Neurophysiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology

Sample item

What happens at a chemical synapse when calcium enters the presynaptic terminal?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Neurotransmitter release

Presynaptic calcium influx triggers fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

Option by option

  • A. Sodium pump stops

    The sodium-potassium pump continues to maintain ionic gradients.

  • B. Myelin formation

    Myelin formation is performed by glial cells over much longer time frames.

  • C. Neurotransmitter release (correct)

    Correct: calcium entry initiates vesicular neurotransmitter release.

  • D. DNA replication

    DNA replication is unrelated to rapid synaptic transmission.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Neurotransmitter release. Presynaptic calcium influx triggers fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

Why is "Sodium pump stops" not the answer?

The sodium-potassium pump continues to maintain ionic gradients.

Why is "Myelin formation" not the answer?

Myelin formation is performed by glial cells over much longer time frames.

Why is "DNA replication" not the answer?

DNA replication is unrelated to rapid synaptic transmission.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: calcium entry initiates vesicular neurotransmitter release.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.