Deck 8: The Nervous System

Question 1

Branches that sometimes occur along the length of an axon are called

A) action potentials.
B) synaptic knobs.
C) collaterals.
D) hillocks.
E) synapse.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Most neurons in the brain are

A) bipolar.
B) unipolar.
C) anaxonic.
D) multipolar.
E) tripolar.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Cells responsible for information processing and transfer are

A) neuroglia.
B) Schwann cells.
C) neurons.
D) astrocytes.
E) microglia.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Neurons that have one axon and one dendrite with the soma between them are called

A) polypolar.
B) unipolar.
C) bipolar.
D) tripolar.
E) multipolar.

Question 5

The largest and most numerous of the glial cells in the central nervous system are the

A) astrocytes.
B) Schwann cells.
C) oligodendrocytes.
D) microglia.
E) ependymal cells.

Question 6

Small phagocytic cells that are especially obvious in damaged tissue in the CNS are the

A) astrocytes.
B) Schwann cells.
C) oligodendrocytes.
D) microglia.
E) ependymal cells.

Question 7

The myelin sheaths that surround the axons of some of the neurons in the CNS are formed by

A) astrocytes.
B) Schwann cells.
C) oligodendrocytes.
D) microglia.
E) ependymal cells.

Question 8

Neurons normally derive ATP solely through

A) aerobic respiration.
B) anaerobic respiration.
C) formation of creatine phosphate.
D) use of stored glycogen.
E) both A and D

Question 9

Information received by the brain concerning internal or external environmental conditions is called a(n)

A) action potential.
B) effector.
C) stimulus.
D) sensation.
E) response.

Question 10

Which of the following is a glial cell?

A) astrocytes
B) Schwann cells
C) oligodendrocytes
D) microglia
E) all of the above

Question 11

The neurilemma of axons in the peripheral nervous system is formed by

A) astrocytes.
B) ependymal cells.
C) oligodendrocytes.
D) microglia.
E) Schwann cells.

Question 12

The part of the peripheral nervous system that brings information to the central nervous system is the

A) motor division.
B) afferent division.
C) efferent division.
D) autonomic division.
E) somatic division.

Question 13

The three general functions of the nervous system are

A) sensory, motor, and predictive.
B) sensory, motor, and manipulative.
C) sensory, motor, and integrative.
D) reflexive, predictive, and motor.
E) emotion, memory, and movement.

Question 14

The glial cells responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier are the

A) astrocytes.
B) Schwann cells.
C) microglia.
D) ependymal cells.
E) fiber cells.

Question 15

The brain and spinal cord comprise the

A) autonomic nervous system.
B) peripheral nervous system.
C) central nervous system.
D) efferent nervous system.
E) afferent nervous system.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the motor division of the nervous system?

A) providing sensation of the internal and external environments
B) integrating sensory information
C) coordinating voluntary and involuntary activities
D) sending signals to muscles
E) regulating or controlling peripheral structures and systems

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of neurons?

A) support
B) information processing
C) secretion of cerebrospinal fluid
D) isolation of neuroglia
E) phagocytosis

Question 18

The cytoplasmic extensions that, together with the cell body, provide the main receptive surfaces for neurons are the

A) axons.
B) soma.
C) synapses.
D) dendrites.
E) neurofibrils.

Question 19

In general, the nervous system

A) controls everything.
B) is fast acting.
C) is long lasting.
D) responds to changes in the external environment only.
E) all of the above

Question 20

Aggregations of ribosomes in neurons are referred to as

A) neurofilaments.
B) neurofibrils.
C) synapses.
D) Nissl bodies.
E) microglia.

Question 21

Neurons that have several dendrites and a single axon extending away from the soma are called

A) polypolar.
B) unipolar.
C) bipolar.
D) tripolar.
E) multipolar.

Question 22

The polarization of a nerve fiber refers to having the

A) sodium and potassium ions inside the cell.
B) sodium ions inside the cell and potassium outside the cell.
C) potassium ions inside the cell and sodium outside the cell.
D) chloride ions inside the cell.
E) hillock and knob at opposite ends.

Question 23

Most neurons lack centrioles. This observation explains

A) why neurons grow such long axons.
B) why these neurons cannot regenerate.
C) the conducting ability of neurons.
D) the ability of neurons to communicate with each other.
E) the ability of neurons to live long lives.

Question 24

During continuous conduction,

A) action potentials move in all directions along an axon.
B) action potentials occur at successive nodes along the length of the stimulated axon.
C) local currents depolarize adjacent areas of membrane so that action potentials continue to form along the membrane.
D) action potentials produce a local current that is strong enough to spread along the length of the axon.
E) local potentials produce a continuous outward flow of potassium ions.

Question 25

Opening of sodium channels in the membrane of a neuron results in

A) depolarization.
B) repolarization.
C) hyperpolarization.
D) increased negative charge inside the membrane.
E) none of the above

Question 26

The most rapid action potentials are conducted on

A) thick, myelinated axons.
B) thick, unmyelinated axons.
C) thin, myelinated axons.
D) thin, unmyelinated axons.
E) dendrites.

Question 27

The all-or-none principle states that

A) all stimuli will produce identical action potentials.
B) all stimuli great enough to bring the membrane to threshold will produce identical action potentials.
C) the greater the magnitude of the stimuli, the greater the intensity of the action potential.
D) only sensory stimuli can activate action potentials.
E) only motor stimuli can activate action potentials.

Question 28

Which type of synapse dominates the nervous system?

A) chemical
B) electrical
C) mechanical
D) processing
E) radioactive

Question 29

If the sodium-potassium pumps in the plasma membrane fail to function,

A) the extracellular concentration of potassium ions will increase.
B) the intracellular concentration of sodium ions will increase.
C) the membrane will lose its capacity to generate action potentials.
D) the inside of the membrane will have a resting potential that is more positive than normal.
E) all of the above

Question 30

The ion needed to initiate the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft is

A) sodium.
B) potassium.
C) calcium.
D) chloride.
E) zinc.

Question 31

Synaptic knobs occur at the ends of

A) dendrites.
B) somas.
C) telodendria.
D) peduncles.
E) axons.

Question 32

Saltatory conduction

A) occurs only if the myelin sheath is continuous.
B) occurs only if nodes of Ranvier are lacking.
C) is faster than conduction on an unmyelinated axon.
D) is slower that conduction on an unmyelinated axon.
E) occurs at the synapse.

Question 33

A neuron that is excited to subthreshold is said to be

A) summed.
B) facilitated.
C) hyperpolarized.
D) converged.
E) graded.

Question 34

If a resting potential becomes more negative, the cell

A) repolarizes.
B) hyperpolarizes.
C) depolarizes.
D) refracts.
E) summates.

Question 35

When a neuron is at rest, which ion passes through its membrane most easily?

A) sodium
B) chloride
C) sulfate
D) potassium
E) proteins

Question 36

Tetrodotoxin is a toxin that blocks the sodium channels from opening. What effect would this have on the function of neurons?

A) Neurons would depolarize more rapidly.
B) Action potentials would lack a repolarization phase.
C) The refractory period would be shorter than normal.
D) The neurons would not be able to propagate action potentials.
E) none of the above

Question 37

The following are the main steps in the generation of an action potential. 1. Sodium channels are inactivated.
2) Potassium channels open and potassium moves out of the cell, initiating repolarization.
3) Sodium channels regain their normal properties.
4) A graded depolarization brings an area of an excitable membrane to threshold.
5) A temporary hyperpolarization occurs.
6) Sodium channel activation occurs.
7) Sodium ions enter the cell and depolarization occurs.
The proper sequence of these events is

A) 4, 6, 7, 3, 2, 5, 1
B) 4, 6, 7, 1, 2, 3, 5
C) 5, 7, 4, 1, 2, 3, 5
D) 2, 4, 6, 7, 1, 3, 5
E) 4, 2, 5, 6, 7, 3, 1

Question 38

Neurotransmitters are released from the

A) dendrites.
B) synaptic terminals/knobs.
C) collaterals.
D) hillock.
E) synapse.

Question 39

Which of the following is a function of the brain interstitium?

A) provides cushioning for delicate neural tissues
B) provides buoyant support for the brain
C) acts as a transport medium for nutrients
D) provides a medium for nerve impulse transmission
E) acts as a transport medium for chemical messengers

Question 40

Interneurons

A) are found only in the central nervous system.
B) carry only sensory impulses.
C) carry only motor impulses.
D) only connect motor neurons to other motor neurons.
E) are found between neurons and their effectors.

