Question 1

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that destroys only the myelin sheaths of axons in the CNS, but leaves the axons and cell bodies intact. Which type of neuroglial cell is primarily affected, and what is the likely consequence for nerve impulse conduction?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes; slowed or blocked action potential propagation

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the direction and type of information carried by afferent (sensory) nerve fibers?

Accepted Answer

Toward the CNS; sensory information from receptors

Question 3

A person touches a hot mug and immediately withdraws their hand. Which of the following correctly identifies the type of reflex and the minimum number of synapses involved?

Accepted Answer

Polysynaptic reflex; more than one synapse

Question 4

Which of the following is a function unique to astrocytes among neuroglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the blood-brain barrier

Question 5

Which structural type of neuron is most commonly found as a sensory neuron in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar (pseudounipolar)

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin in the CNS. Which of the following best explains why this leads to neurological deficits?

Accepted Answer

Loss of myelin disrupts saltatory conduction, slowing or blocking nerve impulses

Question 7

Which of the following best distinguishes gray matter from white matter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter contains neuronal cell bodies and dendrites; white matter contains myelinated axons

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the regeneration of injured axons in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Axons in the PNS can regenerate if the cell body survives and Schwann cells guide regrowth

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, engulfing dead neurons and pathogens

Question 10

A researcher is studying the transmission of signals at a chemical synapse. Which of the following events occurs first during synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at the presynaptic terminal bouton

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They form myelin sheaths around axons, increasing the speed of nerve impulse conduction

Question 12

A patient presents with loss of proprioception, leading to poor balance and uncoordinated movements. Which sensory subdivision is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic sensory

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuron type and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Motor neurons: carry impulses away from the CNS to muscles and glands

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They require abundant oxygen and glucose to maintain ion gradients for action potentials

Question 15

A patient is unable to voluntarily contract their skeletal muscles, but involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion remain intact. Which subdivision of the nervous system is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of gray and white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter forms a butterfly-shaped core, surrounded by white matter

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in a typical reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why white matter appears white in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

It is composed primarily of myelinated axons, and myelin is rich in lipids

Question 19

A patient has a tumor composed of rapidly dividing neuroglial cells in the brain. Which type of cell is most likely responsible for this glioma?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

They line the central cavities of the brain and spinal cord and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards