Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all neural tissue outside the brain and spinal cord.

Question 2

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at different locations on its dendrites simultaneously. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 3

Which of the following glial cells is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na\+ channels open, causing depolarization.

Question 5

Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a particular ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin in the CNS. Which of the following is most likely to be impaired as a result?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction along axons

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 8

If a neuron’s membrane potential changes from $$-70\ \mathrm{mV} to$$ $$-55\ \mathrm{mV}$$, what has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why action potentials only travel in one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period prevents backward propagation

Question 10

A drug blocks ligand-gated Cl\- channels on the postsynaptic membrane. What effect would this most likely have?

Accepted Answer

It would decrease the likelihood of an IPSP.

Question 11

Which of the following structures is responsible for relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Accepted Answer

It prevents most toxins and pathogens from entering the CNS.

Question 13

Which region of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movement and balance?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 14

A patient has damage to the prefrontal cortex. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Executive decision-making and personality

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It regulates autonomic functions such as temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials can summate, while action potentials cannot.

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to produce an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 18

A neuron receives both EPSPs and IPSPs at the same time. What determines whether it will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The sum of all EPSPs and IPSPs at the axon hillock

Question 19

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Regulating the extracellular environment and supporting neurons

Module 6: The Nervous System & Central Nervous System – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards