Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the extracellular environment.

Question 2

A patient suffers from a demyelinating disease affecting the CNS. Which glial cell type is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

Which of the following neuron types is most commonly found as sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Pseudounipolar neurons

Question 4

Which structure is responsible for initiating the action potential in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock

Question 5

A toxin disrupts the tight junctions between endothelial cells in the brain. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosing pathogens and cellular debris

Question 7

Which equation best represents the relationship between conduction velocity ($$v$$), axon diameter ($$d$$), and myelination in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$v \propto \sqrt{d}$$ for unmyelinated axons; $$v \propto d$$ for myelinated axons

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

They myelinate axons in the PNS, with each cell wrapping one segment of one axon.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the functional classification of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Interneurons analyze sensory input and coordinate motor output.

Question 10

A patient has a loss of sensation in the skin but retains voluntary muscle control. Which neuron type is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Somatic sensory neurons

Question 11

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 12

Which glial cell type is responsible for lining the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord, and for producing cerebrospinal fluid?

Accepted Answer

Ependymal cells

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes can myelinate multiple axons, while Schwann cells myelinate only one segment of one axon.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of satellite cells in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

They surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia and regulate the exchange of materials.

Question 15

A person receives a needle injection and immediately withdraws their hand. Which pathway is primarily responsible for this reflex?

Accepted Answer

Somatic sensory to somatic motor pathway

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Producing myelin sheaths in the CNS

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the direction of information flow in a typical multipolar neuron?

Accepted Answer

From dendrites to cell body to axon

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the main function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To regulate and restrict the movement of substances from the blood into the CNS

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The CNS integrates, processes, and coordinates sensory data and motor commands.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of interneurons?

Accepted Answer

They analyze sensory input and coordinate motor output within the CNS.

Mini-Textbook Study Notes: Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

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