AP Psychology : Neurons and Action Potentials

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1342 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is not part of a neuron?

Possible Answers:

Glia 

Dendrite

Cell body

Myelin sheath

Axon

Correct answer:

Glia 

Explanation:

Glia, also known as glial cells, are non-neuronal cells that provide support and protection for neurons located in the central nervous system. Neurons are made up of dendrites, axons, and a cell body (which is covered by the myelin sheath).

Example Question #51 : Neurons And Action Potentials

What is a refractory period?

Possible Answers:

A period when a neuron is unable to fire due to a lack of internal stimulation.

A period when a neuron fires hydrogen and carbon ions into the nearest glial cell.

A period when light is refracted onto the neuron's surface.

A period when a neuron requires less stimulation to fire at an intense level.

A period immediately after a neuronal firing during which no additional neuronal firings can be completed.

Correct answer:

A period immediately after a neuronal firing during which no additional neuronal firings can be completed.

Explanation:

The refractory period can be thought of as the recovery time that a neuron needs between action potentials. During this period, no additional neurotransmitters can be fired. Most refractory periods are quite short, lasting less than a single second.

Example Question #52 : Neurons And Action Potentials

What is the myelin sheath's function?

Possible Answers:

Increase the speed of neural impulses

Receive neural impulses from axons

Absorb beneficial elements from other surrounding neurons

Maintain an appropriate level of chlorophyll in the cell

Protect glial cells from foreign particles

Correct answer:

Increase the speed of neural impulses

Explanation:

The myelin sheath is a layer of fatty tissue that encases the fibers of most neurons. The myelin sheath enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses as the impulse hops from one node to the next.

Example Question #53 : Neurons And Action Potentials

The sodium potassium pump plays an integral role in neuronal transmission by bringing sodium _______________ cell and potassium ________________ the cell.

Possible Answers:

out of . . . out of

into . . . into

into . . . out of

out of . . . into

None of these

Correct answer:

out of . . . into

Explanation:

The sodium potassium pump moves sodium and potassium against their concentration gradient. The pump moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell. This pump requires ATP (cellular energy) since it is pumping ions against their gradient.

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