Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three main functions of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input, integration, and motor output

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

A neuron is unable to generate an action potential immediately after one has occurred, regardless of the strength of the stimulus. This period is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Absolute refractory period

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents Ohm’s Law as it applies to the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$I = \frac{V}{R}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are short-lived, localized changes in membrane potential

Question 7

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves into the neuron and through which type of channel?

Accepted Answer

Na+ through voltage-gated Na+ channels

Question 8

Saltatory conduction is faster than continuous conduction because:

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from node to node along myelinated axons

Question 9

Which of the following neurotransmitters is typically inhibitory in the adult CNS?

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Question 10

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated Ca2+ channels at the axon terminal. What is the most likely effect on synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter release will be inhibited

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential of a neuron is typically around $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$?

Accepted Answer

There is a higher concentration of K+ inside and Na+ outside, and the membrane is more permeable to K+

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Regulating the chemical environment around neurons

Question 13

A neuron receives two excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rapid succession from the same presynaptic neuron. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between direct and indirect neurotransmitter actions?

Accepted Answer

Direct actions open ion channels rapidly; indirect actions use second messengers for slower, longer-lasting effects

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE about interneurons?

Accepted Answer

They are found entirely within the CNS and are involved in integration

Question 16

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences slowed nerve conduction. Which cellular structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the 'all-or-none' phenomenon of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

An action potential either occurs completely or not at all, once threshold is reached

Question 18

Which type of neural processing is exemplified by a spinal reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Serial processing

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and its typical effect?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate – excitatory

Question 20

A neuron has a resting membrane potential of $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}. If $$the membrane potential becomes $$-80\ \mathrm{mV}$$, what has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards