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Vanders Human Physiology The

Mechanisms of Body Function 15th


Edition Widmaier Test Bank
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Vander's Human Physiology, 15e (Widmaier)
Chapter 6 Neuronal Signaling and the Structure of the Nervous System

1) You are studying a cross-sectional tissue slice of a nerve using a transmission electron
microscope. You find an area where there appears to be a small amount of cytoplasm
surrounded by about 100 layers of stacked cell membranes. You conclude that you have found
A) a neuron cell body.
B) a synapse.
C) an unmyelinated axon.
D) a myelinated axon.

Answer: D
Section: 06.01; 06.07
Topic: Microscopic anatomy of glial cells; Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.03b Describe functions for each of the glial cells found in the CNS.;
H03.03c Explain how the anatomy of each CNS glial cell supports its function.; H03.04b
Describe functions for each type of glial cell found in the PNS.; H03.04c Explain how the
anatomy of each PNS glial cell supports its function.; H04.13b Explain how axon diameter and
myelination affect impulse conduction velocity.

2) Which of the following is NOT true about axon transport?


A) It refers to the passage of materials from the cell body of a neuron to the axon terminals.
B) It refers to the passage of materials from axon terminals to the cell body of a neuron.
C) It refers to the transport of materials from the inside to the outside across the axonal
membrane.
D) It is especially important for maintaining the integrity of neurons with long axons.

Answer: C
Section: 06.01
Topic: Microscopic anatomy of neurons
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02b Identify soma (cell body), axon, and dendrites in each of the three
structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar).; H03.02c State which parts of each
of the three structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information,
which parts integrate information, and which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.

1
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
3) Some viruses can hide from the immune system by retrograde transport from axonal terminals
in the skin to the cell body of a neuron. Which of the following might be an effective
preventative therapy?
A) A kinesin inhibitor
B) A dynein inhibitor
C) Actin polymerization inhibitor
D) Myosin inhibitor
E) None of these would prevent this type of infection

Answer: B
Section: 06.01
Topic: Microscopic anatomy of neurons
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02b Identify soma (cell body), axon, and dendrites in each of the three
structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar).; H03.02c State which parts of each
of the three structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information,
which parts integrate information, and which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.

4) Which is FALSE about neurons?


A) A given neuron can be either a presynaptic neuron or a postsynaptic neuron.
B) An individual neuron can receive information from multiple other neurons.
C) An individual neuron can transmit information to multiple other neurons.
D) A neuron can simultaneously release more than one type of neurotransmitter.
E) A neuron receives information on its axons and delivers it to other neurons through its
dendrites.

Answer: E
Section: 06.01; 06.02; 06.08
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system; Neurotransmitters and
their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02c State which parts of each of the three structural types of neurons
(unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information, which parts integrate information, and
which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.; H05.01 Identify the presynaptic and
postsynaptic cells at a synapse.

2
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
5) Which of the following is NOT true of glial cells?
A) They form the myelin for axons.
B) They are outnumbered 10 to 1 by neurons in the nervous system.
C) They deliver fuel molecules to neurons and remove the waste products of metabolism.
D) They are important for the growth and development of the nervous system.
E) They regulate the composition of the extracellular fluid in the CNS.

Answer: B
Section: 06.03
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system; Microscopic anatomy of
glial cells
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.
HAPS Outcome: H03.03b Describe functions for each of the glial cells found in the CNS.;
H03.04b Describe functions for each type of glial cell found in the PNS.

6) The difference in electrical charge between two points


A) is called the potential difference between those points.
B) is called the diffusion potential between those points.
C) is called the current, and is expressed in the units of millimoles.
D) is the same for all ions.

Answer: A
Section: 06.05
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.

3
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
7) According to the equation expressed as Ohm's law, which of these would cause the greatest
increase in current?
A) Doubling both voltage and resistance
B) Reducing both voltage and resistance by half
C) Doubling voltage and reducing resistance by half
D) Reducing voltage by half and doubling resistance
E) Quadrupling both voltage and resistance

Answer: C
Section: 06.05
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.

8) Compartments A and B are separated by a membrane that is permeable to K+ but not to Na+
or Cl-. At time zero, a solution of KCl is poured into compartment A and an equally concentrated
solution of NaCl is poured into compartment B. Which would be true once equilibrium is
reached?
A) The concentration of Na+ in A will be higher than it was at time zero.
B) Diffusion of K+ from A to B will be greater than the diffusion of K+ from B to A.
C) There will be a potential difference across the membrane, with side B negative relative to side
A.
D) The electrical potential difference and diffusion potential due to the concentration gradient for
K+ will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
E) The concentration of Cl- will be higher in B than it was at time zero.

Answer: D
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.

4
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
9) Which is TRUE about the resting membrane potential?
A) It requires very few ions to be distributed unevenly.
B) It has the same value in all cells.
C) It is oriented so that the cell's interior is positive with respect to the extracellular fluid.
D) Only nerve and muscle cells have a potential difference across the membrane at rest.
E) It is not altered by changing concentration gradients of permeating ions.

Answer: A
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06b Explain how passive ion channels cause development of the resting
membrane potential in neurons.

10) Which is TRUE about typical, resting neurons?


A) The plasma membrane is most permeable to sodium ions.
B) The concentration of sodium ion is greater inside the cell than outside.
C) The permeability of the plasma membrane to potassium ions is much greater than its
permeability to sodium ions.
D) The plasma membrane is completely impermeable to sodium ions.
E) The plasma membrane is completely impermeable to potassium ions.

Answer: C
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module Q03 Chemical
composition of the major compartment fluids.
HAPS Outcome: H04.01 Define permeability.; H04.03 Contrast the relative concentrations of
sodium, potassium and chloride ions inside and outside of a cell.; Q03.02 Compare and contrast
the relative concentrations of major electrolytes in intracellular and extracellular fluids.

5
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
11) The membrane potential of most neurons at rest is
A) equal to the equilibrium potential for potassium.
B) equal to the equilibrium potential for sodium.
C) slightly more negative than the equilibrium potential of potassium ion.
D) more positive than the equilibrium potential for potassium.
E) more positive than the equilibrium potential for sodium.

Answer: D
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.03 Contrast the relative concentrations of sodium, potassium and
chloride ions inside and outside of a cell.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.; H04.06b
Explain how passive ion channels cause development of the resting membrane potential in
neurons.

12) Which of the following is TRUE about the concentration gradient of Na+ in a neuron at rest?
A) It favors its movement into the cell at the resting membrane potential.
B) It favors its movement out of the cell at the resting membrane potential.
C) It is equal and opposite to the electrical potential acting on Na+ at the resting membrane
potential.
D) It is in the same direction as the diffusion potential due to the concentration gradient for K+.
E) It favors movement of Na+ in the opposite direction as the electrical potential acting on Na+ at
the resting membrane potential.

Answer: A
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module Q03 Chemical
composition of the major compartment fluids.
HAPS Outcome: H04.03 Contrast the relative concentrations of sodium, potassium and
chloride ions inside and outside of a cell.; H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient
and an electrical potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.; Q03.02 Compare and
contrast the relative concentrations of major electrolytes in intracellular and extracellular fluids.

6
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
13) If there was an increased concentration of K+ outside of the neuron, which would be TRUE?
A) Neurons would spontaneously depolarize.
B) Neurons would spontaneously hyperpolarize.
C) The potassium equilibrium potential of nerve cells would become more negative.
D) The sodium equilibrium potential would become less positive.
E) During an action potential, the neuron would repolarize slowly or stay depolarized.

Answer: E
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.; H04.06b Explain how passive ion channels
cause development of the resting membrane potential in neurons.

14) Which is TRUE about the Na+, K+ ATPase pump in neurons?


A) It generates a small electrical potential such that the inside is made negative with respect to
the outside.
B) It maintains a concentration gradient for K+ such that diffusion forces favor movement of K+
into the cell.
C) It maintains an electrical gradient at the equilibrium potential of K+.
D) It transports equal numbers of sodium and potassium ions with each pump cycle.
E) It pumps 3 Na+ ions into the cell for every 2 K+ ions it pumps out.

Answer: A
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module Q03 Chemical
composition of the major compartment fluids.
HAPS Outcome: H04.03 Contrast the relative concentrations of sodium, potassium and
chloride ions inside and outside of a cell.; H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient
and an electrical potential.; H04.08 Describe the role of the sodium-potassium exchange pump in
maintaining the resting membrane potential and making continued action potentials possible.;
Q03.02 Compare and contrast the relative concentrations of major electrolytes in intracellular
and extracellular fluids.

7
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
15) Which of these would occur if the concentration of ATP were depleted in a typical nerve
cell?
A) Resting membrane potential would become more negative.
B) Resting membrane potential would become less negative.
C) The concentration gradient for Na+ would remain the same.
D) The resting membrane potential would eventually become positive inside with respect to
outside.
E) There would be no change in the resting membrane potential.

Answer: B
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.08 Describe the role of the sodium-potassium exchange pump in
maintaining the resting membrane potential and making continued action potentials possible.

16) Which is FALSE about the equilibrium potential of a given ion across a membrane?
A) It is a function of the concentration of that ion on both sides of the membrane.
B) It is the potential at which there is no net movement of that ion across the membrane.
C) It is the potential difference across the membrane at which an electric force favoring
movement of the ion in one direction is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the
diffusion force provided by the concentration difference of the ion across the membrane.
D) A permeable ion will move in the direction that will tend to bring the membrane potential
toward that ion's equilibrium potential.
E) An anion that is in higher concentration inside the cell than outside the cell will have a
negative equilibrium potential.

Answer: E
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.

8
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
17) Two neighboring neurons are at rest. Neuron A has a resting membrane potential of -80mV,
Neuron B has a resting membrane potential of -70mV. Which is likely to be TRUE?
A) Neuron A has more K+ channels open than Neuron B.
B) Neuron B has more K+ channels open than Neuron A.
C) Neuron A has more Na+ channels open than Neuron B.
D) Neuron B has more Na+ channels open than Neuron A.
E) None of the answer choices are correct.

Answer: A
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient and an electrical
potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.; H04.06b Explain how passive ion channels
cause development of the resting membrane potential in neurons.

18) Which of the following statements concerning the permeability of a typical neuron
membrane at rest is TRUE?
A) The permeability to Na+ is much greater than the permeability to K+.
B) All of the K+ channels in the membrane are open.
C) The voltage-gated Na+ channels are in the inactivated state.
D) Most of the voltage-gated Na+ channels are in the closed state.
E) There is equal permeability to Na+ and K+.

Answer: D
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.01 Define permeability.; H04.02 Explain how ion channels affect neuron
selective permeability.; H04.06b Explain how passive ion channels cause development of the
resting membrane potential in neurons.; H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that
are essential for development of the action potential.

9
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
19) Which is NOT an example of a graded potential?
A) A receptor potential in a sensory receptor cell
B) A depolarizing excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)
C) A hyperpolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
D) A depolarizing pacemaker potential
E) A depolarizing action potential

Answer: E
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.; Module
H06 Sensory receptors and their roles.
HAPS Outcome: H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and inhibitory
postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an
EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.;
H06.03 Explain the generator potential that occurs when receptors for general senses are
stimulated.

20) An action potential in a neuronal membrane differs from a graded potential in that
A) an action potential requires the opening of Ca2+ channels, whereas a graded potential does
not.
B) an action potential is propagated without decrement, whereas a graded potential decrements
with distance.
C) an action potential has a threshold, whereas a graded potential is an all-or-none phenomenon.
D) movement of Na+ and K+ across cell membranes mediate action potentials, while graded
potentials do not involve movement of Na+ and K+.
E) action potentials vary in size with the size of a stimulus, while graded potentials do not.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback in
generation of the action potential.; H04.13a Describe how local circuit currents cause impulse
conduction in an unmyelinated axon.; H04.13c Describe saltatory conduction.; H05.10 Explain
how movement of sodium ions alone, or movement of both sodium and potassium ions, across
the postsynaptic cell membrane can excite a neuron.; H05.11 Explain how movement of
potassium or chloride ions across the postsynaptic cell membrane can inhibit a neuron.; H05.12
Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

10
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
21) A threshold stimulus applied to an excitable membrane is one that is just sufficient to
A) trigger an excitatory postsynaptic potential.
B) cause a change in membrane potential.
C) trigger an action potential.
D) be conducted to the axon hillock.
E) depolarize a dendrite.

Answer: C
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.09 Define threshold.; H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential
(EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs.
time relationship of an EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials
with action potentials.

22) Using a micropipette, a neuroscientist injects an axon with enough Na+ ions to move the
membrane potential +25mV (from resting). What happens next?
A) The membrane potential will be at the Na+ equilibrium potential.
B) Voltage-gated Na+ will be triggered to open.
C) The neuron membrane will be hyperpolarized.
D) Na+ channels will all be inactivated.
E) None of the answer choices are correct.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that are essential for
development of the action potential.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for
an action potential to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.12a Define absolute and
relative refractory periods.; H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and
inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an EPSP and an IPSP.

11
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
23) Which describes the response of the voltage-gated channels when an axon is stimulated to
threshold?
A) K+ channels open before the Na+ channels.
B) Na+ channels are activated and then inactivated.
C) K+ channels open at the same time as the Na+ channels.
D) K+ channels are opened when Na+ binds to the channel.
E) K+ influx causes Na+ channels to inactivate.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that are essential for
development of the action potential.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for
an action potential to be generated.

24) During the rising (depolarizing) phase of a neuronal action potential,


A) PK+ becomes much greater than PNa+.
B) PNa+ becomes much greater than PK+.
C) PK+ is the same as PNa+.
D) Na+ efflux (flow out of the cell) occurs.
E) K+ flows rapidly into the cell.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.01 Define permeability.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that
must occur for an action potential to be generated.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback
in generation of the action potential.; H04.11 Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an action potential, and relate the terms depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize
to the events of an action potential.

12
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
25) Procaine (Novocain) is a drug that blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels. When present, what
would happen in a neuron?
A) Graded potentials are possible, but the neuron will not have the depolarizing phase of the
action potential.
B) Neither graded potentials nor action potentials will occur.
C) Graded potentials are possible and the neuron will have the depolarizing phase of the action
potential, but will be unable to repolarize.
D) No phase of the action potential will be affected.

Answer: A
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback in generation of the action
potential.; H04.11 Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an action
potential, and relate the terms depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize to the events of an action
potential.

26) Which is TRUE about neuronal membrane electrical and concentration gradients at the peak
of the action potential?
A) The electrical gradient is in a direction that would tend to move K+ out of the cell.
B) The concentration gradient for K+ is in a direction that would tend to move it into the cell.
C) The concentration gradient for K+ greatly increases compared to at rest.
D) The concentration gradient for Na+ is in a direction that would tend to move it out of the cell.
E) The electrical gradient for Na+ is in a direction that would tend to move it into the cell.

Answer: A
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module Q03 Chemical
composition of the major compartment fluids.
HAPS Outcome: H04.03 Contrast the relative concentrations of sodium, potassium and
chloride ions inside and outside of a cell.; H04.04 Differentiate between a concentration gradient
and an electrical potential.; H04.05 Define electrochemical gradient.; H04.07 Discuss the
sequence of events that must occur for an action potential to be generated.; H04.11 Interpret a
graph showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an action potential, and relate the terms
depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize to the events of an action potential.; Q03.02 Compare
and contrast the relative concentrations of major electrolytes in intracellular and extracellular
fluids.

13
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
27) Which is most directly responsible for the falling (repolarizing) phase of the action potential?
A) Voltage-gated Na+ channels are opened.
B) The Na+, K+ pump restores the ions to their original locations inside and outside of the cell.
C) The permeability to Na+ increases greatly.
D) ATPase destroys the energy supply that was maintaining the action potential at its peak.
E) The permeability to K+ increases greatly while that to Na+ decreases.

Answer: E
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.01 Define permeability.; H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion
channels that are essential for development of the action potential.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence
of events that must occur for an action potential to be generated.; H04.08 Describe the role of the
sodium-potassium exchange pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential and making
continued action potentials possible.; H04.11 Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an action potential, and relate the terms depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize
to the events of an action potential.

28) Two stimuli occur on the same neuron more than a minute apart. The second stimulus is
more than ten times greater than the first. If we compare the two resulting action potentials,
which is TRUE?
A) The second stimulus will lead to an action potential with higher amplitude.
B) The second stimulus will lead to an action potential with a longer duration.
C) The second stimulus will lead to an action potential with a longer hyperpolarization at the
end.
D) The amplitude of the two action potentials will be the same.
E) The amplitude and duration of the second action potential will be greater than the first.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback in
generation of the action potential.; H04.11 Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an action potential, and relate the terms depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize
to the events of an action potential.; H04.12a Define absolute and relative refractory periods.;
H04.13b Explain how axon diameter and myelination affect impulse conduction velocity.;
H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

14
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
29) Which of the following statements about the refractory period of a membrane is TRUE?
A) The absolute refractory period refers to the period of time during which another action
potential cannot be initiated in that part of the membrane that is undergoing an action potential,
no matter how great the strength of the stimulus.
B) The relative refractory period refers to the period of time during which another action
potential can be initiated in that part of the membrane that has just undergone an action potential
if a stronger than normal stimulus is applied.
C) The refractory period prevents the action potential from spreading back over the part of the
membrane that just underwent an action potential.
D) The refractory period places an upper limit on the frequency with which a nerve cell can
conduct action potentials.
E) All of the answer choices are correct.

Answer: E
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.12a Define absolute and relative refractory periods.; H04.12c Discuss the
consequence of a neuron having an absolute refractory period.

30) The relative refractory period of an axon coincides with the period of
A) activation and inactivation of voltage-dependent Na+ channels.
B) Na+ permeability that is greater than that during the depolarization phase.
C) increased K+ flux into the cell.
D) increased K+ permeability of the cell.
E) Increased Na+ flux through K+ channels.

Answer: D
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.12b Explain the physiological basis of the absolute and relative
refractory periods.

15
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
31) Neuronal axons typically have abundant
A) voltage-gated channels for Na+ that open in response to depolarization.
B) voltage-gated channels for K+ that open in response to hyperpolarization.
C) ligand-gated channels for Na+.
D) ligand-gated channels for K+.
E) voltage-gated channels for Ca2+.

Answer: A
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02c State which parts of each of the three structural types of neurons
(unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information, which parts integrate information, and
which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.; H04.06c Differentiate between voltage-
gated and chemically-gated ion channels.; H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that
are essential for development of the action potential.

32) Which of the following statements regarding action potentials generated in a neuronal
membrane is FALSE?
A) Action potentials travel in both directions along the axon.
B) An action potential generates a new action potential in an adjacent area of membrane.
C) An action potential generates a local current that depolarizes adjacent membrane to threshold
potential.
D) Action potentials are usually initiated at the axon hillock of a neuron.
E) An action potential generated by a threshold stimulus is the same size as one generated by a
supra-threshold stimulus.

Answer: A
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02c State which parts of each of the three structural types of neurons
(unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information, which parts integrate information, and
which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that
must occur for an action potential to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss
the role of positive feedback in generation of the action potential.; H04.13a Describe how local
circuit currents cause impulse conduction in an unmyelinated axon.; H04.13c Describe saltatory
conduction.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

16
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
33) Which of the following statements concerning the properties of action potentials is TRUE?
A) The rate of propagation of an action potential down an axon is independent of stimulus
strength.
B) Action potentials can undergo summation.
C) A supra-threshold stimulus can stimulate an action potential during the absolute refractory
period.
D) Action potentials generally propagate from the axon terminal toward the axon hillock.
E) Increasing the size of a stimulus will increase the amplitude of an action potential.

Answer: A
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02c State which parts of each of the three structural types of neurons
(unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information, which parts integrate information, and
which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that
must occur for an action potential to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss
the role of positive feedback in generation of the action potential.; H04.12a Define absolute and
relative refractory periods.; H04.12c Discuss the consequence of a neuron having an absolute
refractory period.; H04.13b Explain how axon diameter and myelination affect impulse
conduction velocity.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

34) How is the strength of a stimulus encoded by neurons?


A) By the size of action potentials
B) By the frequency of action potentials
C) By the duration of action potentials
D) By whether the action potential peak is positive or negative

Answer: B
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback in
generation of the action potential.; H04.11 Interpret a graph showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an action potential, and relate the terms depolarize, repolarize, and hyperpolarize
to the events of an action potential.; H04.12c Discuss the consequence of a neuron having an
absolute refractory period.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action
potentials.

17
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
35) Visual signals travel on myelinated axons. While most pain signals travel on unmyelinated
axons. If you get a paper cut, will you see the cut happen or feel the pain first?
A) Both sensations will occur at the same time.
B) You will feel the pain sensation before the visual sensation.
C) You will experience the visual sensation before the pain sensation.
D) It depends on the magnitude of the pain sensation, it may reach the brain first or second.

Answer: C
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.13b Explain how axon diameter and myelination affect impulse
conduction velocity.

36) An action potential does not re-stimulate the adjacent membrane that was previously
depolarized because
A) stimulation is inhibited by the myelin sheath.
B) it is impossible for an action potential to be propagated along an axon toward the nerve cell
body.
C) the resting membrane potential of the axon is too positive.
D) the resting membrane potential of the axon is too negative.
E) that area of the membrane is in the absolutely refractory period.

Answer: E
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.12a Define absolute and relative refractory periods.; H04.12b Explain the
physiological basis of the absolute and relative refractory periods.; H04.12c Discuss the
consequence of a neuron having an absolute refractory period.

18
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
37) The regions of myelinated axon membrane that have the highest permeability to ions are the
A) ganglia.
B) nodes of Ranvier.
C) synaptic membranes.
D) glial cells.
E) pia mater.

Answer: B
Section: 06.01; 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.03c Explain how the anatomy of each CNS glial cell supports its
function.; H03.04c Explain how the anatomy of each PNS glial cell supports its function.;
H04.13c Describe saltatory conduction.; H05.02 List the structures that comprise a chemical
synapse.

38) Which is FALSE about interneurons?


A) They receive synaptic input from other neurons in the CNS.
B) They sum excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs.
C) They deliver synaptic input on other neurons.
D) They make synapses on effector organs in the PNS.
E) They can transmit information between afferent neurons and efferent neurons.

Answer: D
Section: 06.02
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H02 Organization of the nervous system from both anatomical and
functional perspectives.
HAPS Outcome: H02.01 Describe the nervous system as a control system identifying nervous
system elements that are sensory receptors, the afferent pathway, control centers, the efferent
pathway, and effector organs.

19
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
39) If you block Ca2+ channels on an axon, which will not occur?
A) The depolarization phase of the action potential
B) The repolarization phase of the action potential
C) The exocytosis of neurotransmitter
D) The graded potential
E) All of these will not occur

Answer: C
Section: 06.09
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.04 Restate the steps that lead from the action potential arriving in the
synaptic terminal to the release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles.

40) Inside a neuron, calcium binding sites are likely found on


A) smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
B) kinesin proteins.
C) proteins associated with synaptic vesicles.
D) dyenin proteins.
E) lysosomal proteins.

Answer: C
Section: 06.09
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.04 Restate the steps that lead from the action potential arriving in the
synaptic terminal to the release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles.; H05.07 Describe the
events of synaptic transmission in proper chronological order.

20
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
41) At an excitatory chemical synapse between two neurons
A) there is increased permeability of the postsynaptic cell to both Na+ and K+.
B) a small hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane occurs when the synapse is activated.
C) an action potential in the presynaptic neuron always causes an action potential in the
postsynaptic neuron.
D) excitation occurs because K+ enters the postsynaptic cell.
E) action potentials spread through gap junctions between cells.

Answer: A
Section: 06.10; 06.11
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.07 Describe the events of synaptic transmission in proper chronological
order.; H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic
potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an EPSP and
an IPSP.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of synaptic potentials.; H05.10
Explain how movement of sodium ions alone, or movement of both sodium and potassium ions,
across the postsynaptic cell membrane can excite a neuron.; H05.11 Explain how movement of
potassium or chloride ions across the postsynaptic cell membrane can inhibit a neuron.; H05.17
Compare and contrast chemical and electrical synapses.

42) You are studying the role of a newly discovered neurotransmitter. You find that there are
receptors for this neurotransmitter on interneurons in the brain and that when it binds, it causes
the opening of K+ channels. What can we expect of the postsynaptic cells under influence of
this neurostransmitter?
A) The postsynaptic cell will immediately undergo an action potential.
B) The postsynaptic cell will undergo an IPSP.
C) The postsynaptic cell will undergo an EPSP.
D) There will be no change to the membrane potential in the postsynaptic cell.

Answer: B
Section: 06.10; 06.11
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and inhibitory
postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an
EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of synaptic potentials.;
H05.10 Explain how movement of sodium ions alone, or movement of both sodium and
potassium ions, across the postsynaptic cell membrane can excite a neuron.; H05.11 Explain how
movement of potassium or chloride ions across the postsynaptic cell membrane can inhibit a
neuron.

21
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
43) Which of the following statements about EPSPs is FALSE?
A) They are produced by the opening of ligand-gated sodium channels.
B) They transmit signals over relatively short distances.
C) They depolarize postsynaptic cell membranes.
D) They are able to summate.
E) They are always the same amplitude.

Answer: E
Section: 06.10; 06.11
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.06 Explain how the receptors for neurotransmitters are related to
chemically- gated ion channels.; H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and
inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time
relationship of an EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of
synaptic potentials.; H05.10 Explain how movement of sodium ions alone, or movement of both
sodium and potassium ions, across the postsynaptic cell membrane can excite a neuron.; H05.12
Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

44) An EPSP
A) is a direct result of the opening of ligand-gated channels permeable to both Na+ and K+ ions.
B) is a direct result of the opening of voltage-gated channels permeable to both Na+ and K+ ions.
C) stabilizes the membrane to remain at its resting potential.
D) opens voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the presynaptic membrane.
E) occurs when voltage-gated Cl- channels open in a postsynaptic cell membrane.

Answer: A
Section: 06.10
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.04 Restate the steps that lead from the action potential arriving in the
synaptic terminal to the release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles.; H05.06 Explain how
the receptors for neurotransmitters are related to chemically- gated ion channels.; H05.08 Define
excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and
interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.10
Explain how movement of sodium ions alone, or movement of both sodium and potassium ions,
across the postsynaptic cell membrane can excite a neuron.; H05.11 Explain how movement of
potassium or chloride ions across the postsynaptic cell membrane can inhibit a neuron.

22
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
45) Which best describes temporal summation?
A) A synapse is stimulated a second time before the effect of a first stimulus at the synapse has
terminated.
B) It only refers to addition of EPSPs.
C) Two synapses on different regions of a cell are stimulated at the same time.
D) It always brings a postsynaptic cell to threshold.
E) The size of an EPSP depends on the size of the stimulus.

Answer: A
Section: 06.11
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.09 Define threshold.; H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential
(EPSP) and inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs.
time relationship of an EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of
synaptic potentials.; H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

46) A postsynaptic neuron has three presynaptic inputs—from neurons X, Y, and Z. Stimulation
of neuron X causes the postsynaptic neuron to depolarize by 0.5 mV. When X and Y are
stimulated simultaneously, the postsynaptic neuron depolarizes by 1 mV. When X and Z are
stimulated simultaneously, however, there is no change in the membrane potential of the
postsynaptic neuron. What is most likely true about presynaptic neurons Y and Z?
A) They are both excitatory.
B) They are both inhibitory.
C) Y is excitatory and Z is inhibitory.
D) Z is excitatory and Y is inhibitory.

Answer: C
Section: 06.11
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of synaptic potentials.

23
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
47) A postsynaptic neuron has an RMP of -70mV and a typical threshold of -55mV. It has three
presynaptic inputs—from neurons X, Y, and Z. Stimulation of neuron X causes the postsynaptic
neuron to depolarize by 0.5 mV. When X and Y are stimulated simultaneously, the postsynaptic
neuron depolarizes by 1 mV. If X fires 10 times and Y fires 10 times the result will be
A) a subthreshold summation.
B) presynaptic inhibition.
C) threshold is reached and an AP is fired.
D) many APs are fired.
E) the membrane depolarizes.

Answer: A
Section: 06.08; 06.11; 06.12
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of synaptic potentials.

48) Which is TRUE about the axon hillock of an axon?


A) Its membrane potential at threshold is more positive than that of the cell body and dendrites.
B) Its membrane potential at threshold is more negative than that of the cell body and dendrites.
C) Synapses far from the axon hillock are more effective in influencing whether an action
potential will be generated in the axon than are synapses close to the axon hillock.
D) It is the region where neurotransmitter vesicles are docked and ready to be released by
exocytosis.
E) It can only conduct graded potentials because it lacks voltage-gated Na+ channels.

Answer: B
Section: 06.07; 06.08; 06.11
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission; Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02b Identify soma (cell body), axon, and dendrites in each of the three
structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar).; H04.06d Describe the voltage-
gated ion channels that are essential for development of the action potential.; H04.09 Define
threshold.; H05.03 Describe the synaptic (axon) terminal.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial
summation of synaptic potentials.

24
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
49) A presynaptic (axo-axonal) synapse
A) is a synapse between an axon terminal and a dendrite that can be either excitatory or
inhibitory.
B) is a synapse between an axon terminal and another axon's terminal that can be either
excitatory or inhibitory.
C) is any synapse onto a cell body, and they can be either stimulatory or inhibitory.
D) is a synapse between an axon terminal and a dendrite of the same cell, which is always
inhibitory.
E) is a synapse between an axon terminal and another axon's terminal that is always inhibitory.

Answer: B
Section: 06.12
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.01 Identify the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells at a synapse.

50) Neuron X makes inhibitory axon-axonal synaptic contact with neuron Y at the synapse of Y
and neuron Z. Which will occur when action potentials are stimulated in neuron X?
A) Neuron Y will be inhibited from reaching the threshold to fire an action potential.
B) The release of neurotransmitter by neuron Y will be inhibited.
C) The synapse between neurons Y and Z will be changed from an excitatory synapse to an
inhibitory one.
D) Neurons Y and Z will both be more likely to reach threshold and fire an action potential.
E) Neurons Y and Z will both be less likely to reach threshold and fire an action potential.

Answer: B
Section: 06.12
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.01 Identify the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells at a synapse.; H05.04
Restate the steps that lead from the action potential arriving in the synaptic terminal to the
release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles.; H05.07 Describe the events of synaptic
transmission in proper chronological order.

25
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
51) Which of the following is NOT known to be an important neurotransmitter in the CNS?
A) Dopamine
B) Acetylcholine
C) Morphine
D) Glutamate
E) Substance P

Answer: C
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.; Module
H16 Predictions related to homeostatic imbalance, including disease states and disorders.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.; H16.01 Predict factors or situations
affecting the nervous system that could disrupt homeostasis.

52) Heroin causes similar, but much stronger effects to the nervous system as endogenous
opioids. Heroin's mechanism of action might be that it acts as an:
A) agonist to serotonin receptors.
B) agonist to the endogenous opioid receptors.
C) agonist to glycine receptors.
D) agonist to epinephrine receptors.
E) Any of these are possible

Answer: B
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.; Module
H16 Predictions related to homeostatic imbalance, including disease states and disorders.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.; H16.01 Predict factors or situations
affecting the nervous system that could disrupt homeostasis.

26
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
53) Nicotinic receptors are expressed on skeletal muscle cells. Which of the following would
likely be a side-effect of the use of nicotine, an agonist for those receptors?
A) Muscle relaxation
B) Muscle cell twitches (contractions)
C) Muscle paralysis
D) Drowsiness
E) None of the answer choices are correct

Answer: B
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Comparisons of somatic and
autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H14
Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.; H13.07
Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers and discuss the physiological
interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific cholinergic and adrenergic
receptor subtypes.; H14.03 Name the neurotransmitters released at synapses with effector organs
in the somatic and autonomic motor pathways and classify each effector response as excitatory
or inhibitory.

27
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
54) Which of the following statements regarding neurotransmitters is TRUE?
A) Acetylcholine is broken down by enzymes present on postsynaptic cell membranes.
B) Acetylcholine that is released at synapses binds to adrenergic receptors in the postsynaptic
cell membrane.
C) Catecholamines are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
D) Opiate drugs, such as morphine, are antagonists of a class of neurotransmitters called
endorphins.
E) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major excitatory transmitter in the central nervous
system.

Answer: A
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Clinical applications of the
nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.; Module
H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H16 Predictions related to
homeostatic imbalance, including disease states and disorders.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.; H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of
the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, including central nervous system outflow
locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post- ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and
effector neurotransmitters.; H13.07 Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers
and discuss the physiological interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific
cholinergic and adrenergic receptor subtypes.; H16.01 Predict factors or situations affecting the
nervous system that could disrupt homeostasis.

55) Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter released by


A) preganglionic sympathetic neurons and cells of the adrenal medulla.
B) cells of the adrenal medulla and postganglionic parasympathetic neurons.
C) motor neurons and postganglionic sympathetic neurons.
D) preganglionic sympathetic neurons and postganglionic sympathetic neurons.
E) preganglionic sympathetic neurons and motor neurons.

Answer: E
Section: 06.13; 06.18
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Comparisons of somatic and
autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H14
Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.; H14.03 Name
the neurotransmitters released at synapses with effector organs in the somatic and autonomic
motor pathways and classify each effector response as excitatory or inhibitory.

28
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
56) Which of the following statements about norepinephrine is FALSE?
A) Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter.
B) Norepinephrine binds to adrenergic receptors.
C) Norepinephrine is a catecholamine.
D) Dopamine is a precursor to norepinephrine.
E) Epinephrine is a precursor to norepinephrine.

Answer: E
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Functions of the autonomic
nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.; H13.07
Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers and discuss the physiological
interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific cholinergic and adrenergic
receptor subtypes.

57) Which of the following enzymes is important for the metabolism of catecholamines?
A) Tyrosine hydroxylase
B) Acetylcholinesterase
C) Superoxide dismutase
D) Trypsin
E) Adenylyl cyclase

Answer: A
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Functions of the autonomic
nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.

29
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written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
58) Nicotine is
A) a cholinergic antagonist.
B) a beta-adrenergic agonist.
C) a cholinergic agonist.
D) an alpha-adrenergic antagonist.
E) a neurotransmitter.

Answer: C
Section: 06.13
Topic: Functions of the autonomic nervous system; Clinical applications of the nervous system
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H16
Predictions related to homeostatic imbalance, including disease states and disorders.
HAPS Outcome: H13.08 Propose clinical uses of specific drugs that act at cholinergic and
adrenergic receptor subtypes.; H16.01 Predict factors or situations affecting the nervous system
that could disrupt homeostasis.

59) Serotonin
A) acts as a neuromodulator.
B) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter.
C) is a neuropeptide.
D) has an inhibitory effect on pathways that are involved in the control of muscles.
E) has an excitatory effect on pathways that mediate sensations.

Answer: A
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.14 Describe the mechanism by which neurotransmitters may have
indirect (metabotropic) effects on postsynaptic cells.; H05.16 Propose a possible CNS function
for each biogenic amine neurotransmitter.

30
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
60) Alzheimer's disease is thought to involve primarily
A) loss of neurons that secrete or respond to catecholamines.
B) loss of adrenergic neurons.
C) loss of cholinergic neurons.
D) loss of neurons that secrete or respond to dopamine.
E) tumors that produce excess serotonin.

Answer: C
Section: 06.13
Topic: Clinical applications of the nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H16 Predictions related to homeostatic imbalance, including disease
states and disorders.
HAPS Outcome: H16.01 Predict factors or situations affecting the nervous system that could
disrupt homeostasis.

61) Which is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS?


A) Glutamate
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
E) Beta-endorphin

Answer: D
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.

31
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
62) You are studying a disease in which inhibition of sensory neurons is diminished, leading to
more dramatic sensory sensations than are appropriate for stimulus strength. For example, when
a person with this disease listens to a person talking in a normal voice, it sounds like they are
yelling. Which neurotransmitter might be expressed at lower levels in this disease compared to
a healthy individual?
A) Glutamate
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
E) Beta-endorphin

Answer: D
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.

63) Which is one of the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitters in the CNS?
A) Glutamate
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
E) Endorphin

Answer: A
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.15 List the most common excitatory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS and
the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter(s) in the CNS.

32
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
64) The central nervous system includes the
A) afferent nerves and spinal cord.
B) efferent nerves and spinal cord.
C) autonomic nervous system and the brain.
D) brain stem and the autonomic nervous system.
E) brain and spinal cord.

Answer: E
Section: 06.15
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.
HAPS Outcome: H03.01 List the parts of the nervous system that constitute the central nervous
system (CNS) and those that constitute the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

65) The portion of the peripheral nervous system that is composed of nerve fibers that innervate
skeletal muscle is called the
A) afferent nervous system.
B) sympathetic nervous system.
C) parasympathetic nervous system.
D) somatic motor nervous system.
E) autonomic nervous system.

Answer: D
Section: 06.07
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system; Comparisons of somatic
and autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H02 Organization of the nervous system from both anatomical and
functional perspectives.; Module H14 Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H02.01 Describe the nervous system as a control system identifying nervous
system elements that are sensory receptors, the afferent pathway, control centers, the efferent
pathway, and effector organs.; H02.02 Differentiate between the somatic and autonomic
divisions of the nervous system.; H14.01 Distinguish between the effectors of the somatic and
autonomic nervous systems.

33
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
66) Multiple sclerosis is a disease that primarily effects the somatic motor nervous
system. Which of the following might be symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
A) Difficulty controlling muscle movements, such as using a fork and knife to cut food
B) Inappropriate sensory sensation, such as hearing voices when in a silent room
C) Difficulty expressing appropriate emotional responses
D) Cognitive and memory decline
E) Difficulty digesting foods due to inactivity of the muscles in the walls of abdominal organs

Answer: A
Section: 06.17
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system; Comparisons of somatic
and autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H02 Organization of the nervous system from both anatomical and
functional perspectives.; Module H14 Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H02.02 Differentiate between the somatic and autonomic divisions of the
nervous system.; H14.01 Distinguish between the effectors of the somatic and autonomic
nervous systems.

67) A patient has been experiencing difficulty with homeostatic regulation. An MRI scan
reveals a brain tumor. Which brain region is the tumor likely in?
A) The thalamus
B) The hippocampus
C) The cerebrum
D) The cerebellum
E) The hypothalamus

Answer: E
Section: 06.15
Topic: Division, origin, and function of parts of the brain
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H07 Division, origin, and function of component parts of the brain.
HAPS Outcome: H07.02 Correlate functions with each major area of the adult brain.

34
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
68) Which of the following kinds of neurons are NOT generally cholinergic?
A) Somatic motor neurons
B) Postganglionic sympathetic neurons
C) Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons
D) Preganglionic sympathetic neurons
E) Preganglionic parasympathetic neurons

Answer: B
Section: 06.18
Topic: Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems; Functions of the autonomic
nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H14
Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.; H14.03 Name
the neurotransmitters released at synapses with effector organs in the somatic and autonomic
motor pathways and classify each effector response as excitatory or inhibitory.

35
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
69) Which of the following does NOT result from the binding of nicotine with nicotinic
acetylcholine receptors?
A) A mild form of skeletal muscle paralysis that creates a more relaxed state
B) Signal transmission at neuromuscular junctions
C) Generation of excitatory signals within autonomic ganglia
D) The release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine
E) Facilitation of the release of multiple neurotransmitters within the brain, including the
"reward pathway" involving dopamine

Answer: A
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission; Comparisons of somatic and
autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.; Module H14
Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.; Module H16 Predictions related to
homeostatic imbalance, including disease states and disorders.; Module G04 Physiology of
skeletal muscle contraction
HAPS Outcome: G04.04 Describe, in order, the events that occur at the neuromuscular junction
that elicit an action potential in the muscle fiber.; H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the
parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, including central nervous system outflow locations,
ganglia locations, pre- and post- ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector
neurotransmitters.; H13.07 Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers and
discuss the physiological interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific
cholinergic and adrenergic receptor subtypes.; H14.03 Name the neurotransmitters released at
synapses with effector organs in the somatic and autonomic motor pathways and classify each
effector response as excitatory or inhibitory.; H13.08 Propose clinical uses of specific drugs that
act at cholinergic and adrenergic receptor subtypes.; H16.01 Predict factors or situations
affecting the nervous system that could disrupt homeostasis.

36
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
70) In clinical trials, scientists discover that use of drug X results in a decrease in norepinephrine
signaling. In the process of making a list of possible mechanisms of this drug to test, which of
the following is NOT a plausible explanation for the effects of drug X?
A) X inhibits synthesis of norepinephrine at the axon terminal.
B) X inhibits norepinephrine release from the terminal.
C) X blocks reuptake of norepinephrine by the terminal.
D) X is an adrenergic receptor antagonist.
E) X stimulates the catabolism of norepinephrine.

Answer: C
Section: 06.13
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.; Module
H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.
HAPS Outcome: H05.07 Describe the events of synaptic transmission in proper chronological
order.; H13.07 Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers and discuss the
physiological interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific cholinergic and
adrenergic receptor subtypes.

71) Synthesis of neuropeptides differs from that of other neurotransmitters because it


A) takes place in the axon terminals of neurons.
B) takes place in the cell bodies of neurons.
C) takes place on ribosomes in the postsynaptic cell's membrane.
D) uses amino acids as precursor molecules.
E) only takes place at synapses outside the central nervous system.

Answer: B
Section: 06.13
Topic: Microscopic anatomy of neurons; Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.02b Identify soma (cell body), axon, and dendrites in each of the three
structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar).; H03.02c State which parts of each
of the three structural types of neurons (unipolar, bipolar and multipolar) receive information,
which parts integrate information, and which parts conduct the output signal of the neuron.;
H05.03 Describe the synaptic (axon) terminal.

37
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
72) Which best describes the reticular formation of the brain?
A) It is mainly involved in motor coordination and balance.
B) It is the master endocrine gland of the brain.
C) It is primarily responsible for visual perception.
D) It integrates information from all regions of the CNS, and incorporates the mechanisms that
regulate sleep and wakefulness.
E) It is the primary synaptic relay station for sensory information entering the CNS.

Answer: D
Section: 06.15
Topic: Division, origin, and function of parts of the brain
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H07 Division, origin, and function of component parts of the brain.
HAPS Outcome: H07.02 Correlate functions with each major area of the adult brain.; H07.09
Describe the location and functions of the reticular activating system.

73) Excessive alcohol intake can cause difficulty maintaining posture and coordinating body
movements. This is likely due to alcohol's effect stimulatory effect on GABA-releasing neurons
in the
A) cerebellum.
B) diencephalon.
C) medulla oblongata.
D) eyes.
E) cerebrum.

Answer: A
Section: 06.15
Topic: Division, origin, and function of parts of the brain; Gross anatomy of the components of
the brain
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H07 Division, origin, and function of component parts of the brain.
HAPS Outcome: H07.02 Correlate functions with each major area of the adult brain.

38
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
74) When you have a negative experience, your brain ties the emotion to the memory so that you
avoid similar experiences in the future. If you were in a bike accident, and were afraid to get on
a bike again, which brain structure functional group is active in guiding your fear?
A) Diencephalon
B) Cerebrum
C) Limbic system
D) Reticular formation
E) Cerebellum

Answer: C
Section: 06.15
Topic: Division, origin, and function of parts of the brain
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H07 Division, origin, and function of component parts of the brain.
HAPS Outcome: H07.02 Correlate functions with each major area of the adult brain.; H07.07
Describe the location and functions of the limbic system.

75) Which is a FALSE statement about the cerebrospinal fluid?


A) It has the same composition as blood plasma.
B) It acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord.
C) It is secreted by cells lining the ventricles of the brain.
D) It circulates within and between brain ventricles and surrounds the spinal cord.
E) It is in diffusion equilibrium with the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system.

Answer: A
Section: 06.19
Topic: Protective roles of cranial bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H08 Protective roles of the cranial bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal
fluid.
HAPS Outcome: H08.03 Describe the functions of cerebrospinal fluid, as well as the details of
its production, its circulation within the central nervous system, and its ultimate reabsorption into
the bloodstream.

39
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
76) Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the sympathetic division of the autonomic
nervous system?
A) Preganglionic neurons tend to be long, with the ganglion located in or near the effector target
tissue(s).
B) Preganglionic neurons are short and synapse in ganglia located near the spinal cord.
C) Preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine at synapses with postganglionic neurons.
D) Postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine at their neuroeffector junctions.
E) Postganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the collateral chain ganglia (sympathetic
trunk).

Answer: A
Section: 06.18
Topic: Anatomy of the sympathetic division of the ANS; Functions of the autonomic nervous
system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.

77) Postganglionic neuron cell bodies of the autonomic nervous system have which category of
neurotransmitter receptor?
A) Adrenergic receptors
B) Serotonin receptors
C) Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
D) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
E) Dopamine receptors

Answer: D
Section: 06.18
Topic: Functions of the autonomic nervous system
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H13 Functions of the autonomic nervous system.
HAPS Outcome: H13.02 Contrast the anatomy of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
systems, including central nervous system outflow locations, ganglia locations, pre- and post-
ganglionic neuron relative lengths, and ganglionic and effector neurotransmitters.; H13.07
Differentiate between cholinergic and adrenergic nerve fibers and discuss the physiological
interactions of transmitters released by these neurons with specific cholinergic and adrenergic
receptor subtypes.

