Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move 3 Na+ ions out of the cell and 2 K+ ions into the cell, maintaining a negative charge inside.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the anterior horn cells. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary motor control in the affected area

Question 3

Which neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

During an action potential, which event occurs immediately after the membrane potential reaches threshold at the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to enter the cell.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Myelin insulates the axon, allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier (saltatory conduction).

Question 6

A neurotransmitter binds to a ligand-gated channel on the postsynaptic membrane, causing Na+ to enter the cell. What is the likely result?

Accepted Answer

The postsynaptic cell becomes depolarized, moving closer to threshold.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of information in a typical reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Interneuron → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the extracellular environment.

Question 9

A patient is unable to move their right arm voluntarily, but reflexes are still present. Which pathway is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ANS regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the effect of demyelination in diseases such as multiple sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

It slows or blocks the propagation of action potentials along affected axons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the ependymal cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Producing cerebrospinal fluid

Question 13

A neuron receives simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory inputs from multiple presynaptic neurons. What determines whether it will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The sum of all excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials at the axon hillock

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the nodes of Ranvier in saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

They are gaps in the myelin sheath where voltage-gated channels are concentrated, allowing action potentials to 'jump' from node to node.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They act as phagocytes, removing waste and pathogens.

Question 16

A patient with damage to the posterior column of the spinal cord would most likely experience which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Loss of fine touch, vibration, and proprioception

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between white matter and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter contains myelinated axons, while gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct order of events at a cholinergic synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, Ca2+ enters, ACh released, ACh binds to receptor, ACh broken down by AChE

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why damage to the Schwann cells in the PNS can impair nerve function?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells form the myelin sheath, which is essential for rapid action potential conduction.

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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