Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To increase the speed of nerve impulse conduction by insulating axons

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the myelin sheaths in the CNS. Which cell type is primarily responsible for forming these sheaths, and what is a likely consequence of this damage?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes; decreased speed of impulse conduction

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why infants require a diet rich in fats for proper brain development?

Accepted Answer

Fats are required for the formation of myelin sheaths around axons

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between gray matter and white matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter is primarily composed of myelinated axons, while gray matter contains cell bodies and dendrites

Question 5

A patient presents with loss of sensation but preserved motor function in a region of the body. Which spinal cord tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Sensory tract

Question 6

Which of the following best defines the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

A selective barrier formed by endothelial cells that regulates the passage of substances from the blood into the brain

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct order of the meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 8

Which space in the CNS contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid space

Question 9

A patient is unable to coordinate voluntary movements and maintain balance. Which part of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where the axon arises from the cell body and where action potentials are typically initiated

Question 11

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (II)

Question 12

Which of the following best defines proprioception?

Accepted Answer

The awareness of body position and movement, detected by receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the repair of nervous tissue in the CNS versus the PNS?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes in the CNS form scar tissue that can impede regeneration, while Schwann cells in the PNS facilitate axonal regrowth

Question 14

Which of the following best describes a reflex?

Accepted Answer

An automatic, rapid response to a specific stimulus

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between conduction velocity ($$v$$), axon diameter ($$d$$), and myelination?

Accepted Answer

$$v \propto \sqrt{d}$$ for unmyelinated axons and $$v \propto d$$ for myelinated axons

Question 16

A patient experiences pain in the left arm during a heart attack. This phenomenon is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Referred pain

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting electrical impulses between neurons

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex

Question 19

Which of the following cranial nerves is both sensory and motor and is responsible for facial expressions and taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 20

Which of the following best defines the difference between sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Sensation is the detection of a stimulus by sensory receptors, while perception is the conscious interpretation of that stimulus by the brain

BIO 141: Nervous System Study Guide (Chapters 11–13)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards