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 #261 : Systems Physiology

What relationship does the basal nuclei have with movement?

Possible Answers:

Coordination and muscle memory

Regulation

Initiation 

No relationship with movement

Correct answer:

Regulation

Explanation:

The basal nuclei is located deep in the cerebral hemisphere and midbrain. It functions with the thalamus to regulate motor signals (regulation only, it does not initiate movement). The basal nuclei encourages wanted and appropriate movement signals and filters out unwanted signals. The caudate nucleus and putamen make up the striatum, and this along with globus pallidus make up the basal nuclei. 

Example Question #262 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following layers of the meninges is the innermost layer that lines the cerebral cortex?

Possible Answers:

Dura mater

Subarachnoid mater

Pia mater

Arachnoid mater

Correct answer:

Pia mater

Explanation:

The meninges are responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord. The tough dura mater is the outermost layer of the meninges, while the pia mater is the delicate inner layer that lines the brain and spinal cord.

In order from the outermost to innermost layer, the meninges are: dura mater, arachnoid mater, subarachnoid space, and pia mater. The arachnoid mater and subarachnoid space create separation and cushioning between the dura mater and pia mater.

Example Question #263 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following neurotransmitters generally has an inhibitory effect on the postsynaptic neuron?

Possible Answers:

Dopamine

Norepinephrine

Glutamate

GABA

Serotonin

Correct answer:

GABA

Explanation:

GABA is the only neurotransmitter to actively suppress the formation of an action potential when binding to the dendrites on the postsynaptic neuron.

Norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate have various physiological effects in different regions of the body, but all acts to stimulate the formation of an action potential.

Example Question #264 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is not a function of the hypothalamus? 

Possible Answers:

Regulates hunger

Thirst and water balance

Temperature regulation

Distributes sensory information to the brain cortex

All of these are functions of the hypothalamus

Correct answer:

Distributes sensory information to the brain cortex

Explanation:

The hypothalamus has several key functions. It is responsible for regulating thirst and water balance, anterior pituitary control, and posterior pituitary hormone synthesis and release. The hypothalamus also regulates hunger, body