Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Controls voluntary movement, perception, and works with the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. Which nervous system structure is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord, which merges with the brain at the foramen magnum and passes through the vertebral foramen

Question 3

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the heart and intestines to the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory division of the peripheral nervous system

Question 4

If the CNS disregards 99% of sensory data, what is the most likely reason for this?

Accepted Answer

Most sensory input is considered unimportant and does not require a motor response

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the somatic motor division?

Accepted Answer

It transmits signals to skeletal muscles for voluntary movement

Question 6

Which cell type is primarily responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 7

A neuron is observed to have a single axon and multiple highly branched dendrites. What is its structural classification?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin acts as an insulator, allowing action potentials to 'jump' between nodes of Ranvier via saltatory conduction

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the repair of a damaged axon in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Degeneration of the axon and myelin sheath distal to injury, growth processes from the proximal end, formation of a regeneration tube, reconnection with the target cell

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It moves two potassium ions in and three sodium ions out, maintaining the concentration gradients

Question 11

A neuron is at rest with a membrane potential of $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}. If $$sodium channels open, what change occurs?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes less negative (depolarization)

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE about local (graded) potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are reversible and decremental, meaning their strength diminishes over distance

Question 13

During an action potential, what is the state of the sodium channel at $$+30\ \mathrm{mV}$$?

Accepted Answer

Activation gate open, inactivation gate closed (inactivated state)

Question 14

A local anesthetic blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What is the most immediate effect on neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials cannot be generated, preventing pain signals from reaching the CNS

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the 'all-or-none' principle of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

If threshold is reached, an action potential of characteristic strength occurs; if not, no action potential occurs

Question 16

Which type of axon would transmit a pain signal from the skin to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Type C fiber: small diameter, unmyelinated

Question 17

Which of the following is a feature of electrical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Synaptic transmission is bidirectional and nearly instantaneous

Question 18

At a chemical synapse, which event directly triggers neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Influx of calcium ions into the axon terminal

Question 19

Which of the following would result in an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

Accepted Answer

Opening of ligand-gated potassium or chloride channels

Question 20

A postsynaptic neuron receives multiple EPSPs in rapid succession from a single presynaptic neuron. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue (Chapter 11) – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards