$$3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{\text{out}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{\text{in}}$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It maintains the resting potential by actively transporting three sodium ions out and two potassium ions into the cell.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which of the following best explains the neurological symptoms observed in MS?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune destruction of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system, impairing action potential conduction.

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminus → Calcium diffuses into axon bulb → Neurotransmitter released → Neurotransmitter binds to receptors

Question 4

Which equation best represents the net movement of ions by the sodium-potassium pump in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$3\ \mathrm{Na}^+_{	ext{out}} + 2\ \mathrm{K}^+_{	ext{in}}$$

Question 5

A person steps on a sharp object and immediately withdraws their foot. Which neural pathway is primarily responsible for this rapid response?

Accepted Answer

Spinal reflex arc involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why action potentials only travel in one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period prevents the initiation of another action potential in the region just activated.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 8

Damage to which area of the brain is most likely to result in loss of coordination and difficulty replicating skilled movements such as tying a shoe?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 9

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 10

A patient presents with stiff muscles, tremors, and loss of facial expression. Which disorder is most likely, and what is its underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson’s disease; degeneration of dopamine-releasing neurons in the midbrain

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Lowers heart rate and increases digestion

Question 12

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating homeostasis, including temperature and water balance?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the 'all-or-none' principle of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

If threshold is reached, an action potential of constant speed and voltage is triggered.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of Schwann cells?

Accepted Answer

They form myelin sheaths around axons in the PNS, speeding up impulse transmission.

Question 15

A person is exposed to the rabies virus through an animal bite. Which of the following best describes the path the virus takes to reach the brain?

Accepted Answer

It travels through sensory neurons to the CNS and brain.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a spinal cord injury at the neck is more likely to be fatal than one below the neck?

Accepted Answer

Neck injuries can impair both sensation and motor function to all limbs and the trunk, including muscles required for breathing.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of a stretch reflex, and what is its physiological significance?

Accepted Answer

Knee-jerk reflex; helps maintain upright posture

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of convergence in neural information processing?

Accepted Answer

One neuron receives input from many other neurons.

Question 19

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for initiating voluntary motor activity?

Accepted Answer

Frontal lobe

Question 20

A person experiences recurring seizures triggered by flashing lights. Which disorder is most likely, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy; abnormal electrical activity in the brain

Nervous System Integration and Control: Study Notes

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