Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports three Na+ ions out of the cell and two K+ ions into the cell, maintaining the resting potential at $$-70\ 	ext{mV}.$$

Question 2

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely to experience which of the following symptoms due to the degeneration of myelin sheaths?

Accepted Answer

Weakness, visual impairment, and incontinence.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response in the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 4

During an action potential, what is the sequence of events that occurs after the threshold is reached?

Accepted Answer

Na+ channels open, Na+ moves in, membrane depolarizes; then Na+ channels close, K+ channels open, K+ moves out, membrane repolarizes.

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination and replication of skilled movements such as tying a shoe or swinging a bat.

Question 6

A neuron receives input from several other neurons, some excitatory and some inhibitory. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Convergence

Question 7

Which equation best represents the change in membrane potential during depolarization?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{m} = V_{rest} + \Delta V_{Na}$$

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of neuroglial cells?

Accepted Answer

Transmit action potentials.

Question 9

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for interpreting auditory information and comprehending language?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 10

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which neural pathway is primarily responsible for this reflex?

Accepted Answer

Somatic division of the PNS, involving spinal reflexes.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why action potentials are described as 'all-or-none'?

Accepted Answer

Once threshold is reached, the action potential always occurs with the same speed and voltage.

Question 12

Which structure connects the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum, allowing them to share information?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to be involved in relaxing the body and increasing digestion?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

It prevents entry of certain chemicals and pathogens into the brain.

Question 15

Which equation represents the number of action potentials per unit time as a function of stimulus strength?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{AP} = k \cdot S$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It prepares the body for emergencies by increasing heart rate and respiration.

Question 17

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating homeostasis, including thirst and hunger?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from node to node along myelinated axons, increasing speed.

Question 19

Which of the following is a likely effect of excessive alcohol consumption on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of normal cerebellum function, leading to impaired movement.

Question 20

Which disorder is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-releasing neurons, resulting in motor activity impairment?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson’s disease

The Nervous System: Integration and Control

Study Guide - Practice Questions