Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They nourish neurons, provide support, guide axons during development, and form the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

Which structure in the vertebrate nervous system is primarily responsible for producing reflexes independently of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord

Question 3

A patient suffers damage to the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Impaired decision making and altered emotional responses

Question 4

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, such as increased heart rate and dilated pupils?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 5

Which brain structure acts as a sensory filter, determining which incoming information reaches the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

Reticular formation

Question 6

The limbic system is involved in all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Coordination of voluntary muscle movement

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the concept of neural plasticity?

Accepted Answer

The capacity of the nervous system to be remodeled in response to its own activity

Question 8

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process that:

Accepted Answer

Involves the simultaneous firing of pre- and post-synaptic neurons, increasing synaptic strength

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is more involved in language, math, and logic, while the right hemisphere excels at nonverbal thinking.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

Accepted Answer

It synchronizes the biological clock with light and dark cycles.

Question 11

A person with Parkinson’s disease is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tremor, poor balance, and shuffling gait

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct pathway for sensory information in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Afferent neuron → CNS

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Providing nutrition and protection to the brain

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between gray matter and white matter in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies, while white matter contains myelinated axons.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s disease?

Accepted Answer

Formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a bottlenose dolphin can continue to surface and breathe during sleep?

Accepted Answer

One hemisphere remains active while the other shuts down.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in a knee-jerk reflex?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neuron → Interneuron → Motor neuron

Question 18

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the corpus callosum?

Accepted Answer

It connects the left and right hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of the effect of drugs on the mammalian brain's reward system?

Accepted Answer

Addictive drugs increase dopamine release, reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.

Nervous Systems: Structure, Function, and Disorders

Study Guide - Practice Questions