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

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

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 3

A patient presents with numbness in their fingers after being exposed to cold temperatures. Which physiological mechanism best explains this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Cold interrupts blood circulation, reducing oxygen delivery to neurons and slowing action potential propagation.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents Ohm’s Law as it applies to neuronal membrane potentials?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one myelin sheath gap to the next, a process called saltatory conduction.

Question 6

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a neurotransmitter binding to its receptor?

Accepted Answer

Chemically gated (ligand-gated) channel

Question 7

A person is exposed to the rabies virus, which travels to the CNS by retrograde axonal transport. Which part of the neuron is primarily involved in this process?

Accepted Answer

Axon

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why neurons have a high metabolic rate?

Accepted Answer

They require a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose to maintain membrane potentials.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Support and brace neurons, regulate the chemical environment, and participate in information processing.

Question 10

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiences muscle weakness and visual disturbances. What is the underlying cause of these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of CNS myelin sheaths, leading to slowed or blocked nerve impulse conduction.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about graded potentials is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are short-lived, localized changes in membrane potential that decrease in strength with distance.

Question 12

During the absolute refractory period, why can’t a neuron generate another action potential?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na+ channels are open or inactivated and cannot be reset immediately.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

White matter contains myelinated fibers, while gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and nonmyelinated fibers.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct functional classification of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons transmit impulses toward the CNS; motor neurons carry impulses away from the CNS.

Question 15

A local anesthetic is applied to a patient’s skin before a minor procedure. Which mechanism best explains how the anesthetic prevents pain sensation?

Accepted Answer

It blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels, preventing action potential generation.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths insulate the axon, allowing action potentials to jump between gaps (nodes of Ranvier).

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly describes the relationship between membrane potential, ion concentration, and permeability?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of Group A nerve fibers?

Accepted Answer

They have the largest diameter, are myelinated, and conduct impulses at the fastest speed.

Question 19

A patient is unable to move their skeletal muscles voluntarily but retains involuntary muscle function. Which division of the nervous system is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of depolarization on the membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes less negative, moving toward zero or above.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards