Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS)?

Accepted Answer

It regulates the contraction of smooth muscle and glandular secretions in the gastrointestinal tract, functioning independently of the CNS and ANS.

Question 2

A patient is unable to feel pain in their left hand after a spinal cord injury. Which type of neuron is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Question 3

Which glial cell is primarily responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Astrocyte

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath allows for saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump from node to node.

Question 5

During the depolarizing phase of an action potential, which event occurs?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na+ channels open, allowing Na+ to enter the cell.

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They vary in amplitude depending on the strength of the stimulus.

Question 7

A local anesthetic such as lidocaine prevents pain by:

Accepted Answer

Preventing the opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between spatial and temporal summation?

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation involves multiple end bulbs releasing neurotransmitter simultaneously; temporal summation involves rapid, repeated firing from a single end bulb.

Question 9

Which of the following neurotransmitters is inhibitory in one-third of all brain synapses and is enhanced by drugs like Valium?

Accepted Answer

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 10

A person exposed to strychnine develops severe muscle spasms and cannot breathe. What is the mechanism behind this effect?

Accepted Answer

Strychnine blocks glycine receptors, preventing inhibition of motor neurons.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{rest} = -70\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Forming the blood-brain barrier and regulating K+ balance

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why regeneration of axons is limited in the CNS compared to the PNS?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes do not form a neurilemma or regeneration tube.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about the all-or-none principle of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

If threshold is reached, the action potential is always the same size.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open, neurotransmitter is released, ligand-gated channels open on postsynaptic cell.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of microglia?

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, clearing away dead cells and debris.

Question 17

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuron structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock: integrates EPSPs and IPSPs, initiates action potential if threshold is reached

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiences muscle weakness and abnormal sensations?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of myelin sheaths in the CNS slows or blocks nerve impulse conduction.

Question 20

Which equation best represents the change in membrane potential during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

$$-70\ \mathrm{mV} \rightarrow +30\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Nervous Tissue: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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