Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The CNS integrates and coordinates sensory processing and motor transmission, while the PNS serves as a communication connection between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation and paralysis in a region of the body. Which of the following is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

A spinal nerve, which contains both sensory and motor fibers.

Question 3

Which neuroglial cell is responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Astrocyte

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential of a neuron is approximately $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$?

Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump moves 3 Na$$^+$$ out and 2 K$$^+ in$$, resulting in a net loss of positive charge inside the cell.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the generation of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization, closing of voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels, opening of voltage-gated K$$^+$$ channels, repolarization

Question 6

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which type of reflex is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Polysynaptic withdrawal reflex

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is released at all preganglionic autonomic synapses and is always excitatory?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 8

Damage to which area of the brain would most likely result in difficulty forming words, despite understanding language?

Accepted Answer

Broca’s area

Question 9

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction in myelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, increasing conduction speed.

Question 10

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for carrying sensory information related to hearing and balance?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 11

A patient has difficulty maintaining balance and fine-tuning movements. Which brain region is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating body temperature and coordinating the nervous and endocrine systems

Question 13

Which type of neuron is most commonly found in the CNS and is responsible for integrating sensory and motor information?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, result in loss of sensation and motor control?

Accepted Answer

They damage myelin sheaths, slowing or blocking action potential propagation along axons.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the organization of white and gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter forms an H-shaped core around the central canal, while white matter surrounds it in columns.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay and processing center for all sensory information except olfaction.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and decreases digestive activity.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ out of the cell and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell, using ATP.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Establishing emotional states and aiding in long-term memory storage

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

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