High School Biology : Nervous Tissue

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Properties Of Nervous Tissue

Influx of sodium ions is very crucial for cell activity. The influx of sodium ions in an action potential causes which of the following? 

Possible Answers:

Hyperpolarization

The fusion of vesicles to the presynaptic end plate

Repolarization

Depolarization

Correct answer:

Depolarization

Explanation:

Influx of sodium ions causes depolarization in a cell. Influx of sodium ions causes the membrane potential to become more positive and leads to activation of cell activity. Repolarization is done by the efflux of potassium ions. Hyperpolarization is a state in which a cell cannot conduct another action potential. It must reach its resting membrane potential before it can cause another action potential to occur. 

Example Question #2 : Understanding Properties Of Nervous Tissue

Which of the following cells proliferates in response to injury? 

Possible Answers:

Ependymal cells

Oligodendrocytes

Astrocytes

Microglial cells

Correct answer:

Astrocytes

Explanation:

Astrocytes are responsible for proliferating in regards to brain injury. They also help to make the blood brain barrier (BBB) and are a glycogen fuel reserve buffer. Microglial cells are phagocytes of the central nervous system. They respond to tissue damage by differentiation into large phagocytic cells. Myelin helps to wrap and and insulate axons. It increases space constant (length constant) and increases conduction velocity. Oligodendrocytes myelinate the axons of neurons in the central nervous system.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Properties Of Nervous Tissue

What is the standard resting potential in a neuron?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The inside of a neuron always has a net negative charge at resting state and only becomes positive briefly when threshold is reached causing an action potential. This is due to the concentration and flow of positive sodium and potassium ions that exist at differing gradients when the neuron is at rest. 

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