Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of nerves that branch out from the CNS to the rest of the body.

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for insulating axons and speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 3

What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To cushion the brain and spinal cord, providing mechanical and immunological protection

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is correct?

Accepted Answer

It restricts the passage of many hydrophilic molecules, allowing only certain substances to enter the brain.

Question 5

A patient presents with sudden onset fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Laboratory results show high white blood cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid, mostly neutrophils, and low glucose. Which type of infection is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial meningitis

Question 6

Which vaccine is recommended in the United States for the prevention of poliomyelitis, and why?

Accepted Answer

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), because it cannot revert to a virulent form

Question 7

A person is bitten by a wild animal and later develops hydrophobia, confusion, and pharyngeal spasms. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer antirabies antibodies and begin the inactivated rabies vaccine series

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals?

Accepted Answer

It can cross the placenta and cause severe nervous system infections in the fetus or immunocompromised host.

Question 9

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Neisseria meningitidis compared to other causes of bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

It often causes a petechial rash that can progress to larger bruise-like lesions.

Question 10

A patient develops flaccid paralysis after eating home-canned vegetables. Which mechanism best explains the action of the responsible toxin?

Accepted Answer

The toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, preventing muscle contraction.

Question 11

Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent tetanus?

Accepted Answer

Receiving the DTaP or Tdap vaccine

Question 12

Which of the following statements about prion diseases is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are caused by infectious proteins that induce abnormal folding of brain proteins.

Question 13

A patient presents with a chancre at the site of a tsetse fly bite, followed by fever and swollen lymph nodes. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Trypanosoma brucei

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)?

Accepted Answer

The amoeba enters through the nasal passages, travels up the olfactory nerves, and invades the brain.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key risk factor for developing toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning a cat litter box while pregnant

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is not recommended for immunocompromised individuals?

Accepted Answer

OPV contains live, attenuated virus that can revert to a virulent form.

Question 17

Which of the following is a common feature of both bacterial and viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculoid leprosy is less contagious and causes localized sensory loss, while lepromatous leprosy is more contagious and causes widespread tissue damage.

Question 19

Which of the following is the most effective prevention strategy for arboviral encephalitis?

Accepted Answer

Repelling or avoiding arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks

Nervous System Infections: Structure, Defenses, and Microbial Diseases

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