Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To detect changes in the environment, process information, and coordinate responses

Question 2

Which structure is part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord

Question 3

A patient suffers damage to the myelin sheath in the CNS. Which cell type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is the voltage difference across the membrane when the neuron is not transmitting signals, typically around $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}.$$

Question 5

Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

The Nernst equation: $$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 6

During an action potential, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization due to influx of sodium ions

Question 7

A neuron receives both excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Which of the following best describes how it decides whether to fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

It fires an action potential if the sum of all inputs reaches the threshold at the axon hillock.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains saltatory conduction in myelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 10

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What is the most likely effect on neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials will be unable to initiate or propagate.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between electrical and chemical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Electrical synapses transmit signals via gap junctions, allowing direct ion flow; chemical synapses use neurotransmitters to transmit signals across a synaptic cleft.

Question 12

Which of the following neurotransmitters is inhibitory in the adult brain?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron

Question 14

A patient has a mutation that increases the permeability of the neuronal membrane to potassium ions at rest. What effect would this have on the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

The resting membrane potential would become more negative (hyperpolarized).

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock in neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

It integrates incoming signals and initiates action potentials if threshold is reached.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → voltage-gated calcium channels open → neurotransmitter released → neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely increase the speed of action potential propagation along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the diameter of the axon and adding myelin

Question 18

A patient is given a drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase. What effect would this have at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine would remain in the synaptic cleft longer, causing prolonged muscle contraction.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the concept of a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

A direct pathway from sensory neuron to motor neuron, often bypassing the brain for rapid response.

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to be involved in mood regulation and is often targeted by antidepressant medications?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Chapter 11: Nervous Tissue and the Nervous System – Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards