Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath around axons.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin in the CNS. Which of the following is a likely consequence of this demyelination?

Accepted Answer

Slower and less efficient transmission of nerve impulses.

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($$E_{ion}) $$for a particular ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which glial cell type in the peripheral nervous system is responsible for myelinating axons?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 5

A neuron receives a stimulus that causes a small, localized change in membrane potential. This change does not reach threshold and does not propagate far. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Graded potential

Question 6

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion channels open and what is the direction of ion movement?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open; Na$$^+$$ moves into the cell.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the primary motor cortex?

Accepted Answer

It initiates voluntary movements.

Question 8

A patient has difficulty producing speech but can understand spoken language. Damage to which area of the brain is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Broca's area

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Myelinating axons

Question 10

Which sequence correctly describes the steps of synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, voltage-gated Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels open, Ca$$^{2+}$$ enters, neurotransmitter released, neurotransmitter binds to receptor, postsynaptic potential generated.

Question 11

Which lobe of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 12

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is most likely to have degeneration of neurons in which brain region?

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels become inactivated after opening, preventing immediate reactivation.

Question 14

Which of the following is a unique function of the frontal lobe?

Accepted Answer

Initiating voluntary motor activity

Question 15

Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily excitatory in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between gray matter and white matter in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies; white matter contains myelinated axons.

Question 17

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which type of neuron is responsible for carrying the sensory information from the hand to the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of graded potentials but NOT action potentials?

Accepted Answer

They decrease in magnitude as they spread from the site of origin.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of microglia in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, removing debris and pathogens.

Question 20

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces but can describe their features. Damage to which area is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Visual association area

Nervous System and Central Nervous System: Study Guide for Anatomy & Physiology I

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