Question 1

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events in nervous system function?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input $$\rightarrow$$ Integration $$\rightarrow$$ Motor output

Question 2

Which glial cell is primarily responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 3

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiences muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Which process is most directly affected in MS?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction along myelinated axons

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells myelinate axons in the PNS, oligodendrocytes in the CNS

Question 5

At rest, the membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately:

Accepted Answer

$$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why action potentials only travel in one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period prevents re-excitation of recently depolarized regions

Question 7

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at the same time from different synapses. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They form the blood-brain barrier and regulate extracellular ion balance

Question 9

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[\mathrm{ion}]_{\mathrm{out}}}{[\mathrm{ion}]_{\mathrm{in}}} \right)$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic of graded potentials, but NOT action potentials?

Accepted Answer

They can summate to reach threshold

Question 11

A drug blocks voltage-gated potassium channels in neurons. What effect would this have on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

It would prolong repolarization

Question 12

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with inhibitory synapses in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding ligand-gated channels?

Accepted Answer

They open when a specific chemical binds to them

Question 15

During the action potential, which phase is primarily responsible for the rapid influx of $$\mathrm{Na}^+$$ ions?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely increase the conduction velocity of an action potential along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Increasing axon diameter and adding myelin

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

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrival $$\rightarrow$$ Neurotransmitter release $$\rightarrow$$ Postsynaptic receptor activation

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why graded potentials decrease in amplitude as they travel away from the site of origin?

Accepted Answer

They are dissipated due to leakage of ions across the membrane

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of ependymal cells?

Accepted Answer

Producing cerebrospinal fluid

Chapter 11: The Nervous System – Structure and Function Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions