Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the Schwann cell in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It forms the myelin sheath, which insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulse transmission.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the white matter but leaves the gray matter mostly intact. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired transmission of nerve impulses along myelinated axons.

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the inside of a neuron is negative relative to the outside during the resting state?

Accepted Answer

The sodium-potassium pump moves 3 sodium ions out and 2 potassium ions in, creating a net negative charge inside.

Question 4

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating heart rate and breathing?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 5

A person is prescribed an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) for depression. What is the primary effect of this medication at the synaptic level?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 6

Which of the following best distinguishes a sensory neuron from a motor neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons transmit signals from sensory receptors to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to effectors such as muscles.

Question 7

During which phase of the action potential does the neuron rapidly return to a negative membrane potential, and which ion movement is primarily responsible?

Accepted Answer

Repolarization; efflux of potassium ions ($$\mathrm{K^+})$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating homeostasis, such as body temperature and hunger

Question 9

A person drinks coffee and experiences increased alertness. Which of the following best explains how caffeine affects neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, reducing inhibitory signals and increasing neurotransmitter release.

Question 10

Which brain structure acts as a relay station for sensory information (except smell) on its way to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between gray matter and white matter in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and dendrites, while white matter is composed of myelinated axons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating voluntary muscle movements and balance

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid?

Accepted Answer

They protect the brain and spinal cord from physical injury and infection.

Question 14

Which part of the brain is most closely associated with the formation of new long-term memories?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 15

A football player develops chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after repeated head injuries. Which brain function is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Memory, mood, and cognitive abilities

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between short-term and long-term memory?

Accepted Answer

Short-term memory holds limited information for seconds to minutes, while long-term memory stores information for days to years.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of dopamine in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of pain perception

Question 18

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of dendrites compared to axons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons, while axons transmit signals away from the cell body.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a possible signal sent by a synaptic terminal?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical signal

Study Guide: Nervous System Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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