Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

It integrates sensory input, interprets information, and initiates motor output.

Question 2

A patient is unable to move their right arm voluntarily but can still feel sensations in it. Which division of the nervous system is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor division

Question 3

Which of the following statements about neurons is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Neurons are excitable cells that transmit signals via action potentials.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Astrocyte

Question 5

A virus travels from a muscle fiber to the spinal cord by moving along the axon toward the cell body. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Retrograde axonal transport

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin prevents ion leakage, allowing action potentials to 'jump' between nodes of Ranvier (saltatory conduction).

Question 7

A local anesthetic such as lidocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What is the physiological effect of this drug on neurons?

Accepted Answer

It prevents depolarization, so action potentials cannot be generated.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

Accepted Answer

It moves two potassium ions in and three sodium ions out, using ATP.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

Accepted Answer

A local depolarization that brings the membrane potential closer to threshold.

Question 10

Which of the following neurotransmitters is most important for excitatory signaling in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 11

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Which of the following best explains these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of the myelin sheath in the CNS slows or blocks action potential propagation.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the refractory period of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

During the relative refractory period, a stronger than normal stimulus can trigger another action potential.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between ionotropic and metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors?

Accepted Answer

Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that cause rapid, short-lived effects.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Anchoring neurons and blood vessels, regulating the extracellular environment, and assisting in blood-brain barrier formation

Question 15

Which of the following best describes spatial summation at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

EPSPs from multiple presynaptic neurons occur simultaneously.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a neurotransmitter and its primary effect?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine – coordination of movement and motivation

Question 17

A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It maintains a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell and potassium ions inside the cell by using ATP.

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of an action potential but NOT a local (graded) potential?

Accepted Answer

It is all-or-none and nondecremental.

Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards