Q: A researcher is studying the resting membrane potential of a neuron. Which equation would best describe the relationship between ion concentrations and membrane potential?

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \frac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{outside}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{inside}}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the brain, protecting neural tissue from toxins and pathogens

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation and motor function in the right arm. Which part of the nervous system is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral nervous system

Question 3

Which supporting cell of the nervous system is responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

A researcher is studying the resting membrane potential of a neuron. Which equation would best describe the relationship between ion concentrations and membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \frac{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{outside}}}{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{inside}}}$$

Question 5

Which of the following best differentiates between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials can summate and decrease with distance, while action potentials are all-or-none and propagate without decrement

Question 6

A patient has damage to the ventral root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Motor output to skeletal muscles

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by preganglionic neurons of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 8

A patient exhibits loss of fine motor control and balance. Which brain structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the pathway of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation through the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a cranial nerve and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X) – parasympathetic control of thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 11

A patient is unable to feel pain or temperature on the left side of their body below the neck. Which spinal tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Lateral spinothalamic tract

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic prepares the body for 'fight or flight'; parasympathetic promotes 'rest and digest' activities

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the generation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization → repolarization → hyperpolarization

Question 14

A patient has a lesion in the left precentral gyrus. Which function is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary movement of the right side of the body

Question 15

Which of the following best describes temporal summation at a synapse?

Accepted Answer

A single presynaptic neuron fires multiple times in rapid succession

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of consciousness and arousal

Question 17

A patient is unable to contract the muscles of facial expression on one side of the face. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Acting as immune cells by phagocytosing debris and pathogens

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The refractory period prevents the action potential from traveling backward

Question 20

A patient is unable to move their right foot after a spinal cord injury. Which descending tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Comprehensive Study Notes: The Nervous System (Anatomy & Physiology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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