Human Anatomy and Physiology : Systems Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #181 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is not used to organize the structure of a peripheral nerve?

Possible Answers:

All of these organize the structure of a peripheral nerve

Epineurium

Endoneurium

Perineurium

Correct answer:

All of these organize the structure of a peripheral nerve

Explanation:

A peripheral nerve is composed of three layers: the endoneurium (inner layer around a single nerve fiber), perineurium (middle layer that surrounds a fascicle of nerve fibers), and the epineurium (dense outer layer that surrounds an entire nerve).

Example Question #182 : Systems Physiology

The knee-jerk reflex could be best categorized as which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Pre-synaptic reflex

Monosynaptic reflex

Multisynaptic reflex

Post-synaptic reflex

Polysynaptic reflex

Correct answer:

Monosynaptic reflex

Explanation:

Monosynaptic reflexes means that the afferent neuron directly stimulates an efferent neuron, which directly stimulates a muscle to contract. This means that the information never interfaces with the brain to process. The knee-jerk reflex is known as a monosynaptic reflex because only one neural synapse is involved in the reaction.

Example Question #183 : Systems Physiology

Neurons can vary in shape, size, and function. Which of the following is not an example of the unique shapes neurons can take?

Possible Answers:

Unipolar

Hyperpolar

Bipolar

Multipolar

Correct answer:

Hyperpolar

Explanation:

Bipolar neurons have 1 dendrite and 1 axon. Unipolar neurons have 1 extension, which splits into 1 dendrite and 1 axon. Multipolar neurons have many dendrites and 1 axon. Sensory neurons are neurons within the neural system that specifically work within the sensory system.

Example Question #184 : Systems Physiology

What is the function of microglial cells?

Possible Answers:

Phagocytosis

Support

Protective lining

Produce myelin

Correct answer:

Phagocytosis

Explanation:

Microglial cells are a macrophage of the brain and spinal cord. They function in phagocytosis, making them an immune defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Micorglia make up approximately 10-15% of all cells found in the brain.

Astrocytes, named for their star shape, provide protection and support. They provide support to the endothelial cells of the blood brain barrier, help maintain ion balances in the CNS, and aid in repair and healing of the CNS after injuries (specifically making scar tissue).

Ependymal cells line the cerebrospinal fluid filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.

Lastly myelin is produced by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.

Example Question #185 : Systems Physiology

What is the function of astrocytes?

Possible Answers:

Protective lining

Protection and support

Phagocytosis

Production of myelin

Correct answer:

Protection and support

Explanation:

Astrocytes, named for their star shape, provide protection and support. They provide support to endothelial cells of the blood brain barrier, help maintain ion balances in the CNS, and aid in repair and healing of the CNS after injuries (specifically in forming scar tissue).

Microglial cells are a macrophage of the brain and spinal cord. Their function is phagocytosis, making them an immune defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Micorglia make up approximately 10-15% of all cells found in the brain.

Ependymal cells line the cerebrospinal fluid filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Lastly, myelin is produced by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.

Example Question #186 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following nerves or parts of nerves carries sensory information only?

Possible Answers:

Gray ramus communicans

Dorsal root of spinal nerve

Ventral ramus of spinal nerve

Ventral root of spinal nerve

Correct answer:

Dorsal root of spinal nerve

Explanation:

The dorsal root transmits sensory information only and is thus responsible for the afferent sensory root of a spinal nerve. The dorsal root of spinal nerves emerge from the posterior side of the spinal cord and joins with the ventral root to form a mixed spinal nerve. The ventral root comes from the anterior side of the spinal nerve and is the efferent motor root of a spinal nerve. 

Example Question #187 : Systems Physiology

The ventral rootlets and root of the T5 spinal nerve carry which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Motor nerve fibers only

Motor and sensory nerve fibers

Sensory nerve fibers only

Parasympathetic motor nerve fibers only

Correct answer:

Motor nerve fibers only

Explanation:

The ventral root comes from the anterior side of the spinal nerve and is the efferent motor root of a spinal nerve. The ventral root of spinal nerves emerge from the anterior side of the spinal cord and joins with the dorsal root to form a mixed spinal nerve. The dorsal root transmits sensory information only and is thus responsible for the afferent sensory root of a spinal nerve.

 

Example Question #1 : Help With Neuroglia Physiology

Which of the following support cells myelinates the axons of the peripheral nervous system?

Possible Answers:

Schwann cells

Ependymal cells

Oligodendrocytes

Astrocytes

Correct answer:

Schwann cells

Explanation:

There are two types of support cells that myelinate axons in the nervous system: oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. The difference between these two cell types is their location in the nervous system. Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons in the central nervous system, and Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Ependymal cells secrete cerebrospinal fluid and astrocytes help form and regulate the blood-brain barrier.

Example Question #2 : Help With Neuroglia Physiology

What is the function of myelin?

Possible Answers:

Provide protection for neural fibers

Decrease conduction velocity down an axon

Respond to tissue damage

Insulate axons

Correct answer:

Insulate axons

Explanation:

Myelin insulates axons and functions to increase the speed of a nerve impulse as it travels down an axon. Central nervous system axons are myelinated by oligodendrocytes, whereas peripheral nervous system axons are myelinated by Schwann cells. When an action potential interfaces with a myelinated axon, sodium influxes at the regions between myelin sheathing. These regions without myelin are called nodes of Ranvier. The depolarization at a node can quickly be transmitted to the next node, rather than traveling fluidly down the whole axon. This process of jumping between nodes is known as saltatory conduction, and serves to greatly increase the transmission of action potentials. Loss of myelin can lead to numerous neurodegenerative disorders.

Example Question #3 : Help With Neuroglia Physiology

Which of the following is NOT a property of an oligodendrocyte?

Possible Answers:

Arise from the neuroectoderm

Myelinate only one axon

Myelinate muliple axons

Myelinate axons in the central nervous system

Correct answer:

Myelinate only one axon

Explanation:

Oligodendrocytes myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons. Each oligodendrocyte can myelinate up to thirty axons, stretching between neurons. Oligodendroctyes are the predominant type of glial cell in white matter, with the myelin giving them a white appearance. Schwann cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and can only be associated with one neuron per cell.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors