Multiple Choice
2.1 Neural Communication
1. All of the following are involved with synaptic transmission at chemical synapses except:
a. postsynaptic neurons.
b. presynaptic neurons.
c. gap junctions.
d. neurotransmitters.
Answer: c
2. Chemical messages released at synapses lead to different types of responses in
postsynaptic neurons. Which type of response changes the patterns of growth,
connectivity, or signaling for the post-synaptic neuron?
a. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials
b. Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials
c. Neuromodulation
d. None of the above
Answer: c
3. Which is a brief electrical change in the postsynaptic neuron that excites the neuron and
pushes it towards threshold?
a. EPSP
b. IPSP
c. Action potential
d. Resting potential
Answer: a
4. Which event occurs last in the process of chemical synaptic transmission?
a. Released neurotransmitter is broken down or removed from the cleft
b. The presynaptic neuron stores transmitter in vesicles
c. The released neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors
d. An action potential arrives at the presynaptic terminal leading to release of
neurotransmitter
Answer: a
5. All of the following are involved with synaptic transmission at electrical synapses except:
a. gap junctions.
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Updated October 2024
, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience Instructor Answer Guide
b. synaptic vesicles.
c. presynaptic neurons.
d. postsynaptic neurons.
Answer: b
2.2 Neural Circuits
6. Imagine a sensory neuron that does not fire unless stimulated. With light touch the
neuron generates an action potential. What would happen with strong touch?
a. Action potentials would occur more frequently
b. Action potentials would not occur
c. There would be no change in the frequency of action potentials, but the magnitude
of each spike would increase
d. Action potential frequency and magnitude would increase
Answer: a
7. If neural networks use parallel processing it means that:
a. they display rhythmic or cyclical activity.
b. information spreads along multiple pathways at the same time.
c. they are highly efficient.
d. a neuron influences the activity it will later receive.
Answer: b
8. Which subfield of neuroscience is involved with developing mathematical models of
neurons and neural networks?
a. Cognitive neuroscience
b. Systems neuroscience
c. Computational neuroscience
d. Cellular and molecular neuroscience
Answer: c
9. Researchers have developed devices that have the potential to replace or repair a part of
the nervous system using a computer model that can simulate the processing in that brain
region. This is an example of:
a. neurofeedback.
b. optogenetics.
c. deep brain stimulation.
d. a neural prosthetic.
Answer: d
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2.1 Neural Communication
1. All of the following are involved with synaptic transmission at chemical synapses except:
a. postsynaptic neurons.
b. presynaptic neurons.
c. gap junctions.
d. neurotransmitters.
Answer: c
2. Chemical messages released at synapses lead to different types of responses in
postsynaptic neurons. Which type of response changes the patterns of growth,
connectivity, or signaling for the post-synaptic neuron?
a. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials
b. Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials
c. Neuromodulation
d. None of the above
Answer: c
3. Which is a brief electrical change in the postsynaptic neuron that excites the neuron and
pushes it towards threshold?
a. EPSP
b. IPSP
c. Action potential
d. Resting potential
Answer: a
4. Which event occurs last in the process of chemical synaptic transmission?
a. Released neurotransmitter is broken down or removed from the cleft
b. The presynaptic neuron stores transmitter in vesicles
c. The released neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors
d. An action potential arrives at the presynaptic terminal leading to release of
neurotransmitter
Answer: a
5. All of the following are involved with synaptic transmission at electrical synapses except:
a. gap junctions.
1
Updated October 2024
, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience Instructor Answer Guide
b. synaptic vesicles.
c. presynaptic neurons.
d. postsynaptic neurons.
Answer: b
2.2 Neural Circuits
6. Imagine a sensory neuron that does not fire unless stimulated. With light touch the
neuron generates an action potential. What would happen with strong touch?
a. Action potentials would occur more frequently
b. Action potentials would not occur
c. There would be no change in the frequency of action potentials, but the magnitude
of each spike would increase
d. Action potential frequency and magnitude would increase
Answer: a
7. If neural networks use parallel processing it means that:
a. they display rhythmic or cyclical activity.
b. information spreads along multiple pathways at the same time.
c. they are highly efficient.
d. a neuron influences the activity it will later receive.
Answer: b
8. Which subfield of neuroscience is involved with developing mathematical models of
neurons and neural networks?
a. Cognitive neuroscience
b. Systems neuroscience
c. Computational neuroscience
d. Cellular and molecular neuroscience
Answer: c
9. Researchers have developed devices that have the potential to replace or repair a part of
the nervous system using a computer model that can simulate the processing in that brain
region. This is an example of:
a. neurofeedback.
b. optogenetics.
c. deep brain stimulation.
d. a neural prosthetic.
Answer: d
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