A LevelPsychologyAQAExam QuestionsBiopsychologyNeurons & Synaptic Transmission

Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Neurons & Synaptic Transmission (AQA A Level Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 7182

38 mins11 questions
Easy
Medium
Hard
13 marks

Name the types of neurons labelled A, B and C on Figure 1 below. Write your answers in the boxes provided.

Figure 1

Diagram illustrating a neuron pathway from the skin receptor through the spinal cord to a muscle effector. Labeled sections A, B, and C show different parts.

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2a1 mark

Figure 1 shows three different types of neuron. Use the letters from Figure 1 to answer the following questions.

Figure 1 Types of neuron

Diagram illustrates three types of neurons labeled A, B, and C, showing their dendrites, cell bodies, and axons, highlighting structural differences.

Which neuron is only found in the brain/visual system/spinal cord?

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2b1 mark

Which neuron carries nerve impulses from the brain/spinal cord to muscles/glands?

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2c1 mark

Which neuron carries nerve impulses between neurons?

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32 marks

A survey of hospital patients has found that a new drug, Zapurpain, is as effective as other pain medication.

Explain one limitation of asking hospital patients to self-report the effectiveness of Zapurpain.

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41 mark

Which of the following neurons carries electrical impulses towards the brain?

  • Interneuron

  • Motor neuron

  • Relay neuron

  • Sensory neuron

Choose your answer

52 marks

Which two of the following statements about the function of neurons are true?

Shade two boxes only.

  • Sensory neurons have short dendrites and long axons.

  • Relay neurons are primarily located in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

  • Motor neurons control physical movements such as muscle contraction.

  • Serotonin is often an excitatory neurotransmitter.

  • Communication between neurons happens across the synapse.

Choose your answer

14 marks

Explain the process of synaptic transmission.

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23 marks

Information can only travel in one direction at a synapse.

Explain why neurons can only transmit information in one direction at a synapse.

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34 marks

Zapurpain acts like an inhibitory neurotransmitter at the synapse.

Explain how Zapurpain might affect the process of synaptic transmission through inhibition.

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44 marks

Describe the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission.

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16 marks

Describe the structure and function of a neuron.

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26 marks

Outline the structures and processes involved in synaptic transmission.

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