Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

It integrates and interprets sensory input and issues commands.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 3

Which neuroglial cell type is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

What is the primary function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They support and anchor neurons to capillaries and help regulate the chemical environment.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why action potentials travel faster in myelinated axons than in unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows action potentials to jump from node to node, a process called saltatory conduction.

Question 6

During which phase of the action potential are voltage-gated K$$^+$$ channels open and Na$$^+$$ channels are inactivating?

Accepted Answer

Repolarization

Question 7

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rapid succession from a single presynaptic neuron. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction and degraded by acetylcholinesterase?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the 'all-or-none' principle of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Once threshold is reached, an action potential is generated and propagates without decreasing in strength.

Question 10

Which type of neuronal circuit is responsible for rhythmic activities such as breathing and walking?

Accepted Answer

Reverberating circuit

Question 11

A patient has a loss of sensation in the skin of their right hand. Which type of neuron is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, phagocytizing debris and pathogens.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuron structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock – initiates action potentials

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

Facilitates neurotransmitter release at the synapse

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why Group A nerve fibers conduct impulses faster than Group C fibers?

Accepted Answer

Group A fibers have a larger diameter and are heavily myelinated.

Question 16

A drug blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased duration of neurotransmitter action on the postsynaptic cell

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about the functional classification of neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

The effect of a neurotransmitter depends on the receptor type on the postsynaptic cell.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between white matter and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter consists mainly of myelinated axons; gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers.

Question 19

A patient is unable to regenerate damaged nerve fibers in the CNS. Which cell type is most likely unable to perform its function?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, increasing conduction speed.

Chapter 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

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