimulus that moves the potential difference closer to 0 is depolarizing because it is decreasing the difference in electrical potential between the inside and outside of the cell.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which gland secretes melatonin?
Which gland secretes melatonin?
The pineal gland secretes melatonin, it is also thought to have some role in regulating the pituitary gland. The thalamus is the center of pain perception and does not secrete hormones. The pituitary gland, also known as the "master gland" secretes many hormones except for melatonin, some example secretions are thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone. Lastly, the hypothalamus secretes tropic hormones that regulate the activity of other glands.
The pineal gland secretes melatonin, it is also thought to have some role in regulating the pituitary gland. The thalamus is the center of pain perception and does not secrete hormones. The pituitary gland, also known as the "master gland" secretes many hormones except for melatonin, some example secretions are thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone. Lastly, the hypothalamus secretes tropic hormones that regulate the activity of other glands.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following describes a major function of the limbic system?
Which of the following describes a major function of the limbic system?
The limbic system includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Each of these structures secretes hormones that assist in processing emotions such as fear, and anger. The brainstem is responsible for basic life support. The cerebrum is the area dedicated to higher thinking. Lastly, the parietal lobes are where auditory signals are processed and they contain the primary somatosensory cortex.
The limbic system includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Each of these structures secretes hormones that assist in processing emotions such as fear, and anger. The brainstem is responsible for basic life support. The cerebrum is the area dedicated to higher thinking. Lastly, the parietal lobes are where auditory signals are processed and they contain the primary somatosensory cortex.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What is the main effect of melatonin on the body?
What is the main effect of melatonin on the body?
Melatonin is the hormone secreted by the pineal gland, it controls the circardian rhythm and is responsible for feeling sleepy. Corticotropin, released by the adrenal cortex is associated with cortisol release. Insulin is the most notable hormone associated with glucose metabolism and is released by the pancreas. Gastrin, cholecystokinin, and secretin assist digestion.
Melatonin is the hormone secreted by the pineal gland, it controls the circardian rhythm and is responsible for feeling sleepy. Corticotropin, released by the adrenal cortex is associated with cortisol release. Insulin is the most notable hormone associated with glucose metabolism and is released by the pancreas. Gastrin, cholecystokinin, and secretin assist digestion.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following is NOT a property of an oligodendrocyte?
Which of the following is NOT a property of an oligodendrocyte?
Oligodendrocytes myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons. Each oligodendrocyte can myelinate up to thirty axons, stretching between neurons. Oligodendroctyes are the predominant type of glial cell in white matter, with the myelin giving them a white appearance. Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and can only be associated with one neuron per cell.
Oligodendrocytes myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons. Each oligodendrocyte can myelinate up to thirty axons, stretching between neurons. Oligodendroctyes are the predominant type of glial cell in white matter, with the myelin giving them a white appearance. Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and can only be associated with one neuron per cell.
Compare your answer with the correct one above