Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

They regulate the extracellular environment and cover blood capillaries with their vascular end-feet.

Question 2

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences slowed nerve conduction. Which structure is primarily affected in this disease?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is synthesized from tyrosine and is used by adrenergic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why action potentials travel faster in myelinated axons compared to unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin allows saltatory conduction, where action potentials jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 6

A reflex arc involves a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron. Where would you most likely find the soma of the sensory neuron?

Accepted Answer

In the dorsal root ganglion

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of multipolar neurons compared to bipolar and unipolar neurons?

Accepted Answer

They have multiple dendrites and a single axon.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the effect of GABA at an inhibitory synapse?

Accepted Answer

It opens anion channels, causing hyperpolarization.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between white matter and gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

White matter contains mainly myelinated axons, while gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites.

Question 10

A drug that blocks voltage-gated calcium channels at the presynaptic terminal would most directly affect which step of synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, removing debris and pathogens.

Question 12

Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily involved in excitatory synaptic transmission in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why unmyelinated axons conduct nerve impulses more slowly than myelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Unmyelinated axons have smaller diameters and lack saltatory conduction.

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of ependymal cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They line the ventricles and central canal, helping to circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 15

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the dorsal root. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input from the periphery to the CNS

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of retrograde transport in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Movement of materials from the axon terminal toward the cell body

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Nissl bodies in neurons?

Accepted Answer

They are regions of rough endoplasmic reticulum involved in protein synthesis.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the node of Ranvier in nerve conduction?

Accepted Answer

It is a gap in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why astrocytes are important during stroke-like conditions?

Accepted Answer

They share mitochondria with neurons to support energy needs.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS is responsible for integrating and processing information, while the PNS transmits sensory and motor signals.

Neural Tissue: Structure, Function, and Organization of the Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions