Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath around axons in the CNS, increasing the speed of action potential propagation.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the dorsal root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information from the body to the CNS.

Question 3

Which equation 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 of the following best explains why action potentials travel faster in myelinated axons compared to unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction allows the action potential to jump between nodes of Ranvier, reducing the number of membrane regions that must depolarize.

Question 5

A patient presents with loss of balance and coordination. Damage to which brain region is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Delivering oxygen directly to neurons

Question 7

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay station for sensory information traveling to the cerebral cortex.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

White matter contains myelinated axons for signal transmission, while gray matter contains neuron cell bodies for processing.

Question 10

A patient is unable to move their right arm but can still feel sensations in it. Which part of the spinal cord is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Ventral (anterior) horn

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events during the generation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, return to resting potential

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a polysynaptic reflex?

Accepted Answer

It involves at least one interneuron between the sensory and motor neuron, allowing for more complex responses.

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in emotion, motivation, and memory formation.

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents Ohm's Law as applied to membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

$$I = \frac{V}{R}$$

Question 16

A patient has difficulty swallowing and irregular heart rate. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

It restricts the passage of certain substances from the blood into the brain, protecting neural tissue.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of heart rate and respiratory rhythm

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the corpus callosum?

Accepted Answer

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal root ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons entering the spinal cord.

Nervous Tissue, Spinal Cord, and Brain: Study Guide for Exam 3 (Chapters 12–14)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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