Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

To integrate, process, and coordinate sensory data and motor commands.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation and motor control in the limbs. Imaging reveals demyelination in the CNS. Which neuroglial cell type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes myelinate several axons in the CNS, while Schwann cells myelinate only one axon in the PNS.

Question 4

Which type of neuron is most commonly found relaying motor commands to skeletal muscles?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 5

A neurotransmitter causes the opening of chemically gated potassium channels on the postsynaptic membrane. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is generated.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why action potentials travel faster along myelinated axons than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin insulates the axon, allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the blood-brain barrier

Question 8

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks the function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at cholinergic synapses. What is the most likely immediate effect?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine will accumulate in the synaptic cleft, causing prolonged depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of microglia in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, removing debris and pathogens.

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates spatial summation?

Accepted Answer

Multiple synapses are activated simultaneously, and their combined effects bring the neuron to threshold.

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the regulation of mood and is targeted by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the effect of a neurotransmitter on a postsynaptic cell?

Accepted Answer

The effect depends on the properties of the receptor on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of Wallerian degeneration in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

The axon distal to the injury degenerates, while Schwann cells form a cord to guide regrowth.

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct effect of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine on the postsynaptic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Opening of chemically gated ion channels

Question 15

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Which of the following best explains the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune destruction of myelin sheaths in the CNS

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of ependymal cells?

Accepted Answer

They line ventricles and central canal, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It is a graded depolarization that brings the postsynaptic membrane closer to threshold.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of neuromodulators?

Accepted Answer

They alter the rate of neurotransmitter release or the postsynaptic cell's response to neurotransmitters.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a biogenic amine neurotransmitter that typically has an excitatory effect and is involved in the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why reflexes are so rapid?

Accepted Answer

They involve only a few synapses, minimizing synaptic delay.

The Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Structure, Function, and Integration

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