Chapter.37 Exam Questions Neurons And Nervous Systems

Biology, 13e (Mader)

Chapter 37 Neurons and Nervous Systems

1) What structure of the spinal cord carries motor impulses from the brain?

A) ventral root

B) dorsal root

C) dorsal root ganglion

D) dorsal horn

2) In humans, the central nervous system consists of the ________, which is housed in the ________ and the ________, which is housed in the ________.

A) peripheral nervous system; limbs; brain; skull

B) brain; skull; spinal cord; vertebral column

C) spinal cord; vertebral column; sensory neurons; limbs

D) brain; vertebral column; spinal cord; skull

3) The part of the brain that integrates sensory input from the eyes, ears, muscles, and joins with motor information from the cerebral cortex is the

A) cerebrum.

B) cerebellum.

C) brain stem.

D) diencephalon.

4) An animal with a simple netlike nervous system is the

A) earthworm.

B) cat.

C) hydra.

D) octopus.

E) planarian.

5) An animal with a ladder-like nervous system is the

A) earthworm.

B) cat.

C) hydra.

D) octopus.

E) planarian.

6) An animal with a brain and a single ventral solid nerve cord is the

A) earthworm.

B) cat.

C) hydra.

D) octopus.

E) planarian.

7) Information gathering from the environment by a vertebrate is aided by which of the following?

A) paired eyes, ears, and olfactory structures

B) cephalization

C) bilateral symmetry with a vast increase in the number of neurons

D) All of the choices are information gathering aids.

8) The functions of the human nervous system include

A) sensory input.

B) integration.

C) generation of motor output.

D) detection of stimuli.

E) All of the choices characterize the human nervous system's functions.

9) What statement is NOT true about the human nervous system?

A) The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscles.

B) The somatic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

C) The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.

D) The somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system.

E) The autonomic nervous system controls glands and smooth muscles of the viscera.

10) The functional units of the nervous system are

A) neuromodulators.

B) nerve nets.

C) neuroglia.

D) neurons.

11) Which statement is NOT true about the cells of the nervous system?

A) A neuron can have only one axon.

B) A neuroglial cell supports or protects a neuron.

C) There may be multiple dendrites on a single neuron.

D) A myelin sheath is a white insulating layer that covers many axons.

E) A dendrite is the part of the neuron that carries an electrical impulse away from the cell body.

12) The peripheral nervous system consists of

A) nerves in the entire nervous system.

B) ganglia.

C) nerves and ganglia that lie outside the CNS.

D) the brain and spinal cord.

E) the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

13) Use the word bank to identify the labeled structures pictured below: sacral nerves, lumbar nerves, brain, common fibular nerve, ulnar nerve, spinal cord, cranial nerves, thoracic nerves, cervical nerves, radial nerve, tibial nerve, median nerve, sciatic nerve

A: ________

B: ________

C: ________

D: ________

E: ________

F: ________

G: ________

H: ________

I: ________

J: ________

K: ________

L: ________

M: ________

14) Examine the picture to answer the following questions and identify the labeled structures.

A: ________

B: ________

C: ________

D: ________

E: ________

F: ________

G: ________

H: Is the neuron pictured a sensory, association or motor neuron? What is its function?

I: Is the neuron multipolar or unipolar? Explain your answer.

15) The connection space between the dendrite of one cell and the axon of another cell is called a(n)

A) synapse.

B) neurotransmitter.

C) axonic connection.

D) threshold.

16) Examine the picture to answer the following questions and identify the labeled structures.

A: ________

B: ________

C: ________

D: ________

E: Is the neuron pictured a sensory, association or motor neuron? What is its function?

F: Is the neuron multipolar or unipolar? Explain your answer.

17) At a synapse,

A) synaptic vesicles fuse with the postsynaptic membrane.

B) synaptic vesicles fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane.

C) neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft.

D) neurotransmitters are actively transported across the synaptic cleft.

E) synaptic vesicles fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane and neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft.

18) At rest, the inside of the neuron is

A) negatively charged.

B) positively charged.

C) neutral, or equal to the exterior charge.

D) None of the choices are correct, since neurons are never at rest.

19) Which of the following statements about axonal membranes is NOT true?

A) The resting potential of a typical neuron is -70 mV.

B) There is an electrical potential difference across a neuron's membrane.

C) The polarity correlates with a difference in ion distribution across the membrane.

D) At rest, there is a higher concentration of sodium ions inside the axon.

E) The sodium-potassium pump establishes a concentration gradient across the membrane.

20) Which of the following associations between structure and function is NOT correct?

A) axons - conduct signals away from the cell body

B) sensory neuron - take nerve impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands

C) cell body - contains nucleus and organelles

D) dendrites - receive signals and transmit them to the cell body

E) interneuron - convey nerve impulses between various parts of the CNS

21) When a finger or other appendage is severed in an accident, it is possible to surgically rejoin most tissues (bone, skin, etc.), which will then grow and heal. However, a cut through an appendage nerve is currently very difficult to reconnect. What structures are severed when the nerves in an appendage are severed?

A) axons

B) synapses

C) cell bodies

D) dendrites

E) interneurons

22) Which of the following statements about an action potential is NOT true?

A) Repolarization occurs when potassium leaves the axon.

B) There is a rapid change in polarity from about -70 mV to about +35 mV during depolarization.

C) An action potential takes 2 to 5 seconds.

D) Depolarization occurs when sodium gates open and allow sodium ions to enter the axon.

E) Potassium gates open after the sodium gates and allow potassium ions to leave the cell.

23) Action potentials travel down nonmyelinated axons at ________ action potentials travel down myelinated axons.

A) slower speeds than

B) faster speeds than

C) the same speed

D) variable speeds, sometimes faster and sometimes slower than

24) What structure in the mammalian brain is enlarged and is responsible for higher mental processes?

A) forebrain

B) hindbrain

C) midbrain

D) cerebellum

E) cerebrum

25) The likely effect on a neuron of two excitatory signals and twenty inhibitory signals is

A) transmission of a nerve impulse.

B) transmission of a nerve impulse releasing inhibitory neurotransmitters at the next synapse.

C) prohibiting the axon from firing.

D) confused integration.

26) The enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine within the synaptic cleft is

A) acetylcholinesterase.

B) monoamine oxidase.

C) GABA.

D) lipase.

E) maltase.

27) In dissection, most nerve fibers appear gray to white because

A) the neuron is gray to white colored.

B) sodium ions are part of the salt compound and they flow along the surface.

C) nerve fibers rapidly die and dead tissues soon become gray or white.

D) nerve fibers are covered in a myelin sheath made of lipid or fat molecules.

E) nerve fibers consume large amounts of energy in the form of sugar.

28) The sodium-potassium pump is primarily responsible for

A) the resting potential.

B) the action potential.

C) the excretion of salts.

D) the contraction of muscle fibers.

E) maintaining isotonic water balance.

29) What unique structural adaptations are found in the mammalian brain that allowed mammals to become adept at higher mental activities?

A) A higher degree of crevasses and folds in the neocortex that increases the surface area of the brain.

B) An increased number of blood vessels that increases the vascularization of the brain.

C) An enlarged pons.

D) A cranium that will protect the brain from damage.

E) A more direct connection to the spinal cord for faster conduction of neural impulses.

30) Ion concentration differences produce an action potential creating a signal. The difference between a weak signal and an intense signal is

A) the action potential is graduated and a weak signal causes a small change in polarity.

B) weak stimuli only open sodium gates, strong signal also open potassium gates.

C) the frequency at which an axon fires.

D) a strong signal does not allow repolarization but sends a constant flow of ions.

E) All of the choices are correct.

31) Neurotransmitters are molecules that cross the synaptic cleft and

A) always inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.

B) always excite the postsynaptic neuron.

C) either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.

D) integrate the pre-synaptic action potential.

E) None of these.

32) What happens if an insect is sprayed with a common insecticide that destroys the ability of acetylcholinesterase to recycle acetylcholine?

A) The lack of recycled acetylcholine brings cell metabolism to a halt.

B) The insect loses control of body functions as nerve impulses flow continuously.

C) This prevents the synapse from restoring its ability to "reset" itself for the next impulse.

D) All of the above are correct.

E) The synapse is prevented from restoring its ability to "reset" itself for the next impulse and the insect loses control of body functions as nerve impulses flow continuously.

33) Draw a graph of an action potential that illustrates voltage changes over time. Define and indicate where depolarization and repolarization occurs. Include and label the region of resting potential, action potential and the threshold. Also describe what occurs in terms of ion movement across the membrane to initiate an action potential and during the action potential.

34) Which of the following features is NOT associated with Alzheimer's disease?

A) A loss of reasoning and memory.

B) Plaques accumulate along the axons of the neurons in the brain.

C) Neurofibrillary tangles surround the nucleus of the neural cells.

D) The most common cause of dementia in older adults.

E) All of these are features of Alzheimer's disease.

35) Which of the following statements about the brain is NOT correct?

A) The pineal gland secretes serotonin, which is involved in mood changes.

B) The thalamus relays sensory input from lower brain areas to the cerebrum.

C) The cerebellum functions in muscle coordination, posture, and balance.

D) The medulla oblongata has reflex centers for vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.

E) The hypothalamus is concerned with homeostasis and regulation of thirst, hunger, and blood pressure.

36) Which of the following statements about the cerebrum is NOT true?

A) It is the largest part of the human brain.

B) The gray matter is outermost.

C) The right hemisphere is associated with analytical reasoning and the left hemisphere is associated with artistic and musical ability.

D) The two cerebral hemispheres are connected by the corpus callosum.

E) The cerebrum coordinates the activities of the other parts of the brain.

37) When you are studying with the TV on, which part of the brain filters out unnecessary sensory stimuli so that you can focus on your studies?

A) hypothalamus

B) cerebellum

C) reticular activating system

D) limbic system

E) basal nuclei

38) What portion of the brain provides reasoning to keep us from acting out strong feelings?

A) brain stem

B) pineal gland

C) reticular activating system

D) limbic system

39) Which part of the brain contains centers for the heartbeat and respiration?

A) medulla oblongata

B) hypothalamus

C) cerebellum

D) cerebrum

E) pons

40) Which of the following statements about the peripheral nervous system is NOT correct?

A) The nerves contain the cell bodies of the neurons.

B) The nerves contain nerve fibers which are bundles of axons.

C) The somatic nervous system sends motor impulses to the skeletal muscles.

D) Effectors include the muscles that carry out the instructions sent from the central nervous system.

E) Cranial and spinal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system.

41) When the dorsal root of a spinal nerve is cut

A) death immediately occurs.

B) incoming sensory nerve impulses are lost.

C) outgoing motor nerve impulses are lost.

D) impulses do not cross over to the other side of the body.

42) The primary functions of the spinal cord are

A) to integrate intelligence with primal instinct and to coordinate memory.

B) to coordinate speech, taste, smell, vision, and hearing.

C) to serve as a center for reflex actions and to facilitate communication between the brain and spinal nerves.

D) controlling muscle activity and maintaining balance.

E) local control and decision-making for local anatomy.

43) If a person steps on a tack their somatic system will take over and produce a reflex action. A reflex action

A) is an automatic, involuntary response.

B) does not require the central nervous system.

C) is normally controlled consciously.

D) has no protective value.

E) is only found in humans.

44) Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system is NOT true?

A) The autonomic nervous system regulates the activities of cardiac and smooth muscle and glands.

B) The sympathetic nervous system deals with "fight-or-flight" responses.

C) The functions of the autonomic system are generally involuntary and subconscious.

