Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To detect, integrate, and respond to internal and external stimuli

Question 2

A neuron consists of several components. Which component is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 3

Which glial cell type is found exclusively in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and is responsible for forming myelin sheaths?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 4

Compare the structure and function of myelin sheaths in the CNS and PNS. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths in the CNS, while Schwann cells form them in the PNS.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the distribution of white matter and gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

White matter is found on the outside, gray matter on the inside.

Question 6

Which event occurs first at a chemical synapse when an action potential arrives at the presynaptic terminal?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels open

Question 7

Which ion is primarily involved in excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Na$$^{+}$$

Question 8

During an action potential, which phase is characterized by the opening of voltage-gated Na$$^{+}$$ channels?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 9

What is the definition of threshold in the context of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The minimum stimulus required to trigger an action potential

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

A period when voltage-gated Na$$^{+}$$ channels are inactivated and no action potential can be generated

Question 11

Which factor most significantly increases conduction velocity in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Presence of myelin sheath

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is primarily inactivated by enzymatic breakdown in the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Question 13

A postsynaptic neuron receives multiple EPSPs and IPSPs simultaneously. What is the term for this process?

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decrease in amplitude with distance, while action potentials do not.

Question 15

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of temporal summation?

Accepted Answer

A postsynaptic neuron receives repeated inputs from the same presynaptic neuron in rapid succession.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during neurotransmitter release at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives → voltage-gated Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels open → neurotransmitter released

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Provide immune defense and remove debris

Question 18

A patient has a demyelinating disease affecting the CNS. Which cell type is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 19

Which of the following equations best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[	ext{ion outside}]}{[	ext{ion inside}]} ight)$$

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter acts primarily through ionotropic receptors to produce fast synaptic responses?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Neurophysiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions