Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They support and brace neurons, regulate nutrient supply, and help maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents Ohm’s Law as it applies to the movement of ions across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which type of neuroglia is responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 5

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) at the same time. What determines whether an action potential will be generated?

Accepted Answer

The sum of all EPSPs and IPSPs at the axon hillock

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The leakage of K$$^+$$ out of the neuron is greater than the leakage of Na$$^+$$ into the neuron.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct match between neuron structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar neurons – found in the retina and olfactory mucosa

Question 8

During the absolute refractory period of an action potential, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily inhibitory in the adult brain and is associated with opening Cl$$^-$$ channels?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 10

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness due to demyelination in the CNS. Which neuroglial cell is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decay with distance, while action potentials are self-propagating and do not decay.

Question 12

Which of the following events is most closely associated with the threshold for generating an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Opening of voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels

Question 13

A neuron is exposed to a drug that blocks voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels. What is the most likely effect on neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to generate action potentials.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ out of the cell and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell, maintaining a negative charge inside.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 16

A patient is unable to synchronize the contraction of cardiac muscle cells. Which type of synapse is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Electrical synapse (gap junction)

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, differentiating into macrophages to remove debris.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why graded potentials are important for neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

They allow for the integration of multiple inputs at the postsynaptic membrane, determining whether threshold is reached.

Question 19

A neuron has a resting membrane potential of $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}. If $$the membrane potential becomes $$-60\ \mathrm{mV}$$, what has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between a nerve and a tract?

Accepted Answer

A nerve is a bundle of axons in the PNS, while a tract is a bundle of axons in the CNS.

Chapter 11 - Fundamentals of the Nervous System & Nervous Tissue

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards