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AHS 131 Lecture Exam #4 Review Guidance (Neuroanatomy & Physiology)

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Q1. Which neuroglial cells function as phagocytes in the CNS?

Background

Topic: Neuroglia in the Central Nervous System (CNS)

This question tests your understanding of the different types of neuroglial cells and their specific functions within the CNS, especially those involved in immune defense and debris removal.

Key Terms:

  • Neuroglia: Supportive cells in the nervous system.

  • Phagocyte: A cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

  • CNS: Central nervous system, includes the brain and spinal cord.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the four main types of neuroglial cells in the CNS: astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.

  2. Consider the primary function of each cell type: which one is involved in immune defense and clearing debris?

  3. Think about which cell is analogous to macrophages in other tissues.

  4. Review the role of microglia in the CNS and how they respond to injury or infection.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: B) Microglia

Microglia are the resident phagocytes of the CNS, responsible for engulfing pathogens and debris.

Q2. The functional gap between two neurons is called the:

Background

Topic: Neuronal Communication

This question tests your knowledge of the structure involved in transmitting signals between neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Synapse: The junction where communication occurs between neurons.

  • Node of Ranvier: Gaps in myelin sheath along axons.

  • Neurolemma: The outermost layer of Schwann cells.

  • Dendrite: The part of a neuron that receives signals.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the structure that allows for the transfer of information from one neuron to another.

  2. Recall the difference between structural and functional gaps in neural anatomy.

  3. Consider which term refers specifically to the space where neurotransmitters are released.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) Synapse

The synapse is the functional gap where neurotransmitters mediate communication between neurons.

Q3. Which part of the neuron typically receives incoming signals?

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of the anatomy of a neuron and the direction of signal flow.

Key Terms:

  • Dendrite: Receives signals from other neurons.

  • Axon: Transmits signals away from the cell body.

  • Axon terminal: Releases neurotransmitters.

  • Schwann cell: Myelinates axons in the PNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the basic structure of a neuron: dendrites, cell body, axon, axon terminal.

  2. Identify which part is specialized for receiving signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.

  3. Consider the direction of impulse flow: from dendrites to cell body to axon.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) Dendrite

Dendrites are the primary structures for receiving incoming signals in a neuron.

Q4. Opening of voltage-gated sodium channels directly causes:

Background

Topic: Action Potential Physiology

This question tests your understanding of the phases of an action potential and the role of ion channels.

Key Terms:

  • Voltage-gated sodium channels: Open in response to membrane depolarization.

  • Depolarization: The membrane potential becomes less negative.

  • Repolarization: The membrane potential returns to resting state.

  • Hyperpolarization: The membrane potential becomes more negative than resting.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the sequence of events during an action potential.

  2. Identify which ion moves into the cell when voltage-gated sodium channels open.

  3. Consider how this movement affects the membrane potential.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: B) Depolarization

Opening voltage-gated sodium channels allows Na+ to enter, causing depolarization.

Q5. Which ion is primarily responsible for repolarization?

Background

Topic: Action Potential Phases

This question tests your knowledge of ion movement during the repolarization phase of an action potential.

Key Terms:

  • Repolarization: Return of membrane potential to resting state.

  • Potassium (K+): Key ion in repolarization.

  • Sodium (Na+): Key ion in depolarization.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall which ion channels open after depolarization.

  2. Identify the direction of ion movement during repolarization.

  3. Consider how the movement of potassium affects the membrane potential.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) Potassium

Potassium ions exit the cell during repolarization, restoring the resting membrane potential.

Q6. Saltatory conduction occurs because action potentials “jump” between:

Background

Topic: Myelination and Action Potential Propagation

This question tests your understanding of how myelinated axons speed up nerve impulse transmission.

Key Terms:

  • Saltatory conduction: Rapid transmission of action potentials in myelinated axons.

  • Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the structure of myelinated axons and the location of voltage-gated channels.

  2. Identify where action potentials are regenerated along the axon.

  3. Consider why myelination increases conduction speed.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: D) Nodes of Ranvier

Action potentials "jump" from node to node, enabling saltatory conduction.

Q7. Schwann cells are responsible for myelination in the:

Background

Topic: Neuroglia and Myelination

This question tests your knowledge of which cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) versus the central nervous system (CNS).

Key Terms:

  • Schwann cells: Myelinate axons in the PNS.

  • Oligodendrocytes: Myelinate axons in the CNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the difference between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes.

  2. Identify which nervous system each cell type is associated with.

  3. Consider the location of myelinated axons in the PNS.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) PNS

Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Q8. The brain and spinal cord together form the:

Background

Topic: Nervous System Organization

This question tests your understanding of the structural divisions of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • CNS: Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

  • PNS: Peripheral nervous system (nerves outside CNS).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the two main divisions of the nervous system.

  2. Identify which structures are included in the CNS.

  3. Consider the functional roles of the CNS versus the PNS.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: D) Central nervous system

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Q9. Which lobe contains the primary visual cortex?

Background

Topic: Brain Anatomy and Functional Areas

This question tests your knowledge of the location of sensory processing areas in the brain.

Key Terms:

  • Primary visual cortex: Area responsible for processing visual information.

  • Occipital lobe: Posterior lobe of the brain.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the four main lobes of the cerebral cortex: frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital.

  2. Identify which lobe is associated with vision.

  3. Consider the location of the occipital lobe in the brain.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) Occipital

The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex.

Q10. The postcentral gyrus primarily functions in:

Background

Topic: Cerebral Functional Areas

This question tests your knowledge of the functional regions of the cerebral cortex.

Key Terms:

  • Postcentral gyrus: Located in the parietal lobe.

  • Somatic sensory processing: Interpretation of sensory information from the body.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the location of the postcentral gyrus relative to the central sulcus.

  2. Identify the primary function of this region.

  3. Consider which types of sensory information are processed here.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: C) Somatic sensory processing

The postcentral gyrus is the primary somatosensory cortex.

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