Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They support and brace neurons, anchor them to nutrient supplies, and help form the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

A patient suffers from a disease that destroys oligodendrocytes. Which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

The speed of nerve impulse transmission in the CNS.

Question 3

Which glial cell type is responsible for phagocytosis of pathogens and cellular debris in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Microglia

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Question 5

A neuron with a single process that divides into peripheral and central branches is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Unipolar (pseudounipolar)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows for saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of ependymal cells?

Accepted Answer

Forming the myelin sheath in the CNS.

Question 8

A nerve impulse traveling from the skin to the brain is carried by which type of neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It is the region where action potentials are initiated.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about chemical synapses is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They use neurotransmitters to transmit signals across the synaptic cleft.

Question 11

Which process is responsible for the removal of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic degradation, reuptake by astrocytes or presynaptic terminals, or diffusion away from the synapse

Question 12

A patient has a loss of sensation in the skin but normal muscle function. Which type of neuron is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 13

Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the difference between white matter and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia and regulate the environment around them.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of neurons that distinguishes them from most other cell types?

Accepted Answer

They are long-lived, amitotic, and have a high metabolic rate.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why damage to the cell body of a neuron is more detrimental than damage to an axon?

Accepted Answer

The cell body contains the nucleus and is the major biosynthetic center of the neuron.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels open → Neurotransmitter is released → Neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between anterograde and retrograde transport in axons?

Accepted Answer

Anterograde transport moves materials toward the axon terminal, while retrograde moves them toward the cell body.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of interneurons?

Accepted Answer

They shuttle signals through CNS pathways, connecting sensory and motor neurons.

Chapter 11: Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards