Central Nervous System

neuron

nerve cells
long-lived - a lifetime or more
amitotic - most cannot divide
extremely high metabolism (glucose and O2)

neuroglial cells

do not carry an impuls
scaffolding, insulation and support of neurons
half the total brain mass

internodes

regions between the nodes of Ranvier
underneath the cells
underneath the myelin

nodes of Ranvier

unmyelinated regions
regularly spaced
increase the speed of impulse conduction as impulse will jump from node to node
channels

myelin

lipid produced by Schwann cells
protects and electrically insulates some axons
increases speed of neural impulse conduction

synaptic end bulb

in the axonal terminals
bulbs at the end of the axon that links to dendrites of another nerve or cell

axonal terminals

specialized area to send signal to next neuron

axon

conducting component
carries signals away from cell body, one per neuron, can be extremely long or short, branch into axonal terminals

axon hillock

region just outside cell body where signals from dendrites are summed - if enough stimulus is received, an impulse is conducted down the axon

dendrites

receptive regions (receptors)
sends signals to cell body
hundreds per cell body
graded stimuli and threshold

nissl bodies

rough ER
makes proteins

cell body (soma)

biosynthetic center
contains the usual organells and highly functional ER

structure of a neuron

cell body or soma
nissl bodies
dendrites
axon hillock
axon
axonal terminals
synaptic end bulb

ganglia

clusters of neuron cell bodies within the PNS

nuclei

clusters of neuron cell bodies within the CNS

tracts

bundles of neurons in the CNS

nerves

parallel bundles of neurons in the PNS

gyrus/gyri

elevated ridges

sulci

shallow grooves

fissure

deep groves

IPSP

inhibitory post-synapse potential
if there is reduced permeability to Na+ ions or increased permeability of K+ ions, the membrane potential becomes more negative and further from threshold making it less likely that a new action potential will occur

EPSP

excitatory post-synapse potential
if positive ions flow into nerve cell, it moves the membrane towards threshold making it easier to set off a new action potential

absolute refractory period

the period from the opening of the Na+ gate to the closing of the Na+ gate
no new action potentials can be started
nothing can change it

relative refractory period

when K+ gates open & repolarization is occurring
a second action potential can be initiated but only by a stronger than normal stimulus

saltatory conduction

occurs in myelinated axons
impulses jump from one node of Ranvier to the next
allows for faster, more energy efficient transmission
speed of transmission in a large myelinated neuron may reach 100 m/s

synaptic potentiation

repeated use of a synaptic pathway, causes buildup of Ca+ supplies in the region - results in release of more neurotransmitters and easier action potential generation
plays a role in learning and efficiency

coma

not just deep sleep
oxygen usage drops
signal doesn't get through RAS (reticular activating system)
doesn't activate

contusion

bruising of the brain leading to permanent damage

concussion

alteration in brain function due to a blow to the head, can lead to a buildup of tau proteins

structure of neurons

mutlipolar - 3 or more processes, 1 axon, lots of dendrites
bipolar - 2 processes, 1 dendrite, 1 axon
unipolar - single process, cell body placed in center of axon instead of near dendrites

neurons and their functions

sensory neurons - afferent, carry signal TO the CNS
interneuron - within the CNS, creates an association between stimulus and response
motor neurons - efferent, carries OUT response of CNS

motor neurons

efferent, carries OUT response of CNS

interneuron

within the CNS, creates an association between stimulus and response

sensory neurons

afferent, carry signal TO the CNS

bipolar neuron

2 processes
1 dendrite
1 axon

multipolar neuron

3 or more processes
1 axon
lots of dendrites

unipolar neuron

single process
cell body placed in center of axon instead of near dendrites

CNS neuroglial cells

oligodendrites
astrocytes
ependymal cells
microglia

oligodendrites

produce myelin, insulate thick CNS neuron fibers

astrocytes

most abundant and versatile
supports neurons and anchors them to capillaries
control capillary permeability, helping to deliver nutrient to neurons
guide development of young neurons
recycle neurotransmitters, mop up K+
can also influence brain functionin

ependymal cells

line central cavities of brain and spinal cord
form barrier between CNS and central cavities
produces, filters, and circulates CSF

microglia

protect against invasion
immune system is blocked out of CNS - the immune cells of the CNS

membrane ion channels

chemically-gated
voltage-gated
mechanically-gated

chemically-gated channels

opened by binding of a molecule with a receptor

voltage-gated channels

opened when nearby membrane depolarizes

mechanically-gated channels

physical deformation, used by many receptors (hair receptors), manipulation

surface of cerebral hemispheres

gyrus/gyri - elevated ridges
sulci - shallow grooves
fissure - deep groves

frontal lobe

personality
emotions
intelligence
attention
concentration
judgment
body movement
problem solving
speech (speak and write)

parietal lobe

sense of touch (pain, temp, etc.)
distinguishing size, shape, and color
spatial perception/discrimination
visual perception (recognition)

temporal lobe

understanding language
memory
hearing
sequencing
organization

occipital lobe

vision

lobes of the brain

frontal lobe
parietal lobe
temporal lobe
occipital lobe
insula (pyschology)

major wave patterns seen on an EEG

alpha
beta
theta
delta

alpha

8-13 Hz
indicates calm, awake state

beta

14-30 Hz
awake, concentrating or "working" on something

theta

4-7 Hz
common in children, abnormal in adults, can appear when concentrating

delta

4 or less Hz
high amplitude, seen when asleep, sign of brain damage in awake adults (signifies dampening of the RAS or under anesthesia)

types of neurotransmitters

acetylcholine
biogenic amines
amino acids
neuropeptides
purines

acetylcholine

excitatory to skeletal muscles
inhibitory to others

biogenic amines

indolamines - serotonin, histamine
catecholamines - epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine

amino acids

excitatory - glutamate
inhibitory - glycine, GABA

neuropeptides

inkephalins, endorphins

purines

excitatory - ATP
inhibitory - adenosine

types of neural integration

serial processing
parallel processing
divergence
convergence
reverberating series
parallel after discharge

serial processing

one neuron stimulates the next, etc. (predictable reflex)

parallel processing

circuits branch
divergence
convergence
reverberating series
parallel after discharge

divergence

one incoming fiber triggers increasing number of neurons down the circuit

convergence

lots of neurons converge to create a strong stimulation or inhibition

reverberating series

fires down a line of neurons but 1 will loop back and refire an earlier neuron
controls rhythmic activity (breathing)

parallel after discharge

cognitive, higher order processes

major fissures in the brain

longtitudinal fissure
transverse fissure
central sulcus
precentral sulcus
postcentral sulcus
lateral sulcus
parieto-occipital sulcus

conduction velocities of neurons (speed)

Group A fibers - large diameter, thickly myelinated, very fast, 150 m/s (300 mph)
Group B fibers - smaller diameter, lightly myelinated, intermediate speed, 100 m/s (30 mph)
Group C fibers - smaller diameter, unmyelinated, very slow, 1 m/s (2 mph or less)

Group A fibers

large diameter, thickly myelinated, very fast, 150 m/s (300 mph)

Group B fibers

smaller diameter, lightly myelinated, intermediate speed, 100 m/s (30 mph)

Group C fibers

smaller diameter, unmyelinated, very slow, 1 m/s (2 mph or less)

Collections of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system are called ______________.

ganglia

Meningitis can be caused by infection of the central nervous system by bacteria. Which cells would be most responsible for removing the infection?

microglia

A stimulus traveling toward a synapse appears to open calcium ion channels at the presynaptic end, which in turn promotes fusion of synaptic vesicles to the axonal membrane.

True

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is associated with _________________.

hyperpolarization

Nerve impulses leading to the brain carry information about cool temperatures on the skin. The nerve fibers sending these signals will most likely belong to which division of the nervous system?

sensory (afferent) division

Which of the following is not a chemical class of neurotransmitters?

nucleic acid

Schwann cells are functionally similar to _____________.

oligodendrocytes

These cells in the CNS have cilia that move in order to circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

ependymal cells

Which of the following describes the nervous system integrative function?

analyzes sensory information, stores information, makes decisions

Which of the following is not a function of astrocytes?

provide the defense for the CNS

During depolarization, the inside of the neuron's membrane becomes less negative.

True

Which of the choices below describes the ANS?

motor fibers that conduct nerve impulses from the CNS to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands

A neuron that has as its primary function the job of connecting other neurons is called a(an) __________________.

interneuron

What does the central nervous system use to determine the strength of a stimulus?

frequency of action potentials

The period after an initial stimulus when a neuron is not sensitive to another stimulus is the ______________.

absolute refractory period

The term central nervous system refers to the ______________.

brain and spinal cord

Axon diameter and degree of myelination determine nerve impulse conduction velocity.

True

Immediately after an action potential has peaked, which of the following channels will open?

voltage-gated potassium channels

A second nerve impulse cannot be generated until _________________.

the membrane potential has been reestablished

Which of the following correctly describes a graded potential?

it can have amplitudes of various sizes

Nerve impulses are sent to slow the heart's rate of contraction. The nerve fibers sending these signal will most likely belong to which division of the nervous system?
sensory (afferent) division
somatic nervous system
sympathetic division
parasympathetic

parasympathetic division

Which of the following is an excitatory neurotransmitter secreted by motor neurons innervating skeletal muscle?
cholinesterase
acetylcholine
norepinephrine
gamma animobutyric acid

acetylcholine

In myelinated axons the voltage-regulated sodium channels are concentrated at the nodes of Ranvier.

True

An action potential is regarded as an example of a positive feedback. Which of the following examples below best illustrates the positive feedback aspect of an action potential?
A threshold stimulus will cause the opening of voltage gated sodium ion chann

A threshold stimulus will cause the opening of voltage gated sodium ion channels that will cause further depolarizing stimulus. This stimulus will open still more voltage gated sodium ion channels.

Which of the following is FALSE or INCORRECT?
An excitatory postsynaptic potential occurs if the excitatory effect is greater than the inhibitory effect but less than threshold.
A nerve impulse occurs if the excitatory and inhibitory effects are equal.
An

A nerve impulse occurs if the excitatory and inhibitory effects are equal.

Strong stimuli cause the amplitude of action potentials generated to increase.

False

Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system?
innervation of skeletal muscle
innervation of smooth muscle of the digestive tract
innervation of glands
innervation of cardiac muscle

innervation of skeletal muscle

Cell bodies of sensory neurons may be located in ganglia lying outside the central nervous system.

True

The all-or-none phenomenon as applied to nerve conduction states that the whole nerve cell must be stimulated for conduction to take place.

False

Saltatory conduction is made possible by _______________.

the myelin sheath

Nerve impulses leading to the skeletal muscle carry information to direct movement. The nerve fibers sending these signals will most likely belong to which division of the nervous system?
sensory (afferent) division
somatic nervous system
sympathetic divi

somatic nervous system

The action potential is caused by permeability changes in the plasma membrane.

True

Which ion channel opens in response to a change in membrane potential and participates in the generation and conduction of action potentials?

voltage-gated channels

Loss of function in the enzyme acetylcholine esterase would result in which of the following?

Inability to destroy and remove acetylcholina from the synaptic cleft

Which of the following is NOT characteristics of neurons?

They are mitotic

The interior surface of a neuron's plasma membrane at resting membrane potential will have a ________________.

negative charge and contain less sodium than outside of the cell

If a post synaptic neuron is stimulated to threshold by spatial summation this implies that ________________.

The postsynatpic cell has many synapses with many presynaptic neurons

The action potential changes the membrane from ________ mV (resting) to __________ mV and back again to the resting membrane potential.

-70, 30

This results from a change in membrane permeability first to ________ then to ________ due to the opening of what type of ion channels?

Na+, K+, voltage-gated channels

Where is the density of voltage-gated Na+ channels the greatest?

axon hillock

What areas of the neuron generate signals that open these voltage-gated channels?

the cell body and dendrites

If the membrane reaches the trigger point, known as _____________, what electrical potential will be generated?

threshold, action potential

During the depolarization phase, voltage-gated _______ channels open and ______ enters the cell.

Na+, Na+

What are the two processes that stop the potential from rising above +30 mV?

Inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels
Opening of voltage-gated K+ channls

The opening of voltage-gated K+ channels cause the membrane to ______________.

repolarize

Does K+ move into or out of the cell?

out of the cell

If the membrane potential becomes more negative than -70mV, this is called __________________.

hyperpolarization

This potential is caused by what characteristic of K+ permeability?

slow decline

After an action potential, the neuron cannot generate another action potential because _______ channels are inactive. This period is called the ___________________.

Na+, absolute refractory period

Conduction velocity along the axon is increased by what two characteristics?

the diameter of the axon (increased diameter)
how well the axon is insulated with myelin

Conduction along a myelinated axon is called __________________.

saltatory conduction

Name the disease whose symptoms include loss of vision and increasing muscle weakness.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

What does this disease destroy?

myelin sheath

How does this stop an action potential?

The myelin sheaths become hardened lesions (sclerosis). The loss of myelin shunts and short-circuits the current so that successive gaps are excited more and more slowly and eventually impulse conduction ceases.

Neurons communicate with other cells at junctions called __________________.

synapses

Neurons form synapses with _____________, _______________, and _______________.

muscles, glands and other neurons

Skeletal muscle is activated by neurons of the _____________________.

somatic nervous system

Cardiac muscle, smooth muscle and glands receive signals from neurons of the _____________________.

autonomic nervous system

A synapse between a somatic neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber is called a ___________________.

neuromuscular junction

When an action potential arrives at a neurotransmitter junction, it initiates a series of events which excite the underlying muscle fiber, causing it to _______________.

contract

At a chemical synapse, neuronal membranes are separated by a gap called the ___________________.

synaptic cleft

Electrical current cannot flow directly from one neuron to the other. A chemical, called a _______________, is released from the sending axon and carries the signal to the next neuron.

neurotransmitter

The neuron conducting an action potential toward the synapse is called the _______________.

presynaptic neuron

The axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron contains membranous sacs called ___________________ which are filled with ____________________.

synaptic vesicles, neurotransmitter

The gap separating the cells is called the ______________.

synaptic cleft

An action potential that reaches the axon terminal causes synaptic vesicles, to fuse with it, releasing ________________ into the ______________.

neurotransmitter, synaptic cleft

The neuron receiving the signal is called the postsynaptic neuron. When activated, receptors on the postsynaptic neuron open _________________.

ion channels

What channels in the presynaptic neuron open up in response to an action potential?

voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

The presence of what ion inside the cell causes the synaptic vesicles to fuse with the membrane?

Ca2+

What is the name for the channels stored in the synaptic vesicles?

neurotransmitters

What do these chemicals diffuse across?

the synaptic cleft

Where do these chemicals bind to receptors?

postsynaptic membrane

What type of gated channels do these chemicals open?

chemically-gated channels

Name two ways these chemicals can be removed from the synaptic cleft.

pumped into presynaptic terminal
broken down by enzymes

The response on the postsynaptic cell depends on two factors:

which neurotransmitter is involved
the specific receptor found on that cell

Autonomic nerves innervate what three things?

smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands

The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS is _______________.

glutamate

In which area of the neuron is an action potential initially generated?

axon hillcok

What change in a neuron is being measured in the graph?

the voltage measured across the axon membrane at a specific point as an action potential travels past.

At which point of the illustrated potential are the most gated Na+ channels open?

B

Which of the following circuit types is involved in the control of rhythmic activities such as the sleep-wake cycle, breathing, and certain motor activities (such as arm swinging when walking)?
converging circuits
reverberating circuits
diverging circuits

reverberating circuits

The period after an initial stimulus when a neuron is not sensitive to another stimulus is the _________________.

absolute refractory period

Saltatory conduction is made possible by ____________.

the myelin sheath

Which ion channel opens in response to a change in the membrane potential and participates in the generation and conduction of action potential?

voltage-gated channels

Immediately after an action potential has peaked, which cellular gates open?

potassium

The part of the neuron that conducts impulses away from its cell body is called a(n) ______________.

axon

Which structural classification describes this neuron?

multipolar

What is the structure of the extended fibers extending from the cell body?

dendrites

What areas of this neuron would be classified as receptive regions?

dendrites and cell body (soma)

Which of the following best characterizes depolarization?
small consecutive steps of Na+ exiting the cytoplasm into the extracellular fluid
mass movement of Na+ into the axon cytoplasm from the cell body to the terminal
small, consecutive steps of K+ ente

small consecutive steps of Na+ penetration into the axon along its length

Neurons __________________________.
flow through ion channels, depolarize membrane resting potential, and release vesicles.
bind at vesicle receptors and diffuse in vesicles across synapse, the vesicles bind at postsynatpic receptors.
are stored in vesicl

are stored in vesicles, diffuse across synapse, and bind at postsynaptic receptors.

When an action potential arrives at the end of the axon terminal, a series of events take place that result in the release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic axon. Select the answer that correctly describes the primary stimulus for vesicles to move

voltage-gated membrane channels open and Ca2+ enters the cytoplasm, increasing intracellular calcium

Which statement best describes astrocytes?
Sodium from the action potential fuses with the membrane vesicle and releases the neurotransmitter in the cytoplasm, which can then diffuse out to the extracellular fluid.
Membrane organelles fuse with the membra

Membrane organelles fuse with the membrane and release contents out of the cell.

What condition will increase the diffusion of molecules, such as neurotransmitter?
an increase in number of postsynaptic receptors
an increased viscosity of the fluid between neurons
an increase in the amount of neurotransmitter exocytized by the presynap

an increase in the amount of neurotransmitter exocytized by the presynaptic axon

If the membrane of a postsynaptic dendrite is setting up a graded potential, what must have happened after neurotransmitter was released by the presynaptic terminal? The neurotransmitter ____________________.
bound at postsynaptic receptors to initiate an

bound at postsynaptic receptors to open postsynaptic ion channels

Which of the following choices best represents synaptic transmission?
presynaptic axon to synapse to dendrite or postsynaptic cell body
presynaptic axon to presynaptic cell body to dendrite
presynaptic axon to synapse to postsynaptic axon
presynaptic cell

presynaptic axon to synapse to dendrite or postsynaptic cell body

Predict the possible effect of a drug that totally blocks the neurotransmitter receptor on the postsynaptic membrane. For example, curare is a neurotoxin used by several South American cultures. The primary effect of curare is that acetylcholine, a major

local graded potential and action potential transmission is blocked and there is no response by the postsynaptic cell, the muscle

synapse

where two neurons communicate with each other

Which letter indicated the primary visual cortex?

D

The groove indicated by C is the ____________.

central sulcus

What structure is indicated by B?

corpus callosum

Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of functional areas within the cerebral cortex?
sensory areas
visual areas
motor areas
association areas

visual areas

Parkinson's disease results from degeneration of the dopamine-releasing neurons of the _____________.

substantia nigra

Which meninx is a delicate connective tissue membrane that clings tightly to the brain like cellophane wrap following its every convolution?

pia mater

Which part of the brain is considered the "gateway" to the cerebral cortex?

thalamus

Which part of the brain stem houses the reflex centers for respiration and cardiovascular functioning?

medulla oblongata

Which part of the brain processes inputs received from the cerebral motor cortex, brain stem nuclei, and various sensory receptors, and then uses this information to coordinate somatic motor output so that smooth, well-timed movements occur?

cerebellum

Which of the following allows us to consciously control our skeletal muscles?
the somatic nervous system
the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
the afferent division of the nervous system
the sympathetic division of the autonomic ner

the somatic nervous system

Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system?
innveration of glands
innervation of skeletal muscle
innervation of cardiac muscle
innveration of smooth muscle of the digestive tract

innveration of skeletal muscle

The central sulcus separates which lobes?

frontal from parietal

The blood-brain barrier is effective against __________.

metabolic waste such as urea

Region A includes which of the following?
prefrontal cortex
primary somatosensory cortex
primary motor cortex
Broca's area

prefrontal cortex

The groove indicated by C is the _____________.

central sulcus

Which of the following is the best description of the function of region B?
Region B coordinates the movement of several muscle groups into complex tasks.
Region B contains neurons receiving somatosensory input from the thalamus.
Region B includes neurons

Region B includes neurons who axons carry motor commands from the cerebrum.

What is the designation of the area at D?

primary visual cortex

The cortical regions indicated by E are involved in what functions?
They are the control centers for homeostatic and endocrine functions.
the production and interpretation of language
the storage of motor patterns for skilled movements of skeletal muscles

the production and interpretation of language

The conductive region of the neuron where the action potential occurs is called _____________.

the axon

The specific region on the axon where an action potential is generated is called _____________.

the axon hillock

What support cells forms the myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells

The gaps between Schwann cells that are essential for the conduction of the action potential are called ______________.

nodes of Ranvier

Neurons can communicate with, or stimulate, which of the following?
neurons, muscles, and glands
only glands and other neurons
only other neurons
only neurons and muscles

neurons, muscles and glands

Signals from other neurons are received on what parts of the neuron?

dendrites and the cell body (soma)

If axon branches, these branches of the neuron are called __________________.

axon collaterals

What is the correct order of the path of information in a neuron from input to output?

dendrite, cell body (soma), axon

In myelination, what part of the Schwann cell becomes the insulation?

the cell membrane

The action potential is a transient change in the resting membrane potential from -70 mV to +30 mV, then back to -70 mV. This change is caused by the opening of first ___________ then ____________ voltage-gated channels.

Na+ then K+

What area(s) of the neuron generate signals that open the voltage-gated channels in the first part of the axon, thus causing an action potential?

dendrites and cell body

As the axon hillock depolarizes, voltage-gated Na+ channels open and Na+ moves (into or out of) ____________ the cell causing further (depolarization or repolarization) ________________.

into, depolarization

If depolarization reaches -55 mV, an action potential will be generated. What is this -55 mV trigger point called?

threshold

At the end of the depolarization phase, what voltage-gated channels open to help restore the resting membrane potential?

voltage-gated K+ channels

Repolarization is caused by the movement of what ion (sodium or potassium) in what direction (into or out of the cell)?

potassium, out of the cell

After an action potential, the membrane becomes more negative than -70 mV. This period is called ______________.

hyperpolarization

After a neuron has generated an action potential, it cannot generate another one for a while. This period is called __________________.

absolute refractory period

The fasting conduction of an action potential would occur in an axon with which of the following characteristics?
small diameter and unmyelinated
small diameter and myelinated
large diameter and unmyelinated
large diameter and myelinated

large diameter and myelinated

What is the name of the disease in which the myelin sheaths of central nervous system axons are destroyed?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The somatic nervous system stimulates what type of muscles?

skeletal

Will signals from the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) cause heart rate to increase or decrease?

increase

Will signals from the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) cause smooth muscles in the small intestine to increase or decrease contractions?

increase

If a neuron synapses with the dendrite of another neuron and excites it, this will lead to an ______________ on the second neuron.

action potential

Synapses between axon terminals of one neuron and the cell body of another neuron are called ______________.

axosomatic synapses

The type of synapse that regulates the amount of chemical transmitter that is released is called an ______________.

axoaxonic synapse

In an electrical synapse, when current flows from one neuron to another through gap junctions, this synapse is always _________________.

excitatory

Which of these choices is the fastest synapse?
chemical
electrical

electrical

In chemical synapses, one neuron excites another neuron by _____________________.

releasing a transmitter

What causes the neurotransmitter to be released at a chemical synapse?

an action potential in the presynaptic neuron

What structures in the cell membrane function as ion channels?

integral proteins

Passive sodium channels in the cell membrane will allow sodium to move ____________.

into the cell

Another name for passive channels is ____________.

leakage channels

What is the resting membrane potential of a typical neuron?

-70 mV

What ions pass into the cell when acetylcholine binds to its chemically gated channel?

sodium

Chemically gated channels are located mainly on what parts of the neuron?

dendrites and cell body (soma)

Which channels are responsible for the action potential?

voltage-gated channels

Which of the following statements about voltage-gated sodium channels is correct?
Only K+ can pass through these channels.
They are sensitive to changes in membrane potential.
They are essential for producing the resting membrane potential.
They are found

They are sensitive to changes in membrane potential.

What channel allows chloride to enter the cell?

chemically gated GABA channels

The Japanese puffer fish contains a deadly toxin (tetrodotoxin) that can lead to death due to which of the following reason?
This toxin causes changes in the resting membrane potential.
This toxin stop synaptic potentials.
This toxin stops action potentia

This toxin stops action potentials.

Excitable cells are most permeable to which of the following cations?
potassium
sodium

potassium

What is the major cation inside the cell?

potassium

Which of the following would increase membrane permeability to K+?
opening of voltage-gated K+ channels
closing of voltage-gated K+ channels
a decrease in the number of passive K+ channels

opening of voltage-gated K+ channels

In a cell selectively permeable only to K+, what force will push K+ out of the cell?

concentration gradient

As more and more K+ ions leave the cell, what force will tend to pull K+ ions back into the cell?

electrical gradient

When the electrical and chemical gradients for K+ are equal, what will happen to the net movement of K+?

There will be no net movement of K+ across the membrane.

The inside of an excitable cell is negative compared with the outside. What gradient(s) would tend to move Na+ into the cell?

the concentration gradient and electrical gradient

Because the neuron is permeable to Na+ as well as K+, the resting membrane potential is ___________ mV.

-70

At a resting membrane potential of -70 mV, K+ tends to leak out of the cell and Na+ tends to leak into the cell. The Na+/K+ pump stops this leakage. How many sodium and potassium ions are moved, and in what direction do they move (in or out)?

3 Na+ out, 2 K+ in

What would happen to the resting membrane potential of a neuron if the extracellular concentration of K+ decreased (from 5 to 2.5 mM/L)?

The membrane potential would become more negative.