$$E = E_{\text{chemical}} + E_{\text{electrical}} $$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in establishing the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports $$3$$ sodium ions out of the cell and $$2$$ potassium ions into the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient.

Question 2

A patient presents with damage to the Schwann cells. Which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

Myelination of axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

White matter is composed primarily of myelinated axons, while gray matter contains mostly neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

Question 4

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves and in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ions move into the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

No action potential can be generated, regardless of stimulus strength, due to inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between continuous and saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction occurs in myelinated axons, where the action potential jumps from node to node, increasing conduction speed.

Question 7

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from different presynaptic neurons at the same time. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 8

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 postsynaptic receptor.

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Regulating the extracellular environment and contributing to the blood-brain barrier

Question 10

A nerve is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A bundle of axons located in the PNS

Question 11

Which equation best represents the electrochemical gradient for an ion across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E = E_{	ext{chemical}} + E_{	ext{electrical}} $$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, removing debris and pathogens.

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the propagation of an action potential along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Propagation involves the sequential opening of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels along the axolemma.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where action potentials are initiated.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of a diverging neural circuit?

Accepted Answer

A single input spreads to multiple outputs, allowing amplification of a signal.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the effect of myelination on conduction speed?

Accepted Answer

Myelination increases conduction speed by allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

They produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between spinal nerves and cranial nerves?

Accepted Answer

Spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord, while cranial nerves originate from the brain.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of serotonin on the CNS?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions