Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To receive, integrate, and respond to information from internal and external environments

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Axon

Question 3

A patient suffers from multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin sheaths in the CNS. Which neuroglial cell is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction allows action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential for a specific ion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between the somatic and autonomic divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic division controls voluntary muscle movements, while the autonomic division controls involuntary functions

Question 7

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 8

During an action potential, which ion channel opens first, and what is the result?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open first, causing depolarization

Question 9

A neurotransmitter binds to its receptor and causes an influx of chloride ions into the postsynaptic neuron. What is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

Question 10

Which of the following statements about chemical synaptic transmission is correct?

Accepted Answer

Calcium influx into the presynaptic terminal triggers neurotransmitter release

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why a single neurotransmitter can be excitatory at one synapse and inhibitory at another?

Accepted Answer

The effect depends on the type of receptor present on the postsynaptic cell

Question 13

Which of the following is a property of electrical synapses?

Accepted Answer

They allow direct passage of ions through gap junctions

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

A period when voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated and no action potential can be generated

Question 15

Which of the following factors would increase the conduction velocity of an action potential along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Increasing axon diameter and adding myelin

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of microglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Providing immune defense by phagocytosis

Question 17

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What is the most likely effect on neuronal function?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials cannot be generated

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a neurotransmitter and its receptor?

Accepted Answer

A neurotransmitter's effect depends on the receptor subtype it binds to

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct chronological order of events in chemical synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → Calcium influx → Neurotransmitter release → Neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptor

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