Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To control and communicate information throughout the body

Question 2

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for mobilizing body systems during emergencies, such as the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

Question 3

A neuron with one axon and one dendrite is classified as which type?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar

Question 4

Which neuroglial cell is primarily responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 5

What is the main effect of the myelin sheath on axonal transmission?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of impulse transmission

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential ($RMP$) of a typical neuron?

Accepted Answer

$RMP$ is polarized, with the inside of the membrane negatively charged relative to the outside, typically around $-70\ \mathrm{mV}$

Question 7

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion moves into the neuron, causing the membrane potential to become more positive?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($Na^+$)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why action potentials are considered 'all-or-none' events?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials only occur if the membrane potential reaches threshold; otherwise, they do not occur at all

Question 9

A patient has damage to the Schwann cells in their peripheral nervous system. Which of the following would most likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

Production of myelin in the peripheral nervous system

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between a nucleus and a ganglion?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus is a cluster of neuron cell bodies in the CNS, while a ganglion is a cluster of neuron cell bodies in the PNS

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are short-lived, localized changes in membrane potential that can vary in strength

Question 12

What is the primary role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Support and brace neurons, anchor them to nutrient supply lines, and regulate extracellular environment

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon?

Accepted Answer

The action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, a process called saltatory conduction

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents Ohm's Law as applied to the flow of electrical current in neurons?

Accepted Answer

$I = V / R$

Question 15

A neuron is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated $Na^+$ channels. What is the most likely effect on the neuron's ability to generate an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to depolarize and generate an action potential

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the role of the $Na^+/K^+$ pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It pumps $3\ Na^+$ out and $2\ K^+$ in, maintaining a higher concentration of $Na^+$ outside and $K^+$ inside the cell

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in hyperpolarization of a neuron's membrane?

Accepted Answer

Opening of $K^+$ channels, allowing $K^+$ to exit the cell

Question 18

A patient presents with muscle weakness and slowed reflexes. Laboratory tests reveal demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Which cell type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing membrane permeability to $Na^+$ during the initial phase of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes less negative (depolarizes)

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the propagation of an action potential along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization

Study Notes: Nervous System – Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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