Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To coordinate and integrate the activities of the body by detecting changes, processing information, and initiating responses

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts the descending tracts. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired voluntary motor control below the injury

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

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

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 5

Which of the following factors would most increase the velocity of action potential propagation along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Myelination of the axon

Question 6

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons. What is the most likely effect on neuronal function?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials cannot be initiated

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between the afferent and efferent divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Afferent division transmits sensory information to the CNS; efferent division transmits motor commands from the CNS to effectors.

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the passage of substances from the blood into the brain, protecting neural tissue from toxins and pathogens

Question 10

A patient presents with a loss of deep tendon reflexes. Which component of the reflex arc is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Motor neuron

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the pathway of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine, while parasympathetic postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes spatial summation at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous stimulation of a postsynaptic neuron by multiple presynaptic neurons

Question 14

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for innervating muscles of facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 15

A patient is unable to sweat and has a rapid heart rate. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely overactive?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic property of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Ability to conduct electrical impulses

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support, regulating the blood-brain barrier, and maintaining the extracellular environment

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding cholinergic and adrenergic fibers in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic fibers release acetylcholine; adrenergic fibers release norepinephrine.

Question 19

Which of the following effects is produced by the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Increased secretion of digestive glands

Question 20

A patient is exposed to a drug that enhances presynaptic inhibition at a synapse. What is the most likely effect on the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Decreased likelihood of action potential generation

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

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