Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They produce myelin sheaths that insulate CNS axons, increasing the speed of action potential conduction.

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke affecting the right side of their cerebrum. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation and motor control on the left side of the body.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($$E_{ion}) $$for a monovalent 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 only travel in one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels become inactivated during the absolute refractory period, preventing backward propagation.

Question 5

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences muscle weakness and slowed reflexes. Which of the following best explains these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of oligodendrocytes in the CNS leads to demyelination, slowing action potential conduction.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation involves one synapse firing repeatedly in rapid succession; spatial summation involves multiple synapses firing simultaneously.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Producing myelin sheaths around axons.

Question 8

During the rising phase of the action potential, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing Na$$^+ to $$enter the cell.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in the diencephalon?

Accepted Answer

It relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

Question 10

A patient is unable to perform fine motor tasks and has poor balance. Which brain region is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ ATPase pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ out of the cell and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell, maintaining the negative resting potential.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal → Ca$$^{2+}$$ influx → Neurotransmitter release → Neurotransmitter binds to postsynaptic receptors

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why saltatory conduction is faster than continuous conduction?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths allow action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier, reducing the number of action potentials needed.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the withdrawal reflex?

Accepted Answer

It involves reciprocal inhibition, where antagonistic muscles are inhibited while the agonist contracts.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei?

Accepted Answer

They regulate voluntary motor movements and inhibit unnecessary movements.

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of an EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential)?

Accepted Answer

It brings the postsynaptic membrane potential closer to threshold for firing an action potential.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the reticular formation in the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

It regulates arousal and consciousness.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct order of the meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater → Arachnoid mater → Pia mater

Question 19

A patient has damage to the ventral root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of motor commands to muscles.

Study Guide: Nervous System Structure and Function (Ch. 11, BIOL 145)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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