Week 3 Lab Quiz (Nervous System and Neuron Physiology)

What does a change in vertical deflection on a membrane potential graph most directly represent?

Change in electrical voltage across the membrane

Increasing extracellular potassium concentration will most likely result in which effect?

Depolarization of the cell

Why is the resting membrane potential typically negative inside the cell?

Unequal distribution of ions across the membrane

Leak channels are best described as

Always open pathways for ion movement

Where are action potentials typically initiated in a neuron?

Axon hillock

Which type of channels is primarily responsible for producing graded potentials?

Ligand-gated channels

A membrane potential of -70 mV indicates that

The inside of the cell is negative relative to the outside

What is the main purpose of Ringer’s solution in a physiology experiment?

To simulate blood plasma and maintain cell viability

Which statement best describes graded potentials?

Small, variable changes in membrane voltage

If potassium has a stronger effect on membrane potential than sodium, this suggests

Potassium ions move more easily across the membrane

What happens when ligand-gated channels open?

Ions move across the membrane causing a graded potential

The main role of dendrites is to

Receive incoming signals from other neurons