40
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
78) The fire alarm in your building is sounding off and you are hurriedly collecting your
belongings before evacuating. Which portion of the nervous system is dominant?
A) Afferent nervous system
B) Sympathetic nervous system
C) Parasympathetic nervous system
D) Somatic motor nervous system
E) Autonomic nervous system

Answer: B
Section: 06.17
Topic: Anatomical and functional organization of the nervous system; Comparisons of somatic
and autonomic nervous systems
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H02 Organization of the nervous system from both anatomical and
functional perspectives.; Module H14 Comparisons of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
HAPS Outcome: H02.01 Describe the nervous system as a control system identifying nervous
system elements that are sensory receptors, the afferent pathway, control centers, the efferent
pathway, and effector organs.; H02.02 Differentiate between the somatic and autonomic
divisions of the nervous system.; H14.01 Distinguish between the effectors of the somatic and
autonomic nervous systems.

79) A myelinated axon is shielded from direct contact with the extracellular fluid all along its
length.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.01
Topic: Microscopic anatomy of neurons; Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H03 Gross and microscopic anatomy of nervous tissue.; Module H04
Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane potential, production of action
potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H03.03c Explain how the anatomy of each CNS glial cell supports its
function.; H03.04c Explain how the anatomy of each PNS glial cell supports its function.;
H04.13c Describe saltatory conduction.

80) The lipid portion of a cell's plasma membrane constitutes a barrier to current.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.05
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module C07 Membrane
structure and function
HAPS Outcome: H04.02 Explain how ion channels affect neuron selective permeability.;
C07.01 Describe how lipids are distributed in the cell membrane, and explain their functions.

41
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
81) Ions other than K+ play no role in generating the resting membrane potential of a cell.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06b Explain how passive ion channels cause development of the resting
membrane potential in neurons.

82) The maintenance of a resting potential in a neuron depends indirectly upon the functioning of
the Na+, K+-ATPase pumps in the membrane.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.06
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.08 Describe the role of the sodium-potassium exchange pump in
maintaining the resting membrane potential and making continued action potentials possible.

83) If a graded potential on a dendrite results in a 5mV depolarization, the depolarization at the
axon hillock of the axon might be less than 5mV.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.12 Compare and contrast synaptic potentials with action potentials.

84) During a hyperpolarizing graded potential, positively charged ions flow away from the site
of the initial hyperpolarization on the outside of membrane and toward this site on the inside.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.08 Define excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and inhibitory
postsynaptic potential (IPSP) and interpret graphs showing the voltage vs. time relationship of an
EPSP and an IPSP.; H05.11 Explain how movement of potassium or chloride ions across the
postsynaptic cell membrane can inhibit a neuron.

42
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
85) Because so many Na+ ions move into a cell during an action potential and so many K+ ions
move out, no further action potentials can be generated in a given membrane until the Na+, K+-
ATPase pumps can restore the concentration gradient.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.08 Describe the role of the sodium-potassium exchange pump in
maintaining the resting membrane potential and making continued action potentials possible.

86) The Na+ and K+ channels that open during an action potential are voltage-regulated, both
opening in response to depolarization of the membrane.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that are essential for
development of the action potential.; H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for
an action potential to be generated.

87) SNARE receptor protein complexes in presynaptic neurons function as inhibitors of calcium
transport to dampen or reduce the amount of neurotransmitter vesicles that participate in
exocytosis.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.09
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.03 Describe the synaptic (axon) terminal.; H05.04 Restate the steps that
lead from the action potential arriving in the synaptic terminal to the release of neurotransmitter
from synaptic vesicles.

43
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
88) A genetic mutation that results in faulty SNARE receptor protein complexes would have
only very mild effects on the nervous system.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.09
Topic: Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H05 Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H05.03 Describe the synaptic (axon) terminal.; H05.04 Restate the steps that
lead from the action potential arriving in the synaptic terminal to the release of neurotransmitter
from synaptic vesicles.

89) The action potential elicited by a supra-threshold stimulus is larger than one elicited by a
threshold stimulus.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.; H04.10 Discuss the role of positive feedback in
generation of the action potential.

90) The relative refractory period of an excitable membrane refers to the period of time during
which no stimulus, however strong, will elicit a second action potential in the membrane.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.12a Define absolute and relative refractory periods.

44
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
91) The absolute refractory period of an excitable membrane roughly corresponds to the period
when sodium channels are opening and inactivated.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 1. Remember
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.06d Describe the voltage-gated ion channels that are essential for
development of the action potential.; H04.12b Explain the physiological basis of the absolute and
relative refractory periods.

92) Because all parts of a neuronal cell body have the same threshold, no one synapse on the cell
is more important than any other.

Answer: FALSE
Section: 06.07; 06.11
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission; Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic
transmission
Bloom's: Level 2. Understand
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.; Module H05
Neurotransmitters and their roles in synaptic transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.09 Define threshold.; H05.09 Explain temporal and spatial summation of
synaptic potentials.

93) Drug Z is an agonist for a neurotransmitter receptor. It has a much higher affinity for the
receptor and binds four times longer than the endogenous neurotransmitter. If you compare drug
Z with the endogenous neurotransmitter, it's likely that drug Z will cause more frequent action
potentials than the endogenous ligand.

Answer: TRUE
Section: 06.07
Topic: Physiology of nerve impulse transmission
Bloom's: Level 3. Apply
HAPS Topic: Module H04 Neurophysiology, including mechanism of resting membrane
potential, production of action potentials, and impulse transmission.
HAPS Outcome: H04.07 Discuss the sequence of events that must occur for an action potential
to be generated.; H04.09 Define threshold.

45
Copyright 2019 © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior
written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
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tuolinsa syrjemmäksi, pani käsivartensa ristiin rinnalle ja toisen
hennon jalkansa toisen yli sinisen hameensa alla, jonka vyöstä
riippui tasku ja avainkimppu, ja pyysi heitä kertomaan juurtajaksain
koko pulmallisen jutun. Hän kuunteli tarkkaavana ja miettien. Tyttö
näytti olevan talossa kuin kotonaan ainakin ja saaneen siinä
reippaalla luonteellaan määräämisvallan.

Leubelfingit kertoivat. »Kun oikein ajattelen», sanoi tyttö sitten


rohkeasti, »niin muistan kuka huusi kuninkaalle tuon
eläköönhuudon.»

»Kuka?» kysyivät Leubelfingit, ja tyttö vastasi: »ei kukaan muu


kuin minä.»

»Peijakas sinut vieköön», jymisi vanhus. »Pukeuduit tietysti


siniseen ruotsalaiseen sotilaspukuusi, joka riippuu esiliinojen takana
vaatekaapissasi, ja livahdit ruokasaliin epäjumalasi luo, vaikka sinun
olisi pitänyt pysytellä säädyllisesti naisten seurassa.»

»Minä en olisi päässyt minnekään», puolustelihe tyttö


suutuksissaan. »Kun kaikki naiset, pikku Haller, iso Holzschuher,
ylpeä Ebner, väärä Geuder ja typerä Cresser, tutte quante, jotka
saivat viedä kuninkaalle kaupungin lahjan, molemmat hopeaiset
maljakot, taivaankuvun ja maapallon, olisivat antaneet minulle
perimäisen paikan.»

»Miten sinä, Gustel, kainona tyttönä, sillä kainohan sinä olet, voit
ollenkaan käyttää miehen pukua», nuhteli sovinnaista tapaa tarkoin
noudattava nuorukainen.
»Oman isäni pukua, jossa povitaskun vieressä vielä näkyy
paikattu reikä, ranskalaisten miekan jälki?» vastasi tyttö vakavana.
»Heti kun katson sivulle» — hän katsoi kuin olisi hänellä nyt ollut
yllään isänsä puku — »näen läven, ja se vaikuttaa saarnan tavoin.
Naisten hameet eivät sitäpaitsi tahdo minulle oikein käydä», sanoi
hän lopuksi, siirtyen äkkiä tapansa mukaan vakavasta mielialasta
iloiseen. »Eikä ihmekään, etteivät ne minulle sovellu, kun olen
neljäntoista ikäiseksi saakka istunut isän ja äidin kanssa hevosen
selässä lyhyessä puvussa.»

»Rakas serkku», valitti nuori Leubelfing puoleksi hellästikin, »isäsi


kuoltua on sinua pidetty tässä talossa kuin lasta ainakin, ja tällaisen
harmin olet nyt minulle tuottanut! Toimitat oman serkkusi kuin
lampaan teurastettavaksi. Utz sai kuulan otsaansa, Götz
kaulaansa…» Hänen ihonsa kurtistui kananlihaksi. »Jospa edes
tietäisit hyvän neuvon, serkku!»

»Hyvänkö neuvon», sanoi tyttö pontevasti, »sen voin kyllä sinulle


antaa: ole nürnbergiläinen ja ole Leubelfing!»

»Leubelfing!» tiuski vanha herra. »Täytyykö jokaisen


nürnbergiläisen ja Leubelfingin olla samanlainen tappelupukari kuin
isäsi Rupert — olkoon Jumala hänelle armollinen — joka
kymmenvuotisena poikaviikarina viekoitti minut häkkivaunuihinsa,
läksi ajamaan, kaatoi vaunut ja säilytti itse nahkansa, mutta minulta
— häntä vanhemmalta — taittui pari kylkiluuta? Oli hänelläkin
elämänjuoksu! Viisitoistavuotiaana karkasi ruotsalaisten leiriin,
seitsemäntoista vanhana nai rummun pärinässä viisitoistavuotiaan
tytön, kolmenkymmenen vanhana jätti mellakassa tämän
maailman.»

»Hän kaatui puolustaessaan äitini kunniaa…», sanoi tyttö.


»Etkö keksi mitään keinoa, Guste?» ahdisti nuori Leubelfing
häntä. »Sinä tunnet Ruotsin sotapalveluksen ja tiedät mitkä ruumiin
viat vapauttavat siitä. Minkä pätevän syyn voin sanoa kuninkaalle?»

Tyttö purskahti hillittömään nauruun. »Pistämme sinut niinkuin


nuoren Akilleksen uunin kuvassa tyttöjen joukkoon, ja kun viekas
Odysseus levittää heidän eteensä sota-aseita, niin et karkaakaan
kiinni miekkaan.»

»Minä en lähde», sanoi nuori Leubelfing, vihoissaan mokomasta


mytologian tuntemisesta. »En ole sellainen, miksi isäni on minut
kuninkaalle kuvannut.» Samassa hän tunsi laihoja käsivarsiaan
likistettävän. Vanha Leubelfing riuhtoi poikansa vasempaa kättä ja
valitti: »tahdotko tehdä minusta, kunniallisesta miehestä, kuninkaan
silmissä valehtelijan ja vääristelijän?» Ja tyttö taas puristi hänen
oikeata käsivarttaan huudahtaen närkästyneenä: »tahdotko
pelkuruudellasi saattaa isäni mainehikkaan nimen häpeään?»

»Mene itse kuninkaan hovipojaksi», huusi nuorukainen ärtyneenä.


»Olet ulkomuodoltasi ja käytökseltäsi siksi poikamainen, että
kuningas yhtä vähän voisi aavistaa sinua tytöksi kuin tuo uunilla
oleva Odysseus, josta sinä lörpöttelet, olisi voinut otaksua minua
pojaksi. Lähde epäjumalasi luo ja ihaile häntä! Kukapa tietää», jatkoi
hän, »vaikka olisit jo kuinka kauan tällaista mielessäsi hautonutkin.
Sinähän uneksit öin ja päivin Ruotsin kuninkaasta, jota lapsena
seurasit ympäri maailmaa. Kun toissa päivänä menin kamarisi ohi
omaan huoneeseeni, kuulin haaveilevan äänesi jo kaukaa. Minun ei
todellakaan tarvinnut kuunnella avaimenreiästä. 'Kuningas! Aseihin!
Kunniaa!'» Hän matki komentosanoja kimein äänin.

Neitonen käänsi pois kasvonsa. Purppuranpuna syöksyi hänen


otsalleen ja poskilleen. Sitten hän antoi taas lämpimäin,
vaaleanruskeiden silmäinsä näkyä ja sanoi: »ole varuillasi! Voi
lopulta käydä niinkin, vaikkapa vain siksi, etteivät Leubelfing-nimiset
olisi kaikki jäniksiä!»

Ajatus oli lausuttu ja lapsekas haave pukeutunut rohkean mutta ei


kuitenkaan aivan mahdottoman seikkailun muotoon. Isän veri kutsui.
Uljuutta ja uskaliaisuutta oli liiaksikin, mutta naisellinen kainous ja
säädyllisyys — serkku oli ollut oikeassa — ja kunnioitus kuningasta
kohtaan asettuivat tielle. Silloin tempasi hänet tapahtumain pyörre ja
vei mukaansa.

Palvelija tuli ilmoittamaan, että ruotsalainen kornetti, joka oli tuonut


kuninkaan kirjeen ja jonka piti viedä uusi hovipoika mukanaan leiriin,
oli palannut. Hän oli jättänyt rauhaan mestari Albrechtin harmaat
seinämaalaukset, vaikka oli luvannut syventyä niihin, ja valinnut
kultajuomaisen vihreän lasin iloisessa viinituvassa, unohtamatta
kuitenkaan kuunnella kellonlyöntejä. Vanha Leubelfing rupesi,
kuolemanpelossa pojastaan ja liikkeestään, syleilemään
veljensätyttären polvia, kuten vanha Priamos Akilleksen polvia
pyytäessään poikansa ruumista. Nuoren Leubelfingin joka jäsen
alkoi vavista. Tyttö riistihe irti, naurusta pakahtumaisillaan, ja livahti
huoneesta tuskin silmänräpäystä ennen kuin kornetti astui toisesta
ovesta sisään kannukset kilisten. Nuoren ruotsalaisen silmistä säteili
uljuutta ja tulta, vaikka hän olikin kuninkaan ankaran kurin alaisena.

Augusta Leubelfing puuhasi nopeasti, aivan kuin huumaantuneena


huoneessaan, pani tavaransa pieneen matkalaukkuun, heitti kiireesti
ylleen isänsä puvun, joka oli kuin valettu hänen sirolle ja hennolle
vartalolleen, lankesi polvilleen ja rukoili lyhyesti ja palavasti
anteeksiantoa ja menestystä aikeilleen.
Kun hän tuli takaisin alasaliin, huusi kornetti hänelle: »joutuun,
toveri! On kiire! Hevoset kaapivat! Kuningas odottaa! Sanokaa nyt
vaan jäähyväiset isälle ja serkulle!» ja yhdellä kulauksella meni
kornetin eteen asetettu vihreä viinilasi hänen hienosta
pitsikauluksestaan alas.

Ruotsalaiseen univormuun puettu valenuorukainen kumartui


liikutettuna suutelemaan kahdesti vanhuksen kuihtunutta kättä, ja
vanha Leubelfing siunasi hänet kiitollisena. Hovipoika muuttui
hillittömän iloiseksi tarttuessaan serkkunsa käteen, jota hän heilutti ja
huusi: »jääkää hyvästi, neiti serkkuni!» Kornetti hytki naurusta: »Voi
sentään… mitä leikkiä toverini laskee! Luvalla sanoen, päähäni heti
juolahti: täysi vanhapiika tuo herra serkkunne; joka piirre, joka liike…
niinkuin meillä Suomessa lauletaan:

»Ja luudalla akka se ratsasti…»

»Voi sun peijakas!» Hän otti päähineen palveluksiin valmiin


sisäkön päästä ja työnsi sen nuoren Leubelfingin päälaelle, josta
riippui muutamia harvoja pellavaisia suortuvia. Terävä nenä ja
taaksepäin vetäytyvä leuka täydensivät vanhan ämmän profilia.

Helposti päihtynyt kornetti otti tuttavallisesti hovipoikaa


käsikoukusta. Mutta tämä astui askeleen taaksepäin ja sanoi
miekkansa kahvaan tarttuen: »Kuulkaapas, toveri, minä kannatan
malttia ja paheksun tungettelua!»

»Perhana!» huudahti kornetti, mutta asettui sivuttain oven suuhun


ja antoi kohteliain kädenliikkein hovipojan astua ensin ovesta.
Molemmat huimapäät juoksivat alas rappusia niin että helisi.
Leubelfingit neuvottelivat keskenään vielä kauan aikaa. Oli selvää,
ettei nuoren Leubelfingin, joka oli luopunut henkilöllisyydestään,
enää ollut jääminen Nürnbergiin. Isä ja poika tulivat lopulta samaan
päätökseen. Pojan tuli perustaa liikkeen haaraosasto nopeasti
edistyvään Leipzigin kaupunkiin, Sachseniin, mutta ei omalla
patriisinimellään, jonka oli menettänyt serkulleen, vaan
poroporvarillisella nimellä »Laubfinger» ja ainoastaan vähäksi aikaa,
kunnes nykyinen August von Leubelfing olisi kuninkaansa rinnalla
suistunut ratsunsa selästä tappotantereelle ja saanut surmansa.
Tätä loppua ei kai tarvinnut kauankaan odottaa.

Kun toiseksi henkilöksi vaihtunut nuorukainen pitkän istunnon


jälkeen nousi ja näki kuvansa peilistä, verhosi hänen vääntyneitä
kasvojaan vielä päähine, jonka ruotsalainen veitikka oli hänen
päähänsä pannut.
II.

»Kuuleppas, nuori Leubelfing! Tule tänne, minulla on vähän asiaa.


Jos pahimmassa tapauksessa ompelisit näppärillä sormillasi jonkun
napin kuninkaani takkiin, tai ratkenneen sauman, ei se
hovipojanarvoasi vähääkään alentaisi. Etkö ole Nürnbergissä
milloinkaan kurkistanut äitisi tai siskosi olan takaa ompelutyynyyn?
Ompeleminen ei ole taito eikä mikään, sitä voi jokainen ruotsalainen
sotilas sinulle opettaa. Rypistätkö otsaasi, veitikka? Tottele ja ole
kohtelias! Tuossa on omat ompeluvehkeeni! Lahjoitan ne sinulle.»

Ja brandenburgilaissyntyinen Ruotsin kuningatar ojensi nuorelle


Leubelfingille englantilaiset ompeluvehkeet rihmoineen,
sormustimineen, neuloineen ja saksineen. Mustasukkaisen
hellyyden ajamana matkusti kuningatar kaikkialle kuninkaan jälestä
ja oli nytkin tullut lyhyellä käynnillään yllättämään häntä lähelle
Nürnbergiä kovaonniseen leiriin, jonka keskellä olevaan, sodan
melkein autioksi hävittämään linnaan kuningas oli asettunut.
Kuningatar avasi hovipojan vastahakoisissa käsissä olevan
ompelukotelon, otti siitä hopeaisen sormustimen ja pisti sen
nuorukaisen sormeen, sanoen lempeästi: »minä jätän sinun
asiaksesi, Leubelfing, pitää tarkkaa huolta siitä, että minun herrani
kuningas tulee aina siististi ja huolellisesti puettuna ihmisten
ilmoille.»

»Mitä vietävää minä ymmärrän saumoista ja napeista», vastasi


Leubelfing punastuen harmista, mutta niin hullunkurisin
kasvonilmein, ettei kuningatar vähääkään loukkautunut, vaan nipisti
häntä poskesta armollisesti nauraen. Nuorukaisen korvissa kuului
nauru ontolta ja typerältä, ja hän tunsi ärtyistä vastenmielisyyttä
ylhäistä ruhtinatarta kohtaan, vaikkei tämä hyväntahtoinen nainen
voinut sitä aavistaa.

Kuningaskin, joka oli kynnykseltä kuullut heidän keskustelunsa,


ratkesi nyt myös vilpittömään nauruun nähdessään hovipoikansa
miekka kupeella ja sormustin sormessa. »Mutta Gust», sai hän
vihdoin sanotuksi, »sinähän kiroilet kuin pakana tai paavilainen!
Sinussa on paljon kasvattamista!»

Oikeastaan ei Kustaa Aadolfista ollut mikään rikos pitää kiinni


kunniasta, eikä hän siis myöskään voinut kieltää sitä hyvätapaiselta
ja miellyttävän näköiseltä nuorukaiselta, joka oli aina hänen
läheisyydessään eikä saanut väistyä hänen rinnaltaan, — kohtelihan
kuningas inhimillisellä hyväntahtoisuudella jokaista halvintakin
alamaistaan, pitäen kuitenkin sotilaallisen kurin aina voimassa.
Päälle päätteeksi oli Leubelfing turmeltumaton nuorukainen, joka
pienimmästäkin syystä punastui kuin tyttö, hiusrajaa myöten. Eikä
kuningas myöskään unhottanut, että nuori nürnbergiläinen oli
kohtalokkaissa pidoissa esittänyt eläköön-huudon »Saksan
kuninkaalle», lausuen ehkä siten profetallisen ennustuksen urhoisan
seikkailun mainehikkaasta päättymisestä.

Elämä sankarin läheisyydessä oli hovipojalle ollut vienoa ja hurjaa,


autuasta ja tuskaisaa satua, vilpittömän kuninkaan tietämättä mitään
tästä salaisesta onnesta. Yhdeksästoista ikävuosi oli alkanut
huumaavasti ja oli myös ihanasti sammuva, kuin varjo aurinkoon.
Nuoressa rinnassa temmelsi suloinen, ylpeä onni, kalvava pelko ja
salattu riemu. Suonet sykkivät kiihkeästi, rinta hengitti hätäisesti kuin
olisi se tahtonut koota sisäänsä kaiken nautinnon mitä huimapää-
sydän voi tuntea kuolettavan luodin tai häpeällisen paljastuksen
aattona.

Kun kornetti esitti nürnbergiläisen nuorukaisen August


Leubelfingin kuninkaalle, oli Kustaa Aadolf työn touhussa ja tuskin
ehti vilkaista häneen. Niin pelastui hän julkeasta valheesta. Kustaa
Aadolf istui eräänä päivänä ratsunsa selkään lähteäkseen
valmistamaan toista toivotonta rynnäkköä voittamatonta
friedlantilaista vastaan ja käski hovipojan lähteä mukaan.
Nuorukainen hyppäsi arkailematta raudikkonsa selkään, sillä hän oli
jo pienestä saakka tottunut satulaan ja perinyt isältään, aikoinaan
Ruotsin rohkeimmalta sotilaalta, solakan ja ritarillisen vartalon. Kun
kuningas jonkun ajan kuluttua katsoi taakseen, oli hovipoika
kalmankalpea, mutta se ei johtunut raudikon hurjasta juoksusta eikä
pojan tottumattomuudesta satulaan, vaan siitä, että puolialastonta
naista ajettiin jonkun matkan päässä piiskalla ruotsalaisten leiristä.
Nuorukaista iljetti tämä julkea näky.

Leubelfing ratsasti pelkäämättä kuninkaansa rinnalla kerran


toisensa jälkeen, sillä kuningas teki uuden rynnäkön, kun edellinen
oli torjuttu, pysyen itsepäisempänä kuin mitä hänelle oli ominaista.
Minä hetkenä tahansa saattoi kuningas kuolettavasti haavoittuneena
vaipua ratsultaan hänen syliinsä taikka hän itse kuninkaansa syliin.
Kun he sitten turhan yrityksen perästä ratsastivat takaisin, oli Kustaa
Aadolfin otsa synkkä, mutta hän koetti peittää huolensa ja moitti
uutta hovipoikaansa siitä, että tämä oli hävittänyt jalustimensa ja
tarttunut hevosen harjaan. Taikka hän sanoi nuorta Leubelfingiä
uhkarohkeaksi ja huimapääksi.

Hän ei yleensä kyllästynyt opettamaan isällisesti hovipoikaansa ja


sopivassa tilaisuudessa tutustuttamaan häntä kristinoppiin.

Kuninkaalla oli kiitettävä ja terveellinen tapa päättyneen päivätyön


jälkeen käyttää puoli tuntia ennen maatapanoa virkistyksekseen,
jolloin hän kehitetyllä tahdonlujuudellaan pakoitti itsensä
unhottamaan kaikki huolensa antaakseen niille päivän sarastaessa
taas vallan. Ja tässä tavassaan hän nytkin pysyi ja pysyi sitä
lujemmin mitä enemmän tuloksettomat rynnäköt ja suuri mieshukka
särkivät hänen suunnitelmiaan, loukkasivat hänen ylpeyttään ja
soimasivat hänen kristillistä omaatuntoaan. Näinä myöhäisinä
lomahetkinä lepäsi hän nojaten mukavasti tuoliinsa. Hovipoika istui
jakkaralla hänen vieressään. Pelattiin napupeliä, shakkia tai
lautapeliä, jossa hovipoika sai joskus kuninkaasta voiton. Kun
kuningas oli oikein hyvällä tuulella, kertoi hän kaikenlaisista
tapahtumista, joita hänen mieleensä johtui, kuten esimerkiksi
loistavasta saarnasta, jonka hän oli kuullut häämatkallaan Berlinin
hovikirkossa. Siinä oli elämää verrattu näyttämöön: ihmisiä
näyttelijöihin, enkelejä katsojiin ja esiripun sulkevaa kuolemaa
regissööriin. Tai kertoili uskomatonta juttua, miten hänelle,
kuninkaalle, hänen lapsensa synnyttyä oli ilmoitettu että hän oli
saanut pojan, ja miten hän oli hetkisen antanut pettää itseään.
Välistä hän kuvaili juhlia ja pukuja ja puhui, ihmeellistä kyllä,
enimmäkseen sellaisista asioista, jotka huvittivat ainakin yhtä paljon
ellei enemmän tyttöä kuin poikaa, aivan kuin hän olisi tiedottomasti
tuntenut valepuvussa olevan neitosen vaikutuksen ja huomannut
sävyisässä nuorukaisessa kuuntelevan naisen sulon. Hovipoika
joutui usein pelon valtaan. Hän koetti muuttaa ääntään
karkeammaksi ja uskalsi jonkun miehekkään liikkeen. Mutta
epäilemättömän selvä sana tai likinäköisyyttä todistava ele osoitti
pelästyneelle hovipojalle, että Kustaa Aadolf oli nyt saman
harhaluulon vallassa kuin tyttärensä Christelin syntyessä. Heti kun
nuori Leubelfing taas oli varma petoksensa menestymisestä, tuli hän
niin rohkeaksi ja tuttavalliseksi, että kuninkaan täytyi pitää häntä
kurissa. Niinpä hän kuullessaan Kustaa Aadolfin hellästi kiittävän
puolisoaan kysyi ripeästi: »minkä näköinen oli sitten kreivitär Ebba
Brahe?» Tällä Kustaan nuoruuden lemmityllä, sittemmin De la
Gardien puolisolla — kun hänen täytyi luopua vuosisadan
urhoollisimmasta miehestä, otti hän lähinnä urhoollisimman — oli
tumma tukka, mustat silmät ja terävät kasvonpiirteet. Mutta siihen
utelias hovipoika sai vastaukseksi kuninkaan kädestä aika tuntuvan
lyönnin vasten liian rohkeasti lörpöttelevää suutaan, jonka pielissä
Kustaa oli huomaavinaan vallattoman naurun oireita.

Eräänä päivänä tahtoi kuningas lähettää Christelilleen lahjaksi


ensimäisen sinettisormuksen. Jalokiveen oli kaiverrettava
muodinmukainen mietelause, tunnussana, joksi sitä kutsuttiin, ja sen
tuli — eroitukseksi suvun tunnuslauseesta — mahdollisimman
lyhyesti ilmaista jotain sormuksen omistajalle personallisesti
ominaista, hänen keksimänsä elämänohje tai sydämensä toivomus,
kuten esimerkiksi nuoren Kaarle viidennen kunnianhimoa todistava
»N o n d u m». Kustaa Aadolf olisi kaiketi kyllä itse keksinyt
lapselleen sopivan tunnuslauseen, ellei muoti olisi vaatinut, että sen
tuli olla latinan-, italian- tai ranskankielinen.

Kuningas kumartui syvään suurehkon kirjan yli, ja hänen säteilevät


mutta likinäköiset silmänsä etsivät sen tuhansista, kuuluisien tai
terävien miesten lausumista mietelmistä tunnussanaa, jonka hän
olisi suonut vasta seitsemänvuotiaalle mutta varhain kehittyneelle
tyttärelleen. Nämä lakoniset lauseet huvittivat häntä, sillä ne
ilmaisivat usein oikein ja sattuvasti keksijäinsä — suurimmaksi
osaksi historiallisten henkilöiden — luonteen tai välistä sen suoran
vastakohdan, riippuen kysymyksessä olevien henkilöiden
inhimillisestä turhamaisuudesta ja itsensäpettämisestä.

Hento sormi, joka loi jyrkän varjon kirkkaasti valaistulle lehdelle,


osoitti tuntematonta alkuperää olevaa mietelmää. Se oli kuninkaan
olan yli kurkistavan hovipojan sormi, ja tunnussana oli: »Courte et
bonne!» Se on: jos minun olisi suotu valita elämäni, valitsisin lyhyen
ja nautintorikkaan! Kuningas luki, näkyi hetkisen miettivän, pudisti
epäilevänä päätään ja veti hovipoikaa siroista korvista puoleensa.
Hän painoi Leubelfingin jakkaralle istumaan aikoen pitää hänelle
pienen saarnan. »Gust Leubelfing», aloitti hän miellyttävän
opettavasti, painaen päänsä tuolinsa täytettyyn selkänojaan, niin että
täyteläinen leuka ja kullankeltainen suippoparta tulivat näkyviin, ja
puoli-ummessa olevien silmien veitikkamainen loiste sattui hovipojan
kohotettuihin, tarkasti kuunteleviin kasvoihin. »Gust Leubelfing,
poikani! Tämän epäilyttävän lauseen on luultavasti keksinyt joku
maailmanlapsi, joku epikurolainen, joksi tohtori Luther kutsuu
senkaltaisia ihmisiä. Elämämme on Jumalan kädessä. Emme saa
siis toivoa sitä pitkäksi eikä lyhyeksi, vaan on meidän tyydyttävä
siihen, mitä Hän meille antaa. Entä hyväksi? Niin, hyväksi kyllä
saamme toivoa sen; se on oikein ja luonnollista. Mutta ei pelkkää
huumaa ja hälyä, jota tämä ranskalainen lause epäilemättä
tarkoittaa. Miten olet sinä, rakas poikani, käsittänyt tämän
tunnuslauseen?»

Leubelfing joutui hieman hämilleen ja vastasi ensin arasti, mutta


kävi joka sanalta vapaammaksi ja varmemmaksi: »armollinen herra,
minä käsitän sen näin: tahdon koota kaikki elämäni säteet yhdeksi
liekiksi yhtä ainoata hetkeä varten, että harmaan hämärän sijasta
saisin häikäisevää onnen kirkkautta, joka leimahtaa ja sammuu kuin
salama.» Hän vaikeni. Kuningasta ei näyttänyt miellyttävän tällainen
puhetapa leimahtavine salamoineen, vaikka se olikin vuosisadan
lempimetafori. Hienopiirteiset huulet kaartuivat ivallisesti, mutta ne
eivät vielä ehtineet avautua moitetta lausumaan, kun hovipoika
intohimonsa vallassa huusi: »Niin minä tahtoisin! Courte et bonne!»
Hän vaipui hetkeksi mietteisiin ja lisäsi surumielisenä: »rakas
herrani, mahdollisesti ymmärrän tämän lauseen väärin. Sen voi
käsittää monella eri tavalla kuten useimpia tämän kirjan lauseita.
Sen vain tiedän, ja se on puhdasta totuutta: jos kuula, joka sinua,
minun omaa rakasta herraani, tänään hipaisi, olisi» — viimeistä
sanaa ei kuulunut — »niin elämästäsi olisi sanottu courte et bonne,
sillä sinä olet samalla nuorukainen ja mies… ja elämäsi on ollut
hyvä!»

Kuningas sulki silmänsä ja näytti nukkuvan, väsynyt kun oli päivän


kuormasta ja helteestä. Aluksi hän kuitenkin vain oli nukkuvinaan
ikäänkuin ei olisi kuullut hovipoikansa imartelua ja olisi tahtonut
päästä vastaamasta siihen.

Näin leikitteli leijona koiran kanssa, ja koira leijonan kanssa. Ja


aivan kuin oikullinen tai turmioon vievä kohtalo olisi tahtonut yhä
lujemmin kiinnittää rakastunutta lasta jumaloituun sankariin, näytti se
hänelle yhä uusia puolia sankarissa, paljasti hänen syvimmät
tunteensa ja antoi hovipojan myös ottaa osaa herransa tuskaan,
katkerimpaan mitä on olemassa, isän tuskaan.

Osoittaen Leubelfingille ehdotonta luottamusta, antoi kuningas


hänen lukea itselleen ääneen prinsessansa hovinhoitajattaren
Tukholmasta säännöllisesti kirjoittamat kirjeet, ja hän sai niihin myös
vastata. Tämän ylhäisen naisen käsiala oli niin pientä ja epäselvää ja
hänen tyylinsä niin monisanaista ja perinpohjaista, että Kustaa
tavallisesti heti työnsi hänen seikkaperäiset kirjeensä hovipojalle,
jonka vilkkaat silmät ja liikkuvat huulet yhtä nopeasti kiitivät pitkin
rivejä kuin hänen nuoret jalkansa hyppelivät kiertoportaiden
lukemattomia astimia. Eräänä päivänä huomasi Leubelfing
kirjekuoren nurkassa ison S kirjaimen, jolla siihen aikaan merkittiin
tärkeitä ja salaisia kirjeitä. Ne tuli vastaanottajan personallisesti
avata ja lukea. Hovipojanominaisuudet, uteliaisuus ja rohkeus saivat
ylivallan. Leubelfing mursi sinetin ja sai lukea ihmeellisen jutun.
Prinsessan hovinhoitajatar oli — kuninkaan itsensä laatiman ja
kielten varhaista oppimista tarkoittavan opetussuunnitelman mukaan
— hankkinut Christelille italiankielen opettajan. Huolella tehty valinta
näytti onnistuneen. Nuorella miehellä, joka oli ruotsalainen ja ylhäistä
syntyperää ja joka pitkillä matkoillaan oli nähnyt paljon maailmaa, oli
sekä ulkonaisesti että sisäisesti kaikki hyvät edellytykset: ylhäisen
siro vartalo, miellyttävät kasvonpiirteet, hienosti kaartuva otsa,
sulava käytös, ehdoton siveys — samalla kuitenkin kaukana
synkästä ankaruudesta tai naurettavasta pikkumaisuudesta —
aatelinen kunniantunto ja kristillinen nöyryys. Sitäpaitsi hän täytti
vielä pääehdon: hänessä oli tosi-luterilaisuutta, joka, kuten hän itse
oli tunnustanut, oli muuttunut hänessä opituista dogmeista
itsenäiseksi, lujaksi vakaumukseksi vasta sitten kun hän uuden ajan
Babyloniassa oli nähnyt roomalaisten hirmutyöt. Kylmä ja järkevä
hovinhoitajatar toisti joka kirjeessä, että nuori mies oli hänet
lumonnut. Nuori prinsessa, hyväpäinen kun oli, oppi myös vinhaa
vauhtia tällaisen opettajan johdolla. Ja eräänä päivänä yllätti
hovinhoitajatar hyväpäisen Christelin, jolla oli vilkas mielikuvitus,
nurkkaan kyyristyneenä sormeilemassa hyvänhajuisesta
seeteripuusta tehdyn rukousnauhan helmiä, joita hän silloin tällöin
nenä soristen haisteli. »Ulvova susi lammasten vaatteissa!» kirjoitti
kelpo hovinhoitajatar liittäen loppuun viisi huutomerkkiä. »Minä löin
käteni yhteen pääni päällä ja muutuin valkeaksi kuvapatsaaksi.»

Kustaa Aadolf kalpeni, järkytettynä sielunsa syvimpään ja hänen


suuret siniset silmänsä tuijottivat kaukaisuuteen. Hän tunsi jesuitat.

Jesuitta oli vangittu, ja ankarain Ruotsin lakien mukaan häntä


odotti kuolemanrangaistus, ellei kuningas armahtaisi. Kustaa Aadolf
käski hovipojan viipymättä kirjoittaa hovinhoitajattarelle, että »tytön
suhteen ei tarvinnut ryhtyä erikoisiin toimenpiteisiin, asia oli pidettävä
lapsellisuutena; jesuitta oli huomiota ja hälinää nostamatta
toimitettava rajan yli, sillä» — saneli hän Leubelfingille — »en tahdo
tehdä kenestäkään marttyria. Sokaistu, harhaan johdettu
nuorukainen astuisi kevyesti mestauslavalle toivossa pääsevänsä
marttyrien purppurapilvessä taivaaseen häijysti mielissään siitä, että
on saanut turmella lapseni helposti muovailtavia aivoja.»

»Onnettomuus ja rikos» — niin kutsui hän murhayritystä lapsensa


sielua vastaan — ei antanut hänelle rauhaa moneen päivään. Hän
kulki väsymättä edestakaisin huoneessaan, kunnes hänen
lamppunsa sammui paljon yli keskiyön, ja puheli pikemmin itsekseen
kuin lemmikilleen hurskaitten isäin valheista, viisasteluista ja
kavaluudesta. Hovipoika pusersi puolihämärässä käsiään rintaansa
vasten kauhuissaan ja masentuneena ja tuomitsi itseään hiljaa:
»Sinäkin olet valhettelija, viisastelija ja teeskentelijä.»

Näiden öisten hetkien jälkeen oli hovipoika suunnattomasti jopa


mielettömästikin peloissaan sukupuolestaan ja teeskentelystään.
Pieninkin seikka saattoi paljastaa hänet. Välttääkseen sitä häpeää
päätti poikaraukka ainakin kymmenen kertaa joko iltahämärässä tai
aamunkoitossa satuloida hevosensa, ratsastaakseen maailman
ääreen, mutta kuninkaan viaton hyväily sai hänet aina jäämään. Eikä
Kustaa Aadolf ollenkaan aavistanut, että hänen läheisyydessään oli
nainen. Nuori Leubelfing tunsi mielensä kevyeksi ainoastaan ruudin
savussa. Silloin hänen silmänsä säihkyivät ja hän ratsasti ilomielin
kuulasateeseen, melkein toivoen kuulien lopettavan hänen
pelokkaan unelmansa. Ja kun kuningas senjälkeen jonain
iltahetkenä lampun tuttavallisessa valossa sai hovipoikansa kiinni
jostain tyhmyydestä tai tietämättömyydestä, ja sydämellisesti
nauraen tarttui hänen kiharoihinsa, ajatteli hovipoika sydän täynnä
onnea ja tuskaa: »tämä on viimeinen kerta!»

Näin viivytti hän onnensa surmaamista ja pysytteli elämänsä


huippukohdassa kuoleman turvissa.

Ihmeellistä kyllä Leubelfing tunsi että myöskin kuninkaalle oli


kuoleman ajatus tuttu. Friedlantilainen oli nyt vuorostaan ruvennut
hyökkäämään ja saattanut voittajan väistymään, melkeinpä
pakenemaan. Ja niin pani kristillisyyden sankari kohtalonsa joka
päivä ja joka hetki melkein kuin uhkamielin Jumalan käsiin.
Rintahaarniskaa, jota hovipojan oli tapana hänelle tarjota, kieltäytyi
hän itsepintaisesti ottamasta, koska se muka hieroisi hänen
olkapäässään olevaa haavaa. Eräänä päivänä lähetti kuningatar
hänelle pehmeän, hienon panssaripaidan, alankomaalaisen
takomataidon mestarituotteen, joita järkevien ja varovaisten soturien
oli tapana käyttää, ja kirjoitti kuulleensa friedlantilaisen käyttävän
sellaista ja toivovansa ettei hänenkään herransa ja puolisonsa
huonommin suojeltuna lähtisi taisteluun. Tämän hienon sepäntyön
Kustaa heitti halveksien nurkkaan, sanoen sen todistavan
pelkuruutta.
Kerran yön hiljaisuudessa kuuli Leubelfing, jonka päätä eroitti vain
seinä kuninkaasta, miten Kustaa hartaasti rukoili Jumalaansa
ottamaan hänen elämänsä niinkauan kuin hän vielä oli täysissä
ruumiin ja hengen voimissa, ennenkuin hän tulisi hyödyttömäksi ja
kelpaamattomaksi. Kuulijan silmiin tulvehtivat ensin kyyneleet, sitten
valtasi hänet kiireestä kantapäähän itsekäs ilo, salainen onni, riemu
ja hurma siitä, että kuninkaan suuri kohtalo ja hänen oma pieni
elämänosansa olivat niin samanlaiset. Ja lapsellisen yksinkertaisesti
iloiten siitä, että kuninkaan ristimänimi alkoi ja hänen oma nimensä
loppui samaan tavuuseen, nukahti hän vihdoin.

Mutta hovipoika näki pahoja unia, sillä hän kuuli unessakin


omantunnon äänen. Hänen uneksija-silmänsä näkivät tuomitsevia
näkyjä: milloin oli asia paljastunut ja kuningas karkotti hänet luotaan
säihkyvin katsein ja armottomin elein, milloin taas kuningatar ajoi
häntä takaa luudanvarrella, huutaen mitä karkeimpia sanoja, jollaisia
tämä sivistynyt nainen ei milloinkaan päivällä olisi päästänyt
huuliltaan ja joita hän tuskin tiesi olevankaan.

Kerran näki hovipoika unessa raudikon kiidättävän häntä vihaisen


iltaruskon punaaman maiseman halki kuilua kohti. Kuningas ajoi
hänen jälessään, mutta hän syöksyi pelastajansa, tai kiinniottajansa,
silmäin edessä murskaavaan syvyyteen helvetillisen naurun
kaikuessa.
III.

Leubelfing heräsi omaan hätähuutoonsa. Aamu sarasti, ja hän


huomasi kuninkaansa, joka sikeästi nukuttuaan taas tunsi mielensä
raikkaaksi ja valoisaksi, olevan mitä hilpeimmällä ja ystävällisimmällä
tuulella. Kuningattarelta saapui kirje. Siinä oli tärkeätä ainoastaan
lisäys, jossa hän pyysi puolisoaan selvittämään erästä tämän
avuliaan naisen sydäntä painavaa asiaa. Lauenburgin herttua,
siveetön mies, joka tuskin kaksi kuukautta sitten oli valtiollisista
syistä nainut erään kuningattaren monista serkuista, oli jo ennen
kuherruskuukauden päättymistä ikävystynyt vaimonsa vaaleisiin
palmikkoihin ja veden värisiin silmiin ja rientänyt takaisin
ruotsalaisten leiriin, missä hän piti luonaan nuorta slovenitarta. Hänet
oli herttua sissinä ollessaan ryöstänyt hajoitetusta friedlantilaisesta
joukkueesta. Kuningatar pyysi nyt puolisoaan tekemään pikaisen
lopun tästä räikeästä aviorikoksesta, joka oli herättänyt yleistä
paheksumista, sillä lauenburgilainen ylpeili kauniista saaliistaan
säätyläistensä nähden ja, koettaen välttää ainoastaan kuninkaan
katseita, antautui rohkeasti tähän syntiin ja häpeään. Kustaa
Aadolfille merkitsi asia vain yksinkertaista velvollisuuden täyttämistä,
ja hän käski lyhyesti tuoda slovenittaren, jota kutsuttiin Corinnaksi,
luokseen illalla kahdeksannella tunnilla, arvellen silloin palaavansa
lyhyeltä vakoilemisretkeltään. Ankara mutta inhimillinen kun oli, aikoi
hän nuhdella tyttöä ja lähettää hänet hänen isänsä luo Wallensteinin
leiriin, sillä hän tunsi Lauenburgin herttuan ja tiesi, että tytön
osallisuus rikokseen oli pienempi. Annettuaan Leubelfingille
määräyksen rauhoittaa kirjeessä kuningatarta ja luvattuaan itse
myöhemmin lisätä pari riviä ratsasti kuningas omille asioilleen.
Kahdeksas tunti oli kulunut, mutta kuningasta ei vielä kuulunut. Sen
sijaan saapui Corinna kahden peloittavan näköisen ruotsalaisen
pikenieerin seuraamana, jotka jättivät hänet eteiseen kirjeen ääressä
istuvan hovipojan huostaan. Leubelfingillä oli miekka ja pistolit
vieressään pöydällä. Sitäpaitsi oli linnanportilla vahti.

Hovipoika nosti silmänsä kirjeestä, katseli uteliaasti vangittua


naista, hämmästyi hänen kauneuttaan ja käski hänen istuutua.
Nainen oli keskikokoinen, ja siro kaula, joka kohosi pyöreistä
olkapäistä, kannatti viehättävää pientä päätä. Paljoa ei puuttunut:
hieman tyynempi katse, vapaampi otsa, rauhallisemmat sieraimet ja
suupielet, ja tämä herttainen pää olisi muistuttanut runotarta. Mutta
nainen oli kaikesta päättäen Corinna ja siis kaukana runottaresta.
Pikimustat palmikot ja tummasti uhkaavat silmät loivat kalpeutta
ihastuttaviin kasvoihin. Kirjava puku oli joutunut epäjärjestykseen.
Sen värejä ei etelän kirkas aurinko hillinnyt ja se näytti täällä
pohjoisen taivaan alla räikeältä ja silmiin pistävältä. Hänen rintansa
näkyi kiivaasti sykkivän.

Äänettömyys kävi tytölle sietämättömäksi. »Nuori herra, missä on


kuningas?» kysyi hän mielenliikutuksesta melkein huutaen.
»Ratsastanut pois. Tulee kohta!» vastasi Leubelfing mahdollisimman
alavalla äänellä.

»Älköön kuningas kuvitelkokaan, että jättäisin herttuaa», jatkoi


intohimoinen tyttö hillittömän kiivaasti. »Olen menehtyä rakkaudesta

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