Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It serves as the integration and command center for processing sensory input and dictating motor output.

Question 2

A patient suffers damage to the Schwann cells in their peripheral nervous system. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased speed of impulse conduction along peripheral axons due to loss of myelin.

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between somatic and visceral motor divisions?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor controls voluntary contraction of skeletal muscle, while visceral motor regulates involuntary contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle.

Question 4

Which structural type of neuron is most abundant in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neurons

Question 5

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which sequence best describes the flow of information in the nervous system for this reflex?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neuron → Interneuron → Motor neuron

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin prevents leakage of electrical current and allows saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of neuroglia in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Providing supportive functions and covering non-synaptic regions of neurons

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the ganglia in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

They are clusters of neuronal cell bodies located outside the CNS.

Question 9

A lesion destroys the oligodendrocytes in a patient’s CNS. Which of the following is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Loss of myelin sheaths around CNS axons, resulting in slower impulse conduction.

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between gray matter and white matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter is external to gray matter and contains tracts of myelinated axons.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of a synapse?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where neurons communicate, transmitting signals in one direction from presynaptic to postsynaptic neuron.

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of sensory (afferent) neurons?

Accepted Answer

They are virtually all unipolar neurons with cell bodies in ganglia outside the CNS.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why proprioceptive senses are important for athletes?

Accepted Answer

They provide information about body position and movement in space, aiding coordination.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the structure of a typical neuron?

Accepted Answer

Each neuron has one axon and multiple dendrites.

Question 15

A patient has a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of myelin sheaths in the CNS. Which cell type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between thick and thin axons in terms of myelination and impulse conduction?

Accepted Answer

Thick axons are myelinated and conduct impulses rapidly, while thin axons are nonmyelinated and conduct impulses slowly.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

They link sensory and motor neurons and are involved in complex neuronal pathways.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuroglia and their function?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes – form myelin sheaths in the CNS

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why damage to the white matter of the spinal cord can result in loss of function between different regions of the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter contains tracts of myelinated axons that connect different regions of the CNS.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between conduction velocity ($$v$$), axon diameter ($$d$$), and myelination in a myelinated axon?

Accepted Answer

$$v \propto d$$

Fundamentals of the Nervous System: Structure and Function

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