Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the somatic and autonomic divisions of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The somatic division controls voluntary movements, while the autonomic division regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Question 2

Which glial cell is primarily responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 3

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness and loss of sensation in their limbs. Which type of neuron is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Efferent (motor) neuron

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where action potentials are initiated due to the summation of graded potentials.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It actively transports $3$ sodium ions out and $2$ potassium ions into the cell, maintaining a negative charge inside the neuron.

Question 6

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves and in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ions move into the cell.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

A period when no action potential can be generated, regardless of stimulus strength.

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the cholinergic effect at neuromuscular junctions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 9

A drug blocks voltage-gated calcium channels at the axon terminal. What is the most likely effect on synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter release will be inhibited, preventing signal transmission to the postsynaptic cell.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between EPSPs and IPSPs?

Accepted Answer

EPSPs make the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential, while IPSPs make it less likely.

Question 11

Which structure is responsible for the rapid conduction of action potentials along myelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Node of Ranvier

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → voltage-gated calcium channels open → neurotransmitter released → postsynaptic receptor activation

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate extracellular ion concentrations.

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin in the CNS. Which cell type is most affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the ascending tract in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It carries sensory information from the body to the brain.

Question 16

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{outside}}}{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{inside}}} ight)$

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Regulation of extracellular ion concentrations

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

It stimulates muscle contraction by depolarizing the muscle cell membrane.

Question 19

A neuron receives both excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Which equation best represents the net effect on the postsynaptic membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

$V_{	ext{net}} = \sum EPSP - \sum IPSP$

Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Physiology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions