Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the interstitial environment.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), which results in demyelination in the CNS. Which neuroglial cell is primarily affected in this disease?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the sodium-potassium exchange pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell per ATP.

Question 4

A graded potential that causes the membrane potential to become more negative than the resting potential is called:

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization

Question 5

Which type of neuron is most commonly found as sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar (pseudounipolar) neurons

Question 6

During the absolute refractory period of an action potential:

Accepted Answer

No stimulus, no matter how strong, can trigger another action potential.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why saltatory propagation is faster than continuous propagation?

Accepted Answer

The myelin sheath allows the local current to 'jump' from node to node, reducing the number of action potentials needed.

Question 8

A neurotransmitter that causes the opening of chemically gated sodium channels on the postsynaptic membrane will most likely produce:

Accepted Answer

An excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct effect of a neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Opening of chemically gated ion channels

Question 10

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What effect would this have on the generation of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials could not be generated at all.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, removing debris and pathogens.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of serotonin in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It affects attention and emotional states; deficiency is linked to depression.

Question 13

A patient is given an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) for depression. What is the expected effect at the synapse?

Accepted Answer

Increased concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft

Question 14

Which of the following best describes temporal summation?

Accepted Answer

Summation of rapid, repeated stimuli at a single synapse

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of Type A fibers?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated and large diameter, transmitting information rapidly

Question 16

A patient suffers a peripheral nerve injury. Which process describes the degeneration of the axon distal to the injury site?

Accepted Answer

Wallerian degeneration

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why neurons in the CNS have limited ability to regenerate after injury?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes produce scar tissue and release chemicals that block regrowth.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of a neurotransmitter acting via a metabotropic effect?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine binding to a G protein-coupled receptor and increasing cAMP in cardiac muscle

Question 19

A patient is exposed to a bacterial toxin that damages Schwann cells. Which of the following would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Demyelination of axons in the PNS

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of presynaptic inhibition at an axoaxonic synapse?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the rate of neurotransmitter release.

Chapter 12: Nervous Tissue – Structured Study Notes for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards