Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They are the most abundant and versatile neuroglia, providing support and regulating the environment around neurons.

Question 2

A patient suffers from a loss of deep pressure sensation in the skin. Which receptor is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscle

Question 3

Which of the following best explains the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of cranial and spinal nerves.

Question 4

During the resting membrane potential of a neuron, which ions are most abundant outside and inside the cell, respectively?

Accepted Answer

Sodium outside, potassium inside

Question 5

A toxin blocks the opening of sodium channels in a neuron’s membrane. What is the most likely effect on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to initiate an action potential.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of repolarization in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Potassium ions diffuse out of the cell, restoring the negative charge inside.

Question 7

Which type of neuron is most commonly found as a motor neuron or interneuron in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages the myelin sheath in the CNS. Which cell type is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

They form myelin sheaths around PNS nerve fibers.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Depolarization → Repolarization → Resting potential restored

Question 11

A person accidentally touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which pathway correctly describes the flow of information in this reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Sensory neuron → CNS → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of microglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, defending CNS cells from pathogens.

Question 13

If a neuron’s axon is damaged in the PNS, which cell type is most responsible for aiding in its regeneration?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows for saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 15

A patient has difficulty with voluntary muscle movement but no issues with involuntary functions. Which part of the nervous system is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential for potassium ($$K^+) $$ions across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

A researcher is studying the effect of a new drug that increases the permeability of the neuronal membrane to potassium ions during the resting state. What is the most likely effect on the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

The resting membrane potential will become more negative (hyperpolarized).

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

They line cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavities and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 19

A patient presents with a loss of proprioception (sense of body position). Which receptor is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Muscle spindle

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is the region where the action potential is initiated.

The Nervous System: Structure and Function

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