NEET Biology: Generation and conduction of nerve impulse Practice Questions
15 free multiple-choice questions on Generation and conduction of nerve impulse (Neural Control and Coordination) for NEET Biology, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. What is the primary role of the myelin sheath in nerve impulse conduction?
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Correct answer: A — To speed up the transmission of the impulse
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, allowing the nerve impulse to jump between the Nodes of Ranvier, thus greatly increasing the speed of conduction (saltatory conduction).
Q2. The resting membrane potential of a neuron is maintained primarily by the differential concentration of which ions across the cell membrane?
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Correct answer: A — Potassium and Sodium
The resting potential is mainly established by the high concentration of Potassium ions (K+) inside the cell and the high concentration of Sodium ions (Na+) outside the cell, driven by the Na+/K+ pump.
Q3. During nerve impulse conduction, the impulse travels along the axon in a direction that is typically from which end to which end?
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Correct answer: B — Axon to Axon
The nerve impulse is generated at the cell body (soma) and conducted along the axon toward the terminal end (axon terminal) for signal transmission.
Q4. The division of the nervous system into Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is based on the location of the nervous tissue. Which structure primarily constitutes the CNS?
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Correct answer: A — Brain and spinal cord
The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord, which are the main components of the central nervous system.
Q5. What is the primary ion responsible for generating the action potential in a neuron membrane?
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Correct answer: D — Sodium (Na+)
The rapid depolarization phase of the action potential is primarily caused by the influx of Sodium ions (Na+) through voltage-gated channels.
Q6. The process of generation of an action potential in a neuron is primarily dependent on the differential movement of which ions across the neuronal membrane?
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Correct answer: A — Sodium and Potassium
The generation of an action potential relies on the rapid change in the permeability of the membrane to sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions, which are crucial for depolarization and repolarization.
Q7. Which component of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?
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Correct answer: B — Dendrite
Dendrites are the branched extensions of the neuron that receive electrical signals from other neurons.
Q8. The insulating layer surrounding a myelinated axon primarily functions to increase the speed of nerve impulse conduction. What is this insulating layer called?
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Correct answer: D — Myelin sheath
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, allowing the impulse to jump between Nodes of Ranvier, thus increasing conduction speed.
Q9. The signal transmission between two neurons occurs across a specialized gap. What is this gap known as?
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Correct answer: B — Synaptic cleft
The synaptic cleft is the microscopic space separating the axon terminal of one neuron from the dendrite of the next neuron, where chemical transmission occurs.
Q10. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication across the synapse. What is the primary function of neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft?
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Correct answer: C — To bind to receptors on the receiving cell
Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, thereby transmitting the signal from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic cell.
Q11. The process by which a neuron generates an electrical impulse in response to a stimulus is fundamentally an example of which type of biological process?
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Correct answer: A — Generation
The process of creating the electrical impulse (action potential) in response to a stimulus is the process of impulse generation.
Q12. Which of the following structural features is primarily responsible for increasing the speed of nerve impulse conduction in myelinated axons?
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Correct answer: D — Myelin sheath
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, forcing the nerve impulse (action potential) to jump between the unmyelinated gaps (Nodes of Ranvier). This saltatory conduction mechanism significantly increases the speed of impulse transmission compared to unmyelinated axons.
Q13. In a reflex arc, the sensory neuron transmits the impulse towards the spinal cord. Which structure links the sensory neuron to the motor neuron in the reflex pathway?
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Correct answer: C — Interneuron
The interneuron (or reflex arc neuron) connects the sensory neuron to the motor neuron within the spinal cord, facilitating the reflex response.
Q14. The transmission of an electrical signal along an axon is generally faster in myelinated fibers than in unmyelinated fibers because of the presence of:
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Correct answer: A — Myelin sheath
The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, allowing the impulse to jump between the Nodes of Ranvier, significantly increasing the conduction speed (saltatory conduction).
Q15. Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?
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Correct answer: C — Dendrite
Dendrites are the branched extensions of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body.
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