Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system in terms of communication?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system communicates rapidly via electrical impulses, whereas the endocrine system communicates more slowly via hormones released into the bloodstream.

Question 2

A patient presents with symptoms of muscle weakness and loss of coordination. MRI reveals demyelination in the CNS. Which glial cell is most likely affected, and what is the disease?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes; Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Question 3

Which of the following equations correctly represents the resting membrane potential of a neuron, considering the relative permeability of sodium and potassium ions?

Accepted Answer

$$ V_{m} = \frac{RT}{F} \ln \left( \frac{P_{K^+}[K^+]_{out} + P_{Na^+}[Na^+]_{out}}{P_{K^+}[K^+]_{in} + P_{Na^+}[Na^+]_{in}} \right) $$

Question 4

During the propagation of an action potential, which event ensures that the signal travels in only one direction along the axon?

Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period prevents the backward propagation of the action potential.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why a mixed nerve can transmit action potentials in both directions?

Accepted Answer

Mixed nerves contain both sensory and motor axons, each conducting action potentials unidirectionally, but collectively allowing bidirectional transmission within the nerve.

Question 6

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the cervical level is unable to increase heart rate during exercise. Which pathway is most likely disrupted?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord.

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is released by preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the bronchioles of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles to increase airflow.

Question 9

Which structure is responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Choroid plexus

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events at a neuro-neuronal synapse when an action potential arrives at the axon terminal?

Accepted Answer

Opening of Ca2+ voltage-gated channels, exocytosis of neurotransmitter vesicles, diffusion of neurotransmitter across the synaptic cleft, binding of neurotransmitter to ligand-gated channels on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in psychiatric treatment?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the classification of axons as A, B, and C fibers?

Accepted Answer

C fibers are unmyelinated and transmit impulses slowly, often associated with dull pain.

Question 13

Which equation best represents the sodium-potassium pump's activity in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the adaptive advantage of a spinal reflex such as the patellar reflex?

Accepted Answer

It provides a rapid, automatic response to potentially harmful stimuli, protecting the body from injury.

Question 15

Which brain structure acts as a relay station for sensory information and is involved in the decussation of somatosensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of Broca’s area?

Accepted Answer

Speech production in the frontal lobe.

Question 17

A patient is experiencing referred pain in the left arm during a heart attack. Which best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Somatic pain fibers are activated by visceral pain stimuli, leading to pain perception in unrelated body regions.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the gate-control theory of pain modulation?

Accepted Answer

Non-painful input can close the 'gates' to painful input, preventing pain sensation from reaching the CNS.

Question 19

Which of the following is true regarding the effects of beta agonists (such as epinephrine) during anaphylactic shock?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate sympathetic activity, causing bronchodilation.

Unit 1: The Nervous System – Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards