Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To regulate and coordinate the activities of all other body systems

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body?

Accepted Answer

Axon

Question 3

A patient has damage to the oligodendrocytes in their central nervous system. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Loss of myelin sheaths around CNS axons

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

During the absolute refractory period, which of the following best describes the state of voltage-gated sodium channels?

Accepted Answer

They are inactivated and cannot be reopened

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why saltatory conduction is faster than continuous conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, reducing the number of depolarizations needed

Question 7

A neuron receives two simultaneous inputs: one causes an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and the other causes an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). What is the likely result at the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

The EPSP and IPSP will summate, and the net effect will determine if threshold is reached

Question 8

Which of the following is a major difference between electrical and chemical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters, while electrical synapses transmit signals via gap junctions

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 10

A drug blocks voltage-gated potassium channels in a neuron. What effect will this have on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

It will prolong repolarization, making the action potential last longer

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system

Question 12

Which of the following statements about neurotransmitters is correct?

Accepted Answer

A neurotransmitter can be excitatory at one synapse and inhibitory at another, depending on the receptor

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why increasing axon diameter increases conduction velocity?

Accepted Answer

Larger axons have lower internal resistance to current flow

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct chronological order of events at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → Calcium channels open → Neurotransmitter released → Neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptor

Question 15

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that destroys myelin in the CNS. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Slower conduction of action potentials

Question 16

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 the extracellular environment

Question 17

Which of the following equations represents Ohm's Law as applied to neuronal membranes?

Accepted Answer

$$V = I 	imes R$$

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Acting as immune cells and removing debris

Question 19

Which of the following best describes an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

Accepted Answer

A graded hyperpolarization that moves the membrane potential further from threshold

Question 20

Which of the following is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards