Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To transmit electrical and chemical signals for rapid communication, integration, and response to internal and external stimuli

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Which division of the nervous system is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Central nervous system

Question 3

Which structural component of a neuron is responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 4

A neuron with a single short process that branches into two directions is classified as which type?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar neuron

Question 5

Which neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 6

What is the main function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

To insulate axons and increase the speed of electrical impulse conduction

Question 7

Which of the following best differentiates a nucleus from a ganglion?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus is a cluster of neuron cell bodies in the central nervous system, while a ganglion is in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 8

Which type of membrane ion channel opens in response to a change in membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated channel

Question 9

The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately $$-70\ 	ext{mV}. $$Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion?

Accepted Answer

The Nernst equation: $$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a graded potential?

Accepted Answer

A postsynaptic potential at a dendrite

Question 11

Which statement best distinguishes graded potentials from action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decrease in strength as they spread, while action potentials maintain their strength.

Question 12

During the generation of an action potential, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing rapid depolarization

Question 13

A neuron is unable to fire another action potential, no matter how strong the stimulus. This describes which period?

Accepted Answer

Absolute refractory period

Question 14

Saltatory conduction occurs in myelinated axons. Which statement best explains why it is faster than continuous conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, bypassing myelinated segments

Question 15

A patient presents with demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Which cell type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a nerve and a tract?

Accepted Answer

A nerve is a bundle of axons in the peripheral nervous system, while a tract is in the central nervous system.

Question 17

A neuron receives multiple excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Which process determines whether an action potential will be generated?

Accepted Answer

Summation of graded potentials at the axon hillock

Question 18

Which equation would you use to calculate the resting membrane potential considering multiple ions?

Accepted Answer

The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation: $$E_m = \frac{RT}{F} \ln \left( \frac{P_{K^+}[K^+]_{out} + P_{Na^+}[Na^+]_{out} + P_{Cl^-}[Cl^-]_{in}}{P_{K^+}[K^+]_{in} + P_{Na^+}[Na^+]_{in} + P_{Cl^-}[Cl^-]_{out}} \right)$$

Question 19

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which affects the central nervous system. Which process is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Formation of myelin by oligodendrocytes

Question 20

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of the relative refractory period?

Accepted Answer

A neuron can fire another action potential only if the stimulus is stronger than usual

Guided Study Notes for Nervous System and Tissue (CH 11)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards