$$\text{Score} = \frac{78}{75} \times 100$$

$$E_K = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{\text{outside}}}{[K^+]_{\text{inside}}} \right)$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of neurotransmitters at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing ion channels to open and altering membrane potential.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness due to demyelination of axons. Which cell type is most likely affected in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of your exam score if you answered 78 out of 75 possible points?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Score} = \frac{78}{75} 	imes 100$$

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why hyperpolarization makes it less likely for a neuron to fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization moves the membrane potential further from the threshold required to trigger an action potential.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Allowing free movement of all substances between blood and brain tissue

Question 6

A patient has damage to the primary motor cortex. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Impaired voluntary movement on the contralateral side of the body

Question 7

Which statement best describes the difference between Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSPs) and Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (IPSPs)?

Accepted Answer

EPSPs depolarize the postsynaptic membrane, while IPSPs hyperpolarize it.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for the sense of smell?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of sensation and movement in the lower limbs. Which spinal cord region is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

It connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them.

Question 12

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential for potassium ions ($$K^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$E_K = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[K^+]_{	ext{outside}}}{[K^+]_{	ext{inside}}} ight)$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between white matter and gray matter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

White matter consists mainly of myelinated axons, while gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

Question 14

A patient is unable to move their right arm after a stroke. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left primary motor cortex

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates vital autonomic functions such as heart rate and respiration.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of saltatory conduction in myelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, increasing conduction speed.

Question 17

Which of the following spinal nerve plexuses is responsible for innervating the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Cervical plexus

Question 18

Which of the following best explains the clinical significance of the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

It is a bundle of spinal nerves below the end of the spinal cord, important for lumbar punctures.

Question 19

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.

Study Guide: Nervous System and Neural Physiology (Chapters 11, 12, 13)

Study Guide - Practice Questions