Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate chemical environment around neurons.

Question 2

A patient presents with slowed nerve conduction and muscle weakness. Which cell type is most likely affected, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes; forming myelin sheaths around CNS axons

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of membrane potential using the Nernst equation for potassium ions ($$K^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$E_K = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{out}}{[K^+]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 4

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated $$Na^+$$ channels open

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows for saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 6

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rapid succession at a single synapse. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is degraded by acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 8

If the extracellular concentration of $$Na^+$$ increases, what effect would this have on the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It would make the resting membrane potential less negative (closer to zero).

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated $$Na^+$$ channels are inactivated and cannot reopen.

Question 10

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Which process is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction along myelinated axons

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of Schwann cells?

Accepted Answer

They form myelin sheaths around axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 12

Which type of neuron has one short process that splits into two branches, one acting as a sensory receptor and the other entering the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar (pseudounipolar) neuron

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct effect of opening ligand-gated ion channels on the postsynaptic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Generation of graded potentials (EPSPs or IPSPs)

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between serial and parallel processing in neural integration?

Accepted Answer

Parallel processing allows for higher-level integration and simultaneous processing of information.

Question 15

Which of the following neurotransmitters is classified as a biogenic amine and is involved in mood regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 16

A neuron is hyperpolarized when:

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Acting as phagocytes to remove debris and pathogens

Question 18

Which process is responsible for the termination of neurotransmitter effects at the synapse?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic degradation of neurotransmitter

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where action potentials are generated.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They decrease in magnitude as they spread from the site of origin.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions