Question 1

Which part of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 2

What is the main function of the myelin sheath in vertebrate neurons?

Accepted Answer

To increase the speed of action potential conduction

Question 3

During an action potential, the membrane potential of a neuron briefly rises to about +50 mV. What is the correct sequence of events for an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Resting potential → threshold reached → depolarization → repolarization → resting potential

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of neurotransmitters at a synapse?

Accepted Answer

They are chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell

Question 5

A neuron integrates multiple excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs). What determines whether the neuron will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Whether the combined effect of EPSPs and IPSPs brings the membrane potential to threshold

Question 6

Which equation best represents the change in membrane potential during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta V = V_{peak} - V_{rest}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Providing nutrients and repairing damage

Question 8

A patient has suffered a spinal cord injury that blocks all signals below the injury. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation and movement below the injury

Question 9

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, and what neurotransmitter does it primarily release?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic; norepinephrine

Question 10

In a scenario where a person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand, which pathway is primarily responsible for this reflex action?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neuron → interneuron → motor neuron → effector

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why thicker axons conduct action potentials faster than thinner axons?

Accepted Answer

Thicker axons have less resistance to the flow of ions

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the organization of the nervous system in a Hydra?

Accepted Answer

Diffuse nerve net with ganglia

Question 13

What is the primary function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To tightly seal brain capillaries and protect the brain from harmful chemicals

Question 14

Which of the following best describes how stimulus intensity is encoded in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

By the frequency of action potentials

Question 15

A neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on the postsynaptic neuron, causing chloride ions ($$Cl^-) to $$enter the cell. What is the likely effect?

Accepted Answer

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is generated

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of nervous system division and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic nervous system: controls involuntary functions

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the brain is located at the head end in bilaterally symmetrical animals?

Accepted Answer

The head encounters food, danger, and mates first, favoring concentrated sense organs and neural control

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Connecting the CNS to the body

Question 19

A person is experiencing increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and decreased digestion. Which division of the nervous system is most active?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of interneurons in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They evaluate sensory information and help direct an appropriate response

39. The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

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