Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three main stages of information processing in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Reception, integration, and response

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 3

A patient suffers from multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin sheaths. Which of the following is most likely to occur as a result?

Accepted Answer

Slower propagation of action potentials along axons

Question 4

Which of the following ions has a higher concentration inside a typical neuron at rest?

Accepted Answer

K$$^+$$

Question 5

What is the main function of the corpus callosum in the human brain?

Accepted Answer

Connects the two cerebral hemispheres

Question 6

Which equation describes the equilibrium potential for an ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 7

During an action potential, which event occurs immediately after the membrane potential reaches threshold?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels open

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct action potentials faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows for saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier

Question 9

Which of the following is a key difference between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decrease with distance, while action potentials do not

Question 10

A neurotransmitter binds to a postsynaptic receptor and causes an influx of Cl$$^-$$ ions. What is the likely effect on the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Hyperpolarization and decreased likelihood of action potential

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a relay station for sensory information

Question 12

Which of the following is true about the organization of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The PNS includes both afferent and efferent divisions

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, Ca$$^{2+}$$ enters, vesicles fuse, neurotransmitter released

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and regulating the blood-brain barrier

Question 15

Which of the following best describes temporal summation at a synapse?

Accepted Answer

A single synapse firing repeatedly in rapid succession

Question 16

Which of the following structures is responsible for connecting the brain to the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential is typically negative?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is more permeable to K$$^+$$ than Na$$^+$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of ligand-gated ion channels?

Accepted Answer

They open when a specific chemical binds to them

Question 19

Which region of the brain is primarily responsible for coordination and balance?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 20

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next

Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Signal Transmission

Study Guide - Practice Questions