Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the efferent peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It carries motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 3

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate and dilated pupils. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely responsible for these effects?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 4

Which of the following best explains antagonistic control in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions often produce opposite effects on the same organ.

Question 5

During muscle contraction, which event occurs immediately after the action potential travels down the T-tubule?

Accepted Answer

Calcium is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of acetylcholine (ACh) at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

ACh binds to cholinergic receptors on the motor end plate, causing depolarization.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events during the cross-bridge cycle in skeletal muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Cross-bridge formation, power stroke, ATP binding, myosin head detachment

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($E_{ion}$) of an ion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

A patient has a mutation that prevents the function of voltage-gated calcium channels at the synaptic knob of a motor neuron. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine would not be released into the synaptic cleft.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi tendon organ?

Accepted Answer

It senses tension in tendons and helps prevent muscle damage from excessive force.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key difference between monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Monosynaptic reflexes have a single synapse between sensory and motor neurons, while polysynaptic reflexes involve one or more interneurons.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the crossed extensor reflex is considered an example of the divergence concept in neural pathways?

Accepted Answer

A single sensory input leads to multiple motor outputs on both sides of the body.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about alpha and gamma motor neurons is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alpha motor neurons innervate extrafusal muscle fibers, while gamma motor neurons adjust the sensitivity of muscle spindles.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the physiological basis of the resting membrane potential in muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily due to the selective permeability of the membrane to potassium ions and the activity of the sodium-potassium pump.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the role of the medulla in autonomic reflexes?

Accepted Answer

The medulla directs autonomic reflexes such as heart rate and blood pressure regulation.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of muscle spindles?

Accepted Answer

They sense changes in muscle length and initiate the stretch reflex.

Question 17

A patient is unable to relax their muscles after contraction, resulting in sustained muscle tension. Which step of the muscle contraction cycle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Binding of ATP to myosin heads

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the difference between smooth muscle and skeletal muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle contraction requires calcium binding to calmodulin, while skeletal muscle contraction requires calcium binding to troponin.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the limbic system in sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

It transduces visceral stimuli into emotional responses.

Human Physiology: Study Guide for Chapters 11-13 (Nervous and Muscular Systems)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards