Introduction to the Central Nervous System: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

The primary neurotransmitter responsible for excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system is:

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Question 2

Which of the following is a primary function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

To provide insulation and increase the speed of nerve impulses

Answer

To produce neurotransmitters

Answer

To protect neurons from damage

Answer

To regulate blood flow in the brain

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response

Answer

Controls digestion and relaxation

Answer

Innervates smooth muscles

Answer

Decreases heart rate

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Producing hormones

Answer

Relaying sensory and motor signals to and from the brain

Answer

Generating reflexes

Answer

Regulating body temperature

Question 5

Which of the following neurodegenerative diseases is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Parkinson's disease

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

Stroke

Question 6

The primary function of ion channels is to:

Accepted Answer

Allow the selective passage of ions across cell membranes

Answer

Generate neurotransmitters

Answer

Transport proteins into the cell

Answer

Regulate gene expression

Question 7

Which of the following drugs is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Anticholinergics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Opioid analgesics

Question 8

Discuss the role of neurotransmitter imbalances in the development of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease is characterized by reduced dopamine levels in the substantia nigra, leading to dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia.

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is associated with decreased acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus and other brain regions, resulting in impaired memory and cognitive function.

Answer

Both Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease involve increased glutamate levels, contributing to excitotoxicity and neuronal damage.

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances are not directly involved in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 10

Which region of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as reasoning and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Frontal lobe

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Medulla oblongata

Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 11

Which of the following cells is NOT a type of glial cell in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Neurons

Answer

Astrocytes

Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Answer

Schwann cells

Question 12

What is the primary function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the movement of substances between the blood and the brain

Answer

To produce cerebrospinal fluid

Answer

To protect the brain from pathogens

Answer

To transmit nerve impulses

Question 13

Which of the following drugs primarily acts on GABA receptors?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Atropine

Answer

Salbutamol

Question 14

What is the primary function of the dorsal root ganglia?

Accepted Answer

To transmit sensory information to the spinal cord

Answer

To regulate muscle contraction

Answer

To produce hormones

Answer

To store memories

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter is involved in the brain's reward pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Endorphins

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 16

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movement?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Brainstem

Answer

Spinal cord

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a division of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine system

Answer

Central nervous system

Answer

Peripheral nervous system

Answer

Autonomic nervous system

Question 18

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

To transmit sensory and motor information between the brain and the body

Answer

To regulate body temperature

Answer

To control digestion

Answer

To produce hormones

Question 19

Which structure is NOT part of the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Answer

Brain

Answer

Spinal cord

Answer

Peripheral nerves

Question 20

The cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Sensory information processing

Answer

Movement control

Answer

Emotional regulation

Answer

Homeostasis maintenance

Question 21

Which neurotransmitter mediates inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Question 22

The blood-brain barrier's primary purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect the brain from harmful substances

Answer

Allow nutrients to enter the brain

Answer

Control blood flow to the brain

Answer

Facilitate neurotransmission

Question 23

Synaptic plasticity refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Ability of synapses to modify their strength over time

Answer

Formation of new synapses

Answer

Release of neurotransmitters

Answer

Conduction of action potentials

Question 24

The autonomic nervous system primarily controls:

Accepted Answer

Unconscious bodily functions

Answer

Conscious bodily functions

Answer

Voluntary movements

Answer

Cognitive processes

Question 25

Which of the following is a common antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Benadryl