Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They insulate, support, and protect neurons, similar to electrical tape around wires.

Question 2

Which structural type of neuron is most commonly found in the central nervous system and is responsible for integrating information?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 3

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting oligodendrocytes. Which of the following is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Formation of myelin in the central nervous system

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the inside of a neuron is negatively charged at rest, even though only positive ions are involved?

Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump moves more positive ions out than in, creating a net negative charge inside.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A neuroscientist is studying the postsynaptic density. Which of the following best describes its function?

Accepted Answer

It contains receptors and signaling molecules that mediate the response to neurotransmitters.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic spines in learning and memory?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for synaptic input, allowing for greater plasticity.

Question 8

A drug that increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) would most likely result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Greater risk of harmful substances entering the brain

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) neurons?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons carry information toward the CNS, while motor neurons carry information away from the CNS.

Question 10

If the sodium-potassium pump in a neuron is inhibited, what is the most likely immediate effect on the membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential will become less negative (depolarize).

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → neurotransmitter released → neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors → postsynaptic potential generated

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the blood-brain barrier is considered both an advantage and a disadvantage?

Accepted Answer

It protects the brain from toxins but also limits drug delivery for treatment.

Question 13

A neuron with one axon and one dendrite attached to the cell body is classified as which type?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar neuron

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

If a mutation causes dendritic spines to fail to form during early postnatal development, which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired synaptic connectivity and reduced learning capacity

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the nodes of Ranvier in neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

They allow for saltatory conduction, speeding up action potential transmission.

Question 17

A researcher records a resting membrane potential of $$-70 mV in a $$neuron. Which of the following best explains this value?

Accepted Answer

There is a higher concentration of Na$$^+$$ outside and K$$^+$$ inside, maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells myelinate axons in the PNS, while oligodendrocytes myelinate axons in the CNS.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of cocaine on extracellular glutamate levels in the rat dorsolateral striatum, as shown in the referenced study?

Accepted Answer

Cocaine increases extracellular glutamate levels over time.

Nervous Tissue and Membrane Potential: Structure, Function, and Neurophysiology

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