Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

They produce the myelin sheath around CNS axons.

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle weakness and loss of coordination. MRI reveals plaques in the CNS white matter. Which disease is most likely responsible, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis; immune-mediated destruction of myelin sheaths.

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system has a single motor neuron pathway from CNS to effector.

Question 4

Which glial cell is primarily responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 5

A patient is exposed to Clostridium tetani toxin. Which neurotransmitters are inhibited, and what is the clinical result?

Accepted Answer

GABA and glycine; spastic paralysis

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the pathway of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from its production to its reabsorption?

Accepted Answer

Produced in the choroid plexus → lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space → reabsorbed by arachnoid villi

Question 7

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for hearing and balance?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 8

A patient with a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Pain and numbness radiating down the leg (sciatica)

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why bacterial meningitis is more difficult to treat than other infections?

Accepted Answer

The blood-brain barrier restricts passage of many antibiotics.

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct order of the meninges from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater → arachnoid mater → dura mater

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the body during a 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate, vasodilation to skeletal muscles, decreased digestive activity

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Balance, muscle coordination, and timekeeping

Question 13

A patient is prescribed an SSRI for depression. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

They produce myelin sheaths around PNS axons.

Question 15

Which of the following is the most likely result of botulinum toxin exposure?

Accepted Answer

Flaccid paralysis due to inhibition of acetylcholine release

Question 16

Which of the following structures connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 17

A viral infection that 'hides out' in the dorsal root ganglion and can be reactivated by stress is responsible for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Shingles (Herpes zoster)

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It is the main relay center for sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of a lesion in the anterior horn of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function below the lesion

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the flow of sensory and motor signals in a spinal reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Interneuron → Motor neuron → Effector

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Correlates

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