Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath around axons in the CNS.

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle weakness and loss of coordination. MRI reveals plaques in the CNS white matter. Which disease is most likely responsible, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis; immune-mediated destruction of myelin sheath.

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricle → Foramen of Monro → Third ventricle → Cerebral aqueduct → Fourth ventricle

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by all somatic motor neurons, and what is its main effect?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh); contraction of skeletal muscle

Question 5

A patient is given an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) for depression. What is the primary mechanism of action of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic is stimulatory (fight or flight); parasympathetic is inhibitory (rest and digest).

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 8

A patient with botulism poisoning will most likely experience which of the following symptoms, and why?

Accepted Answer

Flaccid paralysis due to inhibition of acetylcholine release at the synapse.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct order of the meninges from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater → Arachnoid mater → Dura mater

Question 10

Which cranial nerve is responsible for both facial expression and taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 11

A patient with a herniated disc at the L5-S1 junction is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Low back instability due to spina bifida occulta.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Balance, muscle coordination, and evaluation of sensory input.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of microglia in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis of dead tissue and invaders.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

It is a bundle of nerve fibers below the conus medullaris at L1.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why bacterial meningitis is more dangerous than viral (aseptic) meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial meningitis can rapidly progress and requires immediate antibiotic treatment due to the blood-brain barrier.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay center for sensory information.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the body?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestive activity.

Question 18

Which of the following is the main function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Production of myelin sheath around axons in the PNS.

Question 19

Which of the following is a possible consequence of hydrocephalus?

Accepted Answer

Increased intracranial pressure due to improper CSF flow.

Question 20

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.

Study Guide: Nervous System Organization, Neurons, Neuroglia, and Pathologies

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards