Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system provides fast, brief responses, while the endocrine system provides slow, long-lasting responses.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts the transmission of motor commands to skeletal muscles. Which division of the nervous system is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 3

Which of the following glial cells is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

A neuron has one axon and one dendrite extending from opposite ends of the cell body. What is the structural classification of this neuron?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar neuron

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential ($$V_{rest}) of a $$neuron is typically around $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is more permeable to $$K^+$$ than $$Na^+$$, and the $$Na^+/K^+$$ ATPase pump maintains the ionic gradients.

Question 6

Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion, such as potassium ($$K^+$$), across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \log \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}}$$

Question 7

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness due to demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Which glial cell is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the blood-brain barrier

Question 9

If a neuron's membrane suddenly becomes more permeable to $$Na^+$$, what is the immediate effect on the membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes more positive (depolarization).

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of microglia in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They act as resident macrophages, cleaning up debris and pathogens.

Question 11

A researcher is studying the propagation of action potentials along a myelinated axon. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the effect of myelination?

Accepted Answer

Myelination increases the speed of action potential propagation by insulating the axon.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of ependymal cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They line fluid-filled cavities and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 13

A neuron is classified as multipolar. Which of the following is true about its structure?

Accepted Answer

It has one axon and multiple dendrites.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the nervous system is considered the most 'expensive' tissue in the body?

Accepted Answer

It consumes a disproportionately high amount of energy relative to its size.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a glial cell and its function in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell – forms myelin sheath

Question 16

A patient presents with symptoms of both increased heart rate and sweating during a stressful event. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for these responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of interneurons?

Accepted Answer

They process and integrate information within the CNS.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the $$Na^+/K^+$$ ATPase pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves $$3\ Na^+$$ ions out and $$2\ K^+$$ ions in per ATP hydrolyzed.

Question 19

A neuron is exposed to a toxin that blocks all voltage-gated $$K^+$$ channels. What is the most likely effect on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to repolarize after depolarization.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of satellite cells in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

They surround and protect neuronal cell bodies in ganglia.

Question 21

A patient has a genetic mutation that causes all of their neuronal membranes to be equally permeable to $$Na^+$$ and $$K^+. $$What would be the expected effect on the resting membrane potential ($$V_{rest}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{rest}$$ would become less negative (closer to zero) than normal.

Chapter 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards