Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following describes the function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

1. Regulating heartbeat

2. Controlling emotions

3. Facilitating communication between neurons

4. Managing digestion

The correct answer is: Facilitating communication between neurons

The function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system is fundamentally about facilitating communication between neurons. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. When a neuron is activated and an electrical impulse travels down its axon, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptor sites on the adjacent neuron's membrane. This binding can either promote or inhibit the generation of an electrical impulse in the receiving neuron, thus influencing various neural processes. This role in communication is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, affecting everything from muscle contraction to sensory perception and cognitive functions. In contrast, while neurotransmitters may influence functions such as heartbeat, emotions, or digestion indirectly through their effect on various neural pathways, their primary and defining role is to enable and regulate communication between neurons.