Question 41

The projections of gray matter toward the outer surface of the spinal cord are called

A) wings.
B) horns.
C) pyramids.
D) fibers.
E) tracts.

Question 42

Gray matter in the spinal cord is mostly

A) fissures.
B) cerebrospinal fluid.
C) interneurons.
D) axons.
E) myelin.

Question 43

The posterior horns of the spinal cord contain

A) sensory nuclei.
B) somatic motor nuclei.
C) autonomic motor nuclei.
D) nerve tracts.
E) all of the above

Question 44

Head injuries that damage cerebral blood vessels are serious conditions because

A) they could cause severe pain.
B) these spaces compress and distort the relatively soft tissues of the brain.
C) epicardial tissue will be affected.
D) the venous sinus will not drain.
E) pathways will be blocked.

Question 45

Diffusion across the arachnoid villi returns excess CSF to

A) the third ventricle.
B) arterial circulation.
C) venous circulation.
D) the fourth ventricle.
E) the central canal.

Question 46

If the dorsal root of a spinal nerve is severed,

A) motor control of skeletal muscles would be impaired.
B) motor control of visceral organs would be impaired.
C) the spinal cord would not be able to process information at that level.
D) the brain would not be able to communicate with that level of the spinal cord.
E) incoming sensory information would be disrupted.

Question 47

Axons crossing from one side of the spinal cord to the other within the gray matter are found in the

A) anterior gray horns.
B) lateral gray horns.
C) posterior gray horns.
D) gray commissures.
E) white commissures.

Question 48

The white matter of the spinal cord contains

A) bundles of axons that share common origins, destinations, and functions.
B) bundles of dendrites that share common origins, destinations, and functions.
C) sensory and motor nuclei.
D) both axons and dendrites.
E) interneurons.

Question 49

The entire spinal cord is divided into ________ segments.

A) 5
B) 12
C) 25
D) 31
E) 35

Question 50

Enlargements of the spinal cord occur

A) near the posterior median sulcus.
B) adjacent to the anterior median fissure.
C) in segments of the spinal cord that control the limbs.
D) in the thoracic region of the spinal cord.
E) none of the above

Question 51

The processing of the same information at the same time by several neuronal pools is called

A) serial processing.
B) parallel processing.
C) divergent processing.
D) convergent processing.
E) facilitation.

Question 52

The horns of the spinal cord contain

A) nerve tracts.
B) columns.
C) meninges.
D) nerve cell bodies.
E) all of the above

Question 53

Adrenergic synapses release the neurotransmitter

A) acetylcholine.
B) norepinephrine.
C) dopamine.
D) serotonin.
E) GABA.

Question 54

What contains a delicate network of collagen and elastin fibers through which cerebrospinal fluid circulates?

A) epidural space
B) dural sinus
C) arachnoid villi
D) subarachnoid space
E) pia mater

Question 55

The following is a series of events that occur at a typical cholinergic synapse. Place the events in the correct sequence. 1. Calcium ions enter the cytoplasm of the synaptic knob and ACh release occurs.
2) Arriving action potential depolarizes the synaptic knob and the presynaptic membrane.
3) Depolarization ends as ACh is broken down into acetate and choline by AChE.
4) ACh release ceases because calcium ions are removed from the cytoplasm of the synaptic knob.
5) The synaptic knob reabsorbs choline from the synaptic cleft and uses it to resynthesize ACh.
6) ACh diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
7) Sodium channels on postsynaptic surface are activated, producing a graded depolarization.
The correct sequence of events is

A) 2, 1, 6, 7, 4, 3, 5.
B) 2, 6, 4, 1, 3, 5, 7.
C) 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 4, 6.
D) 1, 2, 4, 5, 3, 6, 7.
E) 7, 4, 5, 6, 2, 3, 1.

Question 56

The specialized membranes that protect the spinal cord are termed

A) cranial meninges.
B) cranial mater.
C) spinal meninges.
D) spinal mater.
E) epidural membranes.

Question 57

Which of the following lists the parts of a reflex arc in the correct order?

A) receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, effector
B) receptor, effector, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron
C) receptor, sensory neuron, effector, interneuron, motor neuron
D) effector, receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron
E) receptor, interneuron, sensory neuron, motor neuron, effector

Question 58

Blood vessels servicing the spinal cord are found in the

A) pia mater.
B) dura mater.
C) epidural space.
D) subdural space.
E) subarachnoid space.

Question 59

Masses of myelinated nerve fibers appear

A) gray.
B) white.
C) yellow.
D) brown.
E) transparent.

Question 60

The dural sinuses are located in the

A) dura mater.
B) arachnoid.
C) pia mater.
D) cortex.
E) subarachnoid space.

Question 61

The basal nuclei include which of the following?

A) sensory nuclei
B) caudate nucleus
C) autonomic motor nuclei
D) thalamus
E) all of the above

Question 62

The region of the brain that is involved in conscious thought and intellectual function as well as processing somatic sensory and motor information is the

A) medulla.
B) pons.
C) midbrain.
D) cerebellum.
E) cerebrum.

Question 63

Stimulation of the reticular formation results in

A) sleep.
B) increased consciousness.
C) coma.
D) decreased cerebral function.
E) none of the above

Question 64

The ________ acts as a switching and relay center for integration of conscious and unconscious sensory and motor pathways.

A) cerebellum
B) midbrain
C) diencephalon
D) pons
E) medulla

Question 65

The walls of the diencephalon form the

A) hypothalamus.
B) thalamus.
C) brain stem.
D) midbrain.
E) cerebellum.

Question 66

The primary connection between cerebral hemispheres is the

A) cerebellum.
B) precentral gyrus.
C) postcentral gyrus.
D) midbrain.
E) corpus callosum.

Question 67

The cortex inferior to the lateral sulcus is the

A) parietal lobe.
B) temporal lobe.
C) frontal lobe.
D) occipital lobe.
E) cerebellar lobe.

Question 68

Major centers concerned with autonomic control of breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and digestive activities are located in the

A) medulla oblongata.
B) pons.
C) midbrain.
D) diencephalons.
E) cerebellum.

Question 69

A neural cortex is found on the surface of the

A) cerebrum.
B) midbrain.
C) cerebellum.
D) pons.
E) both A and C

Question 70

The surface of the postcentral gyrus contains the

A) primary sensory cortex.
B) primary motor cortex.
C) visual cortex.
D) olfactory cortex.
E) auditory cortex.

Question 71

If Broca's area is damaged, what might result?

A) loss of sensation
B) loss of ability to speak
C) loss of upper limb control
D) loss of memory
E) mental retardation

Question 72

The visual cortex is located in the

A) frontal lobe.
B) parietal lobe.
C) temporal lobe.
D) occipital lobe.
E) cerebellum.

Question 73

The area anterior to the central sulcus is the

A) parietal lobe.
B) temporal lobe.
C) frontal lobe.
D) occipital lobe.
E) postcentral gyrus.

Question 74

Regions of the brain that are involved in interpreting data or coordinating motor responses are

A) commissural areas.
B) sensory areas.
C) association areas.
D) motor areas.
E) processing areas.

Question 75

Overseeing the postural muscles of the body and making rapid adjustments to maintain balance and equilibrium are functions of the

A) cerebrum.
B) midbrain.
C) cerebellum.
D) pons.
E) medulla.

Question 76

What is the function of the cerebral association areas?

A) to analyze and interpret sensory information
B) memory
C) reasoning
D) learning
E) all of the above

Question 77

Which of the following link(s) the cerebral hemispheres with the brain stem?

A) medulla oblongata
B) pons
C) midbrain
D) diencephalon
E) cerebellum

Question 78

The part of the brain that functions to control skeletal muscles is the

A) medulla oblongata.
B) cerebral cortex.
C) midbrain.
D) diencephalons.
E) thalamus.

Question 79

The two cerebral hemispheres are separated by the

A) longitudinal fissure.
B) central sulcus.
C) lateral sulcus.
D) frontal lobe.
E) postcentral sulcus.

Question 80

The ventricle associated with the pons and upper medulla is the

A) first.
B) second.
C) third.
D) fourth.
E) lateral.