D) The parasympathetic nervous system promotes actions associated with relaxation.

E) The neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic system is norepinephrine.

45) There are two major groups of nervous system drugs. Drugs in one group retard heartbeat, promote digestion, contract the eye pupil, etc. The other drugs have the opposite effect. These drugs are affecting the

A) motor and sensory nerves.

B) sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

C) central and peripheral nervous systems.

D) neurostimulatory and neuroinhibitory synapses.

E) cerebrum and cerebellum, respectively.

46) How do cholinesterase inhibitors improve the learning and memory of people who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease?

A) Cholinesterase inhibitors will increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This will increase the neural functioning in brain regions associated with learning and memory.

B) Cholinesterase inhibitors will decrease the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This will increase the neural functioning in brain regions associated with learning and memory.

C) Cholinesterase inhibitors will increase the levels of testosterone in the brain. This will increase the neural functioning in brain regions associated with learning and memory.

D) Cholinesterase inhibitors will decrease the levels of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain. This will decrease neural pressure associated with the brain regions associated with learning and memory.

47) Starting with the simplest and moving towards more complex, what is the correct evolutionary sequence of animals in regards to the complexity of their nervous systems?

A) sponges - hydras - planarians - annelids - molluscs - fish

B) sponges - planarians - hydras - annelids - molluscs - fish

C) hydras - sponges - planarians - annelids - molluscs - fish

D) sponges - hydras - planarians - molluscs - annelids - fish

E) annelids - sponges - hydras - planarians - molluscs - fish

48) The absence of this neurotransmitter would lead to a person having problems regulating body temperature and controlling their emotions.

A) serotonin

B) endorphins

C) acetylcholinesterase

D) dopamine

49) The spinal cord allows for reflex actions to be relayed from the stimulus to the brain along the tracts of unmyelinated white matter.

50) Some memories are emotionally charged because the amygdala triggers associations between fear and sensory information.

51) Identify what happens when the doctor hits your knee cap with the rubber hammer during your annual physical.

A) The stimulus travels down the axon of your sensory neuron, through the dorsal root ganglion, is transmitted through the dendrites of the sensory neuron to the interneuron. From here it enters the cell body of the motor neuron and travels down the ventral root axon of the motor neuron to stimulate the effector.

B) The stimulus travels down the axon of your sensory neuron, through the ventral root ganglion, is transmitted through the dendrites of the sensory neuron to the interneuron. From here it enters the cell body of the motor neuron and travels down the dorsal root axon of the motor neuron to stimulate the effector.

C) The stimulus travels down the axon of your motor neuron, through the dorsal root ganglion, is transmitted through the dendrites of the sensory neuron to the interneuron. From here it enters the cell body of the motor neuron and travels down the ventral root axon of the sensory neuron to stimulate the effector.

D) The stimulus travels down the axon of your sensory neuron, through the dorsal root ganglion, is transmitted through the dendrites of the sensory neuron to the interneuron. From here it enters the cell body of the motor neuron and travels down the ventral root axon of the motor neuron to stimulate the receptor.

E) The stimulus travels down the dendrite of your sensory neuron, through the dorsal root ganglion, is transmitted through the axons of the sensory neuron to the interneuron. From here it enters the cell body of the motor neuron and travels down the ventral root axon of the motor neuron to stimulate the effector.

52) The ascending tracts of the spinal cord are responsible sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system that control the skeletal muscles.

53) What symptoms could result from a stroke to the right side of the frontal lobe?

A) The person could suffer the loss of motor control of the left side of their body, loss of memory, reasoning and judgment.

B) The person could suffer the loss of motor control of the right side of their body, loss of memory, reasoning and judgment.

C) The person could suffer the loss of motor control of the left side of their body, loss of memory, and speech.

D) The person could suffer the loss of motor control of the right side of their body, loss of memory, reasoning and speech.

54) List in order the steps associated with a reflex arc of the PNS.

55) Describe the three types of neurons found in the body and indicate their functions.