Nervous System MCQ
A multipolar neuron has more than one what? A. dendrite attached to the cell body B. axon attached to the cell body C. synaptic terminal attached to the axon D. cell body
A
Adrenergic receptors are so named because they: A. are located in the adrenal glands B. bind epinephrine and norepinephrine C. are located in the kidneys D. bind acetylcholine
B
In the peripheral nervous system, which cells form the myelin sheath? A. Ependymal cells B. Schwann cells C. Astrocytes D. Oligodendrocytes
B
What is the most superficial part of the brain called? A. diencephalon B. cerebral cortex C. cerebellum D. mesencephalon
B
Where in the brain is the "primary motor area"? A. Midbrain B. Thalamus C. Basal nuclei D. Pre-central gyrus
D
Which statement is true of a multi-polar neuron? A. has many axons attached to the cell body B. is the major type of neuron in the peripheral nervous system C. all sensory neurons are multi-polar D. has many dendrites attached to the cell body
D
What term refers to the sudden movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane to the outside of a nerve cell? A. Repolarisation B. Depolarisation C. The action potential D. The potassium pump
A
An epidural block involves injecting anaesthetic into the epidural space. What is the main reason for this? A. Anaesthetic in this space only affects spinal nerves in the immediate vicinity of the injection. B. The anaesthetic will be readily distributed along the spinal cord by the cerebral spinal fl uid from this space. C. There is less chance of damaging the spinal cord when inserting the needle into this space. D. The epidural space is highly vascularised and so will the anaesthetic will be quickly absorbed.
A
Choose the true statement. A. a spinal refl ex does not involve processing in the brain B. spinal refl exes are rapid predictable learned responses to stimuli C. spinal refl exes are used to diagnose brain death D. spinal reflexes are voluntary but unlearned
A
Cortico-spinal pathways cross-over from one side of the brain to the other side. Where does this cross-over occur? A. In the medulla oblongata B. In the cerebellum C. In the hypothalamus D. In the reticular formation
A
Depolarisation of the cell membrane involves: A. sodium channels opening to allow Na + to fl ow in. B. potassium channels opening to allow K + to fl ow in. C. chloride pumps quickly pumping large amounts of Cl − outside. D. electrical attraction between K + inside and Cl − outside.
A
In nerve fi bres with myelin sheaths, which of the following is true about the electrical conduction? A. It is 'saltatory', so propagates at higher speed B. It requires more energy to send an impulse C. The conduction between adjacent axons is enhanced ('cross talk' is increased) D. It is slower due to the separation between the 'nodes of Ranvier'
A
In the spinal cord, the ascending tracts contain A. white matter and transmit sensory information B. white matter and transmit motor commands C. gray matter and transmit sensory information D. gray matter and transmit motor commands
A
In which part of the brain is the thalamus found? A. diencephalon B. cerebrum C. cerebellum D. brainstem
A
One of the functions of the prefrontal cortex is: A. making conscious decisions B. controlling motor functions C. detecting and integrating sensory information D. enabling word recognition
A
The following receptors for neurotransmitters may be stimulatory or inhibitory EXCEPT for one of them. Which One? A. nicotinic receptors B. muscarinic receptors C. adrenergic alpha receptors D. adrenergic beta receptors
A
The precentral gyrus is the area of brain which houses A. the primary motor cortex B. our association areas C. the primary somatosensory area D. our higher intellectual functions
A
There is a space between a neuron and the cell it stimulates, that is crossed by a neurotransmitter. What is it called? A. synaptic cleft B. voltage-gated channel C. synapse D. post-synaptic membrane
A
To what does the following description apply? "An unlearned and involuntary but predictable motor response to a stimulus, that is rapid and does not involve any processing by the brain." A. spinal refl ex B. autonomic refl ex C. cranial refl ex D. learned refl ex
A
What are the "ascending tracts" of the spinal cord and what do they do? A. They are white matter and they transmit sensory information to the brain. B. They are gray matter and they transmit sensory information to the brain. C. They are white matter and they transmit motor information to the brain. D. They are gray matter and they transmit motor information to the brain.
A
What are the major type of nerve cells in the CNS? A. multipolar B. sensory C. interneurons D. unipolar
A
What is an "action potential"? It is: A. when the resting potential changes from −70 mV to +30 mV and then back again. B. the name given to the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the plasma membrane of a neurone. C. the name given to the stimulus that changes the resting potential from −70 to −50 mV. D. the voltage produced by a stimulus which causes a nerve impulse to be generated.
A
What is found in the epidural space? A. adipose tissue B. venous sinuses C. choroid plexus D. cerebrospinal fluid
A
What is that part of the nervous system that carries commands to the skeletal muscles called? A. somatic nervous system B. autonomic nervous system C. central nervous system D. sympathetic division
A
What is the function of the corpus callosum? A. connects two cerebral hemispheres B. connects cerebellum to midbrain C. connects areas within same hemisphere D. it is a relay centre
A
What is the last part of a nerve cell that is involved when a nerve impulse passes to another cell? A. synaptic knob B. axon hillock C. dendrite D. axon
A
What is the name of the nerve cell structure that carries incoming impulses towards the cell? A. dendrite B. axon C. cell body D. ganglion
A
What name is used for a nerve cell? A. neuron B. neuroglia C. ganglion D. astrocyte
A
What part of the brain contains the autonomic control centre whose orders regulate food intake, water balance and body temperature? A. hypothalamus B. thalamus C. medulla oblongata D. cerebellum
A
What part of the brain contains the motor areas and the sensory areas? A. cerebrum B. diencephalon C. brainstem D. cerebellum
A
What part of the brain subconsciously provides the appropriate pattern of smooth co-ordinated skeletal muscle contraction for movements that we have learned? A. the cerebellum B. the brainstem C. the cerebrum D. the diencephalon
A
What type of nerves are found in the dorsal root? A. only afferent nerves B. only efferent nerves C. both afferent and efferent nerves D. only ganglionic nerves
A
What would happen if a neuron lost its myelin sheath? A. Na + would leak out of the axon leaving too few ions to stimulate the Na channels at the next node to open. B. The neuron would die. C. More Na + channels would be exposed allowing freer entry so conduction speed would increase. D. More K + channels would be exposed allowing freer exit so the cell would hyperpolarise.
A
Where does the spinal cord start and fi nish? A. It extends from the foramen magnum to L1 - L2 B. It extends from the foramen magnum to the sacrum C. It starts at the superior part of the medulla oblongata and extends to the inferior part of the cauda equina. D. It extends from C7 to L5
A
Which choice correctly ends the following sentence? The parasympathetic division is part of the: A. autonomic nervous system B. somatic nervous system C. afferent division of the peripheral nervous system D. central nervous system
A
Which four structures together make up the brain? A. cerebrum, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum B. cerebrum, thalamus, brainstem and cerebellum C. cerebrum, diencephalon, meninges and cerebellum D. spinal cord, diencephalon, brainstem and medulla oblongata
A
Which is an example of a cholinergic receptor? A. nicotinic receptor B. adrenergic receptor C. alpha receptor D. beta receptor
A
Which layer of membrane around the brain is the most superfi cial? A. Dura mater B. Meningeal mater C. Arachnoid mater D. Pia mater
A
Which neurotransmitter do all motor neurons release at their synapses with skeletal muscle cells? A. ACh B. ATP C. GABA D. norepinephrine
A
Which neurotransmitter do all motor neurons release at their synapses? A. acetylcholine B. norepinephrine C. dopamine D. adenosine triphosphate
A
Which of the following is NOT a meninge? A. cerebra mater B. pia mater C. dura mater D. arachnoid mater
A
Which of the following is NOT composed of "gray matter"? A. spinothalamic tract B. cerebral cortex C. basal nuclei D. post-central gyrus
A
Which of the following is NOT indicative of the stimulation of the parasympathetic system? A. constriction of skeletal muscle blood vessels and vasodilation of renal blood vessels B. excitation of the blood fl ow to the kidneys and smooth muscles of the GI tract C. inhibition of heart rate and smooth muscles of the urinary bladder D. excitation of the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and GI tract
A
Which of the following sends sensory information to the brain? A. The afferent division of the peripheral nervous system. B. The efferent division of the peripheral nervous system. C. The somatic nervous system. D. The autonomic nervous system.
A
Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is correct? A. The BBB prevents fl uctuations of hormone and ion concentrations in blood from affecting the brain. B. It is formed by Schwann cells wrapping around capillaries. C. The brain is supported by (it fl oats in) the BBB. D. The BBB is formed by the choroid plexus.
A
Which of the following substances CANNOT cross the blood-brain barrier? A. metabolic wastes, toxins, K + B. O 2 , CO 2 and H 2 O C. fats, fatty acids, fat soluble substances D. alcohol, nicotine, anaesthetics
A
Which of the following would conduct an action potential with the greatest speed? A. myelinated, large diameter fi bres B. myelinated, small diameter fi bres C. unmyelinated, large diameter fi bres D. unmyelinated, small diameter fi bres
A
Which of the lists of structures include all of the central nervous system? A. cerebellum, cerebrum, spinal cord, diencephalon, brainstem B. midbrain, spinal cord, autonomic nerves, pons, diencephalon C. midbrain, cerebellum, special sense organs, medulla oblongata D. cerebrum, sensory neurons, motor neurons, cerebellum
A
Which one of the following is NOT a function of the cerebral spinal fl uid? A. to produce hormones B. to transport nutrients around the brain C. to protect the spinal cord D. to cushion the brain
A
Which one of the following parts of the nervous system carries impulses towards the brain? A. peripheral nervous system B. somatic nervous system C. autonomic nervous system D. parasympathetic division
A
Which part of the nervous system prepares you for vigorous activity ("to fi ght or fl ee")? A. sympathetic B. parasympathetic C. somatic D. autonomic
A
Which statement about neurotransmitters and/or receptors is correct? A. all somatic motor neurons release ACh at their synapse. B. noradrenalin is the major neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic division C. nicotinic receptors when bound by ACh are always inhibitory D. noradrenalin binds to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
A
Which type of receptor always produces stimulation of the post-synaptic cell when bound by a neurotransmitter? A. nicotinic B. muscarinic C. alpha adrenergic D. beta adrenergic
A
With respect to the spinal cord, where is the epidural space? A. external to the dura mater B. between the arachnoid and pia maters C. between the arachnoid and dura maters D. between the two layers of the dura
A
What is the nerve that that carries most of the parasympathetic signals? A. phrenic B. vagus C. sciatic D. trigeminal
B
In a cross-section view of the spinal cord, there is a butterfl y-shaped structure. What would the posterior gray horn of this structure primarily consist of? A. the axons of motor neurons B. the cell bodies of interneurons C. the cell bodies of motor neurons D. the cell bodies of sensory neurons
B
In what part of the brain is the "decussation of the pyramids" found A. pons B. medulla oblongata C. midbrain D. hypothalamus
B
One of the following is not a meninge. Which one? A. Pia mater B. Alma mater C. Arachnoid mater D. Dura mater
B
The nervous system is divided into two divisions. What are they called? A. somatic and autonomic B. central and peripheral C. afferent and efferent D. sympathetic and parasympathetic
B
To what does the "blood-brain barrier" refer? A. the three meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. B. the tight junctions between endothelial cells of the capillaries that serve the brain. C. the structures that prevent fat-soluble molecules from entering the brain from the blood. D. the structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid from blood.
B
To what part of the nervous system does the somatic nervous system belong? A. efferent, central nervous system B. efferent, peripheral nervous system C. afferent, peripheral nervous system D. afferent, central nervous system
B
What characterises a spinal refl ex? A. It involves rapid processing by the brain and a predictable response. B. It is a predictable, unlearned and involuntary motor response. C. It is a rapid, predictable, learned and involuntary motor response. D. It involves stimulation of a motor neurone by a sensory neurone that originates within the CNS.
B
What determines the response of the post-synaptic cell to autonomic impulses? A. the neurotransmitter that binds to the cell B. the type of receptor on the cell C. whether the innervation is sympathetic or parasympathetic D. whether the fi bre is pre-ganglionic or post-ganglionic
B
What do the descending tracts of the spinal cord contain? A. white matter and transmit sensory information B. white matter and transmit motor commands C. gray matter and transmit sensory information D. gray matter and transmit motor commands
B
What is linked to the posterior gray horn of the spinal cord? A. the dorsal root of the spinal nerve that carries motor fi bres B. the dorsal root of the spinal nerve that carries sensory fi bres C. the ventral root of the spinal nerve that carries sensory fi bres D. the ventral root of the spinal nerve that carries motor fi bres
B
What is meant by an absolute refractory period? A. at least 5 ms must elapse from the time of the fi rst action potential before a second can be initiated B. an action potential cannot be initiated during this period regardless of the strength of the stimulus C. an action potential can be initiated if the strength of the stimulus is higher than normal (>70 mV) D. an action potential can be initiated if the strength of the stimulus is lower than normal (<70 mV)
B
What is the depolarisation and repolarisation of a nerve cell membrane called? A. graded potential B. action potential C. threshold potential D. resting membrane potential
B
What is the effect of the movement of Na + into a nerve cell followed very soon by the movement of K + out of the nerve cell? A. this establishes the resting membrane potential B. these movements are known as depolarisation and repolarisation C. these movements repolarise the cell D. it changes the membrane potential from about −70 mV to about −50 mV
B
What is the function of a spinal nerve? A. transmit sensory information B. transmit both sensory and motor information C. connect sensory and motor neurons D. transmit autonomic nervous system information
B
What is the function of an efferent neuron? A. transmit sensory information B. transmit motor information C. connect sensory and motor neurons D. transmit both sensory and motor information
B
What is the name of the lobe of the brain that is immediately superior to the cerebellum? A. dorsal B. occipital C. posterior D. parietal
B
What is the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for? A. rapid predictable motor responses without processing by the brain B. conserving energy and maintaining body activities without conscious brain control. C. preparing the body for energetic activity without conscious brain control. D. gathering sensory information from the viscera that is not interpreted by the brain.
B
What is the primary function of the cerebellum? A. it regulates such things as body temperature, water balance and emotional responses B. it refi nes/adjusts learned motor movements so that they are performed smoothly. C. it controls our automatic functions such as breathing, digestion and cardiovascular functions D. it is the origin of our conscious thoughts and intellectual functions
B
What is the purpose of a neurotransmitter? A. To pass a nerve impulse along a nerve cell axon B. To pass a nerve impulse onto another cell C. To pass a nerve impulse onto a muscle cell D. To pass a nerve impulse onto another nerve cell
B
What is the role of the hypothalamus? A. it receives sensory input and relays it to the cerebral cortex B. it is the autonomic control centre which directs the function of the lower CNS C. it uses past experience to analyse and act on sensory input D. it integrates sensory information from association areas and performs abstract intellectual functions
B
What may accurately be said of the post-synaptic membrane? A. It is attached to the transmitting axon B. It has receptors for a neurotransmitter C. It is before the synaptic cleft D. It is part of a neurone
B
What part of the brain contains the main visceral control centre of body homeostasis? A. cerebrum B. diencephalon C. brainstem D. cerebellum
B
What part of the nervous system prepares the body for action during extreme situations? A. the limbic system B. the sympathetic division C. the efferent system D. the parasympathetic division
B
What statement is true about spinal refl exes? A. They cannot be inhibited or reinforced by the brain. B. They do not involve processing by the brain. C. They involve processing by the brainstem. D. They are all simple monosynaptic pathways.
B
What type of neurones are motor neurones? A. Anaxonic B. Multipolar C. Bipolar D. Unipolar
B
When we say that the cell membrane is polarised we mean that A. the outside of the cell is negative with respect to the inside B. the inside of the cell is negative with respect to the outside C. there are more Na + ions and less K + ions inside the cell than outside. D. Na + ions have moved out of the cell and K + ions have moved in.
B
Which best describes the function of the association area of the temporal lobe? A. It perceives of movement B. It interprets the meaning of sound patterns C. It recognises of geometric shapes and faces D. It perceives meaningful information from different senses
B
Which glial cells are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around peripheral nerve cells? A. Astrocytes B. Schwann cells C. Satellite cells D. Oligodendrocytes
B
Which nerve cells carry impulses from the brain to the muscles? A. Sensory B. Motor C. Afferent D. Association
B
Which neurotransmitter is released by all parasympathetic neurons? A. norepinephrine B. acetylcholine C. nicotine D. muscarine
B
Which of the following CAN cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain? A. K + B. O 2 C. proteins D. most pharmaceuticals
B
Which of the following is a true statement about an "action potential"? A. It refers to the movement of a neuro-transmitter along an axon. B. It travels away from the cell body along the axon. C. It causes K + to rush into the cell. D. It travels between the dendrite and the axon hillock.
B
Which of the following is true of parasympathetic neurons? A. they emerge from the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae B. they all release ACh as a neurotransmitter C. they all release NE as a neurotransmitter D. they have short pre-ganglionic fibres and long post-ganglionic fibres
B
Which of the following neural pathways or tracts carry sensory information? A. cortico-bulbar tracts B. spino-thalamic tracts C. cortico-spinal tracts D. reticulo-spinal tracts
B
Which of the following roles is NOT performed by the hypothalamus? A. autonomic control of heat activity and blood pressure B. relaying visual and auditory information to the cerebral cortex C. production of hormones for the posterior pituitary D. body temperature regulation
B
Which of the following statements about the action potential is FALSE ? A. The action potential lasts about four milliseconds. B. It is triggered by anions crossing the cell membrane. C. The sequence: 'Na ions moving in, K ions moving out' constitutes the action potential. D. Repolarisation follows depolarisation of the cell membrane.
B
Which of the following structures together make up the brainstem? A. medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum B. medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain C. medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, thalamus D. medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, pineal gland
B
Which of the three structures listed below constitute a nerve cell? A. dendrites, ganglion, myelin sheath B. dendrites, cell body, axon C. neuron, neuroglia, synaptic process D. cell body, synaptic knobs, efferent fi bre
B
Which organisational entity of the brain is divided into an afferent and an efferent division? A. the central nervous system B. the peripheral nervous system C. the somatic nervous system D. the autonomic nervous system
B
Which statement about the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is NOT correct? A. ACh is released by all autonomic nervous system pre-ganglionic fi bres. B. ACh is released by all sympathetic division post-ganglionic fi bres. C. ACh is released by all parasympathetic division post-ganglionic fi bres. D. ACh is released by all somatic division motor nerve fibres.
B
Which word correctly completes the statement: "All motor neurons are..." A. interneurons B. multipolar C. bipolar D. unipolar
B
A difference in the amount and type of ions between the two sides of a plasma membrane or a charge difference that occurs when ions move along a membrane is called an "electrical potential". What does the term "action potential" refer to? A. The distribution of ions that results in the inside of the cell being at about −70 mV compared to outside the cell. B. A movement of sodium ions into the cell following a stimulus and the ions spreading out along the inside of the cell membrane. C. The rapid movement of sodium ions into the cell followed by potassium ions moving out of the cell, with the movement being repeated along the length of the neuron. D. Sodium ions being pumped out of the cell, while potassium ions are moved into the cell.
C
A motor pathway in the autonomic nervous system consists of two neurons. Where does the second neuron start and fi nish? A. starts in the CNS and runs to the effector organ B. starts in a ganglion and runs to the CNS C. starts in a ganglion and runs to the effector organ D. starts in the CNS and runs to a ganglion
C
A neurotransmitter is a molecule that crosses the A. synaptic cleft B. synaptic cleft and the post-synaptic membrane C. presynaptic membrane and the synaptic cleft D. post-synaptic membrane
C
An image of the cross-section of a spinal cord would show "anterior (or ventral) horns". What is in that region? A. spinal nerves B. ascending tracts C. cell bodies of motor neurons D. white matter
C
Consider the following pairs of terms. Which pair has a term that refers to a part of the nervous system that carries sensory information to the brain, and a term that refers to a part that carries motor commands to the peripheral tissues? A. parasympathetic division; sympathetic division B. somatic nervous system; autonomic nervous system C. afferent division; efferent division D. central nervous system; peripheral nervous system
C
If a person had a pre-frontal lobotomy what would be the physiological consequences? A. Movement would be impaired B. Sensory function would be impaired C. The ability to assess the consequence of actions would be impaired D. Speech would be impaired
C
In which of the following places would you NOT fi nd cerebrospinal fl uid? A. the sub-arachnoid space B. the third ventricle of the brain C. the epidural space D. the central canal of the spinal cord
C
One of the statements below about the autonomic nervous system is correct. Which one? A. The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is part of the somatic nervous system. B. The parasympathetic division contains the neurons responsible for spinal refl exes. C. The sympathetic division prepares the body for vigorous exercise, or emergency situations. D. The parasympathetic division uses nerves that emerge from the spinal cord between the T1 and L2 vertebrae.
C
One thing that could NOT be correctly said of the sympathetic division is that: A. it stimulates the adrenal gland to release adrenaline and noradrenaline B. its fi bres emerge from the spinal cord at the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae C. it promotes the conservation of the body's energy D. it supplies the smooth muscle of blood vessels
C
Sensory receptors convert stimuli into what? A. neurotransmitters B. action potentials C. graded potentials D. voltage-gated channels
C
Sensory receptors convert stimuli that are above threshold into what? A. graded potentials B. neurotransmitters C. action potentials D. motor activity in muscles
C
The blood brain barrier functions to protect the brain from A. lipid soluble drugs, alcohol and nicotine B. fl uctuations in oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations C. neurotransmitters, bacteria and neurotoxins D. dehydration and fluctuating blood glucose level
C
The central sulcus separates gyri involved with which two major functions? A. vision and taste B. vision and hearing C. motor and sensory D. emotion and memory
C
The hypothalamus does ALL of the following EXCEPT one. Which one? A. It is the autonomic control centre. B. It directs lower CNS centres to perform actions. C. It produces the rigidly programmed, automatic behaviours necessary for survival D. It performs many homeostatic roles.
C
Two ways that cells can communicate within the body are by synaptic communication or by endocrine communication. A difference between the two is: A. endocrine communication involves a chemical messenger whereas synaptic communication does not. B. the action caused by synaptic communication may persist for several hours whereas that caused by endocrine communication persists for several minutes. C. endocrine communication controls cellular activities in distant tissues whereas synaptic communication affects the adjacent cell. D. synaptic communication occurs between adjacent cells whereas endocrine communication occurs between cells of the same tissue.
C
What and where is the pre-central gyrus? A. It is the site of sensory function and is in the frontal lobe. B. It is the site of sensory function and is in the parietal lobe. C. It is the site of motor function and is in the frontal lobe. D. It is the site of motor function and is in the parietal lobe.
C
What can correctly be said about somatic motor neurons? A. they are unipolar neurons B. their cell bodies are in the dorsal root ganglia C. their cell bodies are located in the central nervous system D. they are bipolar neurons
C
What do "sympathetic" and "parasympathetic" divisions refer to? A. the central nervous system B. the efferent neurons of the peripheral nervous system C. the autonomic nervous system D. the somatic nervous system
C
What do "sympathetic" and "parasympathetic" refer to? Divisions of: A. the central nervous system B. the efferent neurons of the peripheral nervous system C. the autonomic nervous system D. the somatic nervous system
C
What do neurones in the pre-central gyrus do? A. they receive information from general sense receptors in muscle and skin B. they communicate with motor, sensory and multi-modal association areas C. they allow conscious control of skilled voluntary muscle movements D. they process and relay auditory and visual input
C
What does the term 'decussation' mean and where does it occur? A. decussation = span. It occurs between the superior part of the brain and the inferior B. decussation = cross. It occurs between the anterior part of the brain and the posterior C. decussation = cross over. It occurs between the pons and the spinal cord D. decussation = associate. It occurs between the sensory area and the sensory association area
C
What event during the action potential causes the resting membrane potential to change from about −70 mV to about +30 mV? A. K + ions moving into the cell B. K + ions moving out of the cell C. Na + ions moving into the cell D. Na + ions moving out of the cell
C
What feature do the dendrites of a nerve cell have? A. they transmit an action potential B. they contain the cell nucleus and organelles C. they carry incoming impulses to the cell body D. they are connected to the cell body by the axon hillock
C
What innervates the diaphragm? A. The spinal nerves from T6 to T12 B. The vagus nerve C. The phrenic nerve D. The sciatic nerve
C
What is meant by the "absolute refractory period" of a nerve cell membrane? The time during which: A. a larger than normal stimulus is required to cause an action potential. B. a smaller than normal stimulus will produce an action potential. C. no stimulus will produce an action potential. D. two stimuli in quick succession are required to add to an above threshold stimulus.
C
What is the blood-brain barrier? A. It is the inner two meninges that surround the brain. B. It is formed by the capillaries of choroid plexus and ependymal cells. C. It is the endothelial cells of capillaries that supply the brain, and their astrocytes. D. It is the cerebrospinal fl uid that bathes the brain.
C
What is the blood-brain barrier? An adaptation of the capillaries serving the brain that: A. prevents fat-soluble molecules from entering the brain. B. inhibits all substances from passing from the blood stream into the brain C. selectively inhibits many substances from passing from the blood stream into the brain D. operates from birth to prevent foreign molecules entering the brain.
C
What is the gap between the plasma membranes of a neuron that conducts an incoming signal and the cell that is going to receive the signal called? A. neuromuscular junction B. intercellular cleft C. synaptic cleft D. intercalated disc
C
What is the purpose of the myelin sheath around an axon? A. To control the chemical environment around the nerve cell. B. To phagocytose microbes C. To prevent movement of ions through the nerve cell membrane D. To form the blood-brain barrier.
C
What is the space between a neuron and the following neuron, muscle or gland that it stimulates called? A. Synaptic vesicle B. Ion channel C. Synaptic cleft D. Receptor
C
What is the type of neuroglia that forms the myelin sheath on neurons outside of the CNS? A. Oligodendrocytes B. Satellite cells C. Schwann cells D. Microglia
C
What is true about the spino-thalamic tract? A. it is a descending pathway that carries sensory information B. it is a descending pathway that carries motor instructions C. it is an ascending pathway that carries sensory information D. it is an ascending pathway that carries motor instructions
C
What name is given to the cells in the nervous system that produce nerve impulses? A. neurotransmitters B. nerves C. neurons D. neuroglia
C
What part of the brain is known as the cerebrum? A. it is that part of the diencephalon that surrounds the third ventricle. B. it makes up the majority of the brain stem C. the superfi cial part consisting of sulci and gyri D. the dorsal inferior part adjacent to the occipital bone
C
What structure(s) does a neurotransmitter molecule cross? A. synaptic cleft B. synaptic cleft and the post-synaptic membrane C. pre-synaptic membrane and the synaptic cleft D. post-synaptic membrane
C
When their neurotransmitter binds to them, which of the following receptors is always stimulatory? A. muscarinic B. cholinergic C. nicotinic D. adrenergic
C
Where is that part of the brain that allows us to consciously control voluntary muscle movements located? A. post-central gyrus of parietal lobe B. pre-motor cortex of frontal lobe C. pre-central gyrus of the frontal lobe D. arbour vitae of the cerebellum
C
Where is the autonomic control centre for most of body homeostasis located? A. In the limbic system B. In the brainstem C. In the hypothalamus D. In the cerebellum
C
Which muscle(s) are NOT controlled by the autonomic nervous system? A. cardiac muscle B. the diaphragm C. skeletal muscle D. smooth muscle
C
Which neurons are unipolar? A. neurons in the central nervous system B. neurons in the retina C. sensory neurons D. motor neurons
C
Which of the following is a characteristic of an action potential? A. The signal is graded B. It results due to an infl ux of potassium ions C. it is an all or none response D. It results from an initial outfl ow of sodium ions
C
Which of the following lists all of the main sections of the brain? A. cerebrum, brainstem, midbrain, medulla oblongata B. cerebrum, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, mesencephalon C. cerebellum, diencephalon, brainstem, cerebrum D. cerebral cortex, midbrain, diencephalon, cerebellum
C
Which of the following substances is prevented from entering the brain by the blood-brain barrier? A. glucose B. nicotine C. pharmaceuticals D. alcohol
C
Which part of the brain allows us to control skilled voluntary muscle movements? A. basal nuclei B. cerebellum C. pre-central gyrus D. thalamus
C
Which structure carries incoming impulses towards the nerve cell body? A. axon hillock B. axon C. dendrite D. synaptic knobs
C
A "post-ganglionic cholinergic fi bre" refers to a neuron that A. runs from CNS to a ganglion and releases noradrenaline B. synapses with an effector cell and whose neurotransmitter stimulates alpha and beta receptors. C. runs from a ganglion to an effector cell and releases norepinephrine D. synapses with an effector cell and releases acetylcholine (ACh)
D
Complete the sentence. Neuroglia A. are bundles of axons B. contain cell bodies outside the central nervous system C. are a type of neuron D. include ependymal cells, astrocytes and satellite cells
D
If a person suffers a stroke and damage occurs to the occipital lobe of the brain which function is the most likely to be affected? A. the ability to write B. speech C. hearing D. vision
D
If the term "cholinergic" is applied, to a synapse what does it mean? A. the target organs are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system B. the receptors are nicotinic C. the result is always stimulatory D. acetylcholine is released at the synapse
D
In what respect does "gray matter" differ from "white matter" A. gray matter refers to the CNS while white matter refers to the PNS. B. white matter makes up the autonomic nervous system, gray matter does not. C. gray matter is found in the cerebrum, while white matter occurs in the cerebellum and the diencephalon. D. gray matter contains the cell bodies of nerve cells white matter contains axons.
D
Inactive muscle and nerve cells maintain a resting membrane potential. This potential results in: A. the outside of the cell being negative B. the inside of the cell being positive C. the inside and outside of the cell having the same charge D. the inside of the cell being negative
D
Most sensory neurones may be described as which of the following? A. multipolar B. bipolar C. having cell bodies within the CNS D. unipolar
D
Nerve impulses carried by the parasympathetic division travel along which nerve fi bres? A. cranial nerves I and II B. the spino-cerebellar pathway C. the spinal nerves D. the vagus nerves
D
Some cells in the body can maintain an electric potential across their cell membrane. How do they do this? A. By using the sodium-potassium pump to continually eject positive sodium and potassium ions from the cell. B. By allowing negative chloride ions to enter the cell along their concentration gradient. C. By trapping large cations inside the cell membrane. D. By keeping unequal concentrations of various ions on each side of the cell membrane.
D
Spinal nerves are formed from a dorsal root and a ventral root. What is true of the ventral root? A. they contain sensory neurons carrying afferent impulses B. they contain sensory neurons carrying efferent impulses C. they contain motor neurons carrying afferent impulses D. they contain motor neurons carrying efferent impulses
D
The action potential occurs when one of the following events occurs. Which one? A. Na + rushes into the cell followed by Cl − B. Na + rushes out of the cell followed by PO 4 3− rushing in C. K + rushes into the cell followed by Na + rushing out D. Na + rushes into the cell followed by K + rushing out
D
The central sulcus of the brain lies between which two lobes? A. parietal and occipital B. temporal and occipital C. frontal and temporal D. frontal and parietal
D
The peripheral nervous system is divided into A. sympathetic division and parasympathetic division B. brain and spinal cord C. somatic system and autonomic system D. motor division and sensory division
D
The sequence of events that constitute an action potential is correctly described by which of the following? Resting potential of..... A. +35 mV, stimulus above the threshold, Na + move into cell, depolarisation to −70 mV, K + move out of cell, repolarisation to +35 mV. B. −70 mV, stimulus above the threshold, K + move into cell, depolarisation to −35 mV, Na + move out of cell, repolarisation to −70 mV. C. +35 mV, stimulus above the threshold, K + move into cell, depolarisation to −70 mV, Na + move out of cell, repolarisation to +35 mV. D. −70 mV, stimulus above the threshold, Na + move into cell, depolarisation to +35 mV, K + move out of cell, repolarisation to −70 mV.
D
What are the three meninges and two named "spaces" that surround the brain, in order from superfi cial to deep (outermost to innermost)? A. pia, arachnoid, sub-arachnoid, dura, septa B. sub-arachnoid, epidural, dura, pia, arachnoid C. arachnoid, sun-arachnoid, pia, epidural, dura D. epidural, dura, arachnoid, sub-arachnoid, pia
D
What does the term "synapse" refer to? A. the plasma membrane of the axon terminal of a nerve cell. B. that part of the plasma membrane of the cell being stimulated, that is opposite the axon terminal. C. the gap between the stimulating nerve cell and the receiving cell. D. the place where signal transmission between a nerve cell and the cell it is stimulating occurs.
D
What functions are controlled from the pre-central gyrus of the frontal lobe? A. automatic visceral functions B. conscious perception of many sensory inputs C. subconscious timing and co-ordination of skeletal muscle. D. voluntary control of skeletal muscle
D
What is a spinal refl ex? A. it involves rapid processing by the brain and a predictable response B. it involves stimulation of a motor neurone by a sensory neurone without a synapse C. it is a rapid, predictable, learned and involuntary motor response D. it is a predictable, unlearned and involuntary motor response
D
What is found between the arachnoid and pia mater? A. adipose tissue B. venous sinuses C. choroid plexus D. cerebrospinal fluid
D
What is one effect that the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system have? A. increases gut motility and digestive secretions B. causes bronchioles to constrict C. decreases heart rate D. stimulates sweating from sweat glands
D
What is the function of the thalamus? A. connects two cerebral hemispheres B. connects cerebellum to midbrain C. connects areas within same hemisphere D. it is a relay centre
D
What is the likely result of an injury that severs the spinal cord between C5 and C6? A. respiratory failure and death. B. paraplegia C. hemiplegia D. quadriplegia
D
What is the purpose of inserting a needle into the epidural space? It: A. Allows access to the cerebro-spinal fl uid B. Enables the cerebro-spinal fl uid pressure to be measured C. Enables permanent drainage of cerebro-spinal fl uid to treat hydrocephalus D. Allows access to administer analgesia and anaesthesia
D
What part of the brain contains the midbrain, the pons and the medulla oblongata? A. the diencephalon B. the cerebrum C. the cerebellum D. the brainstem
D
What part of the brain receives sensory input before passing it on to another part of the brain for interpretation or action? A. pons B. hypothalamus C. post-central gyrus D. thalamus
D
What part of the brain subconsciously provides precise timing for the movements of learned skeletal muscle contraction? A. cerebrum B. diencephalon C. brainstem D. cerebellum
D
What part of the neurone carries the "action potential"? A. the cell body B. the dendrites C. the synaptic knobs D. the axon
D
When an action potential arrives at a synapse, what happens fi rst? A. a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft B. extracellular Na + crosses the post-synaptic membrane C. Choline in the synaptic cleft enters the nerve cell and is converted to acetyl choline D. extracellular Ca ++ enters the nerve cell
D
When is an action potential initiated? When A. the resting membrane potential changes from −70 mV to +30 mV. B. a nerve impulse has caused some muscle action to be produced. C. the potassium 'gates' in the cell membrane open and potassium ions fl ood into the cell. D. a stimulus, which is above the threshold level, is applied to a receptor.
D
Where are the cell bodies of somatic motor neurones found? A. in the peripheral nervous system B. in the central nervous system C. in the dorsal root ganglia D. in the spinal cord
D
Where is the cerebral spinal fl uid found? A. Between the pia mater and the brain B. Between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater C. Between the dura mater and the pia mater D. Between the arachnoid mater and the brain
D
Which best describes a nerve? A. dendrites, cell bodies, axons, Schwann cells B. dendrites, cell bodies, axon hillock, axon terminals, vesicles C. dendrites, cell bodies, axon hillock, axon terminals, Schwann cells, neurotransmitters D. axons, blood vessels, connective tissue, Schwann cells
D
Which is the major type of nerve cell in the CNS? A. Anaxonic B. Unipolar C. Bipolar D. Multipolar
D
Which of the following are NOT part of the cerebral cortex? A. motor areas, sensory areas and association areas B. pre-central gyrus and post-central gyrus C. white matter and basal nuclei D. the lateral ventricles and the thalamus
D
Which of the following describes an "action potential"? A. The high concentration of Na + and Cl − outside the cell, and of K + inside the cell. B. The voltage change that moves along the cell membrane until it reaches the axon hillock. C. The movement of a neurotransmitter from the pre-synaptic membrane to the post-synaptic membrane. D. The movement of Na + across the cell membrane into the cell, followed by the movement of K + out of the cell.
D
Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is TRUE? It A. consists of the meninges which surround the brain B. is a protective mechanism which limits entry of alcohol into the brain C. is poorly developed in the newborn who are therefore less sensitive to drugs which act on the brain D. is unable to prevent entry of lipid-soluble toxins into the brain
D
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT ? A. The pituitary gland dangles from the hypothalamus by the infundibulum B. The post-central gyrus houses the primary motor cortex C. The thalamus surrounds the third ventricle D. White matter consists of myelinated axons of neurons
D
Which of the following statements is true of neuroglia? A. they are the cells that link motor neurons to sensory neurons B. it is the non-cellular material that lies between neurons C. they have only one dendrite and one axon D. they produce the myelin sheath
D
Which of the following substances CANNOT pass through the "blood-brain barrier"? A. steroid hormones B. O 2 molecules C. alcohol D. potassium ions
D
Which part of the brain controls breathing, heart function, vasoconstriction and swallowing? A. mesencephalon B. cerebellum C. diencephalon D. brainstem
D
Which sequence of ion movements describes the action potential? A. Na + move out of cell then K + move in B. K + move in to cell then Na + move out C. K + move out of cell then Na + move in D. Na + move into cell then K + move out
D
Which statement about efferent impulses in the spinal cord is correct? A. They travel along the spino-thalamic and spino-cerebellar tracts. B. They pass along tracts that are located in the gray matter of the spinal cord. C. The nerve cells that they travel through have their cell bodies located in the dorsal root ganglia. D. The axons carrying these impulses pass through the ventral root of the spinal nerves.
D
Which statement about the sympathetic and/or parasympathetic divisions is correct? A. All sympathetic neurons release ACh as a neurotransmitter. B. Sympathetic division fi bres emerge from brain & sacral spinal cord. C. Parasympathetic division stimulates adrenal gland to release norepinephrine & epinephrine. D. Some organs are innervated by both sympathetic division and parasympathetic division.
D
Which statement about the vagus nerve is true? A. it lies within the cerebrospinal tract B. it arises from the pons C. it has a sensory function in vision and olfaction D. it carries parasympathetic motor impulses
D
