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, increasing the speed of action potential conduction.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Slower propagation of action potentials along affected axons.

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 is responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 5

A neuron receives a stimulus that causes a graded potential. Which of the following best describes a graded potential?

Accepted Answer

It is a localized change in membrane potential that decreases with distance from the stimulus.

Question 6

During the repolarization phase of an action potential, which ion channel is primarily responsible for returning the membrane potential toward the resting value?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated potassium channels opening

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, voltage-gated calcium channels open, neurotransmitter released, neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors, postsynaptic potential generated, neurotransmitter removed from synaptic cleft.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function unique to the occipital lobe of the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

Processing visual information

Question 9

A patient with damage to Broca’s area would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing coherent speech

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why white matter appears white in the brain?

Accepted Answer

It contains a high concentration of myelinated axons.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the primary motor cortex?

Accepted Answer

Processing sensory information from the skin

Question 12

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 13

A person is exposed to a neurotoxin that blocks voltage-gated calcium channels at the presynaptic terminal. What is the most likely effect on synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter release will be inhibited.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a glial cell and its function in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells – form myelin sheaths around axons

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decrease with distance, while action potentials are propagated without decrement.

Question 16

Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily involved in voluntary muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Processing auditory information

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the somatosensory association cortex?

Accepted Answer

It interprets and integrates sensory information to produce understanding.

Question 20

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which pathway is primarily responsible for transmitting the pain signal to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Ascending sensory pathways in the spinal cord

Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Study Guide for Anatomy & Physiology I (Chapters 11 & 12)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards