Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They support and brace neurons, regulate the chemical environment, and participate in information processing.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages only the dorsal root ganglia. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information to the CNS

Question 3

Which type of neuroglia is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why action potentials do not decay over distance, while graded potentials do?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials are all-or-none events that regenerate at each segment of the axon.

Question 5

A drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of pupils

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the components of a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay station, sorting and transmitting sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Question 8

A patient is unable to recognize faces or localize themselves in space. Damage to which brain region is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Posterior association area

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is absent in the hypothalamus and vomiting center.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic system is voluntary and controls skeletal muscles; the autonomic system is involuntary and controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating body temperature, hunger, and water balance

Question 12

A patient presents with symptoms of dry mouth, dilated pupils, and increased heart rate after taking an unknown drug. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why regeneration of nerve fibers is more successful in the PNS than in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells in the PNS form regeneration tubes and secrete growth factors, while CNS oligodendrocytes inhibit regrowth.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They decay with distance from the stimulus.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Chemoreceptors—chemicals

Question 16

A patient with myasthenia gravis is treated with neostigmine. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of the parasympathetic division on the body?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and energy conservation

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of multipolar neurons?

Accepted Answer

They are the most abundant neuron type in the CNS.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

They line the central cavities of the brain and spinal cord and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the lateralization of cortical function?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere controls language, math, and logic, while the right hemisphere is involved in visual-spatial skills and artistic abilities.

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

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