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 transmission by insulating axons

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that destroys the ventral horn of the gray matter. Which of the following deficits would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary motor function in the affected area

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic division is also called the craniosacral division.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a reflex arc in the correct order?

Accepted Answer

Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, effector

Question 5

Which brain region is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature, water balance, and metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 6

A person is unable to speak properly but understands language. Damage to which area of the brain is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Broca's area

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the structure and function of the spinal cord is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ventral horns contain motor neuron cell bodies.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of rods and cones in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Rods are for dim light and peripheral vision; cones are for color vision and sharp detail.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why impulses travel faster in myelinated neurons compared to unmyelinated neurons?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction allows impulses to jump from node to node.

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of sensation but preserved motor function in a limb. Which structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of voluntary muscle movements and balance

Question 12

Which of the following cranial nerves is the only one to extend beyond the head and neck into the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

It protects the brain by restricting passage of harmful substances from the blood.

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of the three meningeal layers from outermost to innermost?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the maculae in the vestibule of the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

Detecting static equilibrium and head position relative to gravity

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic unique to cardiac muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

Branching cells with intercalated discs

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the flow of light and visual information from the cornea to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Cornea → lens → retina → optic nerve → thalamus → occipital lobe

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of the lacrimal apparatus?

Accepted Answer

It produces tears that lubricate, cleanse, and protect the eye.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between a stretch reflex and a withdrawal reflex?

Accepted Answer

A withdrawal reflex involves interneurons, while a stretch reflex is monosynaptic.

Question 20

Which of the following is the main function of the cochlea in the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

Detecting sound vibrations and converting them to nerve impulses

BIO 163: Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous System Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions