Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

It interprets sensory input and dictates motor output, acting as the integration and control center.

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle weakness and visual disturbances. MRI reveals demyelination in the CNS. Which neuroglial cell is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents Ohm’s law as it applies to the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$V = I 	imes R$$

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are short-lived, localized changes in membrane potential that decay with distance.

Question 5

A toxin blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels in neurons. What is the most immediate effect on action potential generation?

Accepted Answer

The neuron will be unable to depolarize and generate an action potential.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct impulses faster than nonmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths insulate the axon, allowing saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuron structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar neuron – most common type of interneuron

Question 8

A patient is exposed to a virus that uses retrograde axonal transport to reach the CNS. Which of the following best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

The virus travels from the axon terminal toward the cell body.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the effect of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

Accepted Answer

It hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic membrane, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Question 10

Which of the following neurotransmitters is classified as a biogenic amine and is associated with mood regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 11

A patient is given a drug that blocks acetylcholinesterase. What is the expected effect at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine will accumulate, leading to prolonged muscle contraction.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Supporting and bracing neurons, and controlling the chemical environment around neurons

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

If threshold is reached, an action potential is generated; if not, none occurs.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

Accepted Answer

It pumps three Na+ ions out of the cell and two K+ ions in, maintaining the resting membrane potential.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why local anesthetics cause numbness?

Accepted Answer

They block voltage-gated Na+ channels, preventing action potential propagation.

Question 16

Which type of neural circuit is responsible for amplifying a signal, such as when one motor neuron activates several muscle fibers?

Accepted Answer

Diverging circuit

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the effect of myelin on axonal conduction velocity?

Accepted Answer

Myelin increases conduction velocity by allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of microglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They act as immune defense cells, phagocytizing debris and pathogens.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of parallel processing in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A smell triggering both a memory and an emotional response simultaneously.

Question 20

Which of the following neurotransmitters is an amino acid that acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions