Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To regulate and coordinate body activities by detecting changes, processing information, and initiating responses

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts the function of the peripheral nervous system's motor division. Which of the following is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of voluntary muscle movements

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches a neuroglial cell with its primary function in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Astrocyte – regulates the extracellular environment and maintains the blood-brain barrier

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows for saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier

Question 5

A neuron is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What effect will this have on the generation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to depolarize, preventing action potential initiation

Question 6

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($$E_{ion}) $$for a particular ion across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

During the absolute refractory period, a neuron cannot generate another action potential because:

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated

Question 8

Which of the following best distinguishes between the somatic and autonomic divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic division controls voluntary skeletal muscle, while the autonomic division controls involuntary smooth and cardiac muscle

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence 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 10

A postsynaptic neuron receives simultaneous EPSPs and IPSPs from multiple presynaptic neurons. Which process determines whether the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 12

A single neurotransmitter can be excitatory at one synapse and inhibitory at another. What best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath around axons

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Slowed or blocked transmission of nerve impulses

Question 15

Which of the following is a property of electrical synapses but not chemical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Transmission is bidirectional and occurs via gap junctions

Question 16

Which of the following best defines a neuronal pool?

Accepted Answer

A functional group of interconnected neurons that process specific types of information

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between converging and diverging neural circuits?

Accepted Answer

Converging circuits integrate multiple inputs to a single output, while diverging circuits spread a signal to multiple outputs

Question 18

A neuron has a larger diameter and is myelinated. According to the principles of conduction velocity, what can be predicted about the speed of action potential propagation in this neuron?

Accepted Answer

It will be faster than in a small, unmyelinated neuron

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A graded potential that hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic membrane

Question 20

A neuron receives two EPSPs in rapid succession at the same synapse. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards