Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the sensory (afferent) division of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

It collects information from the environment and sends it to the CNS.

Question 2

Which neuroglial cell type is primarily responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the skeletal muscles. Which division of the nervous system is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 4

Which of the following statements about myelination is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Nodes of Ranvier are gaps between Schwann cells in the PNS.

Question 5

Which equation best represents the relationship between conduction velocity ($$v$$), axon diameter ($$d$$), and degree of myelination?

Accepted Answer

$$v \propto d$$

Question 6

A neuron with one axon and one dendrite extending from the cell body is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Bipolar

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They gather information from capillaries and help guide neuron development.

Question 8

Which type of synapse allows for the fastest communication between neurons?

Accepted Answer

Electrical synapse

Question 9

A patient is unable to feel sensations from their skin but can still move their muscles voluntarily. Which type of neuron is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than nonmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin prevents current leakage and allows saltatory conduction at the nodes of Ranvier.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuroglia and their function in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells – help regenerate peripheral nerve fibers

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of dendrites?

Accepted Answer

They receive incoming signals and produce graded potentials.

Question 13

A researcher is studying a neuron that is amitotic, has a high metabolic rate, and can live for a lifetime. What type of cell is being studied?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The PNS includes spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and ganglia.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between white matter and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter contains dense collections of myelinated fibers; gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and nonmyelinated fibers.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A person’s heart rate increases rapidly when startled by a loud noise.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Electrical impulse → neurotransmitter release → chemical signal → electrical impulse in postsynaptic neuron

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of microglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They act as defensive cells, protecting neurons from injury and infection.

Question 19

A nerve impulse is generated at the axon hillock and travels down the axon to the axon terminals. What happens next?

Accepted Answer

The impulse is converted into a chemical signal and neurotransmitters are released.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why neurons in the CNS generally do not regenerate after injury?

Accepted Answer

CNS neurons are amitotic and lack the ability to divide after maturity.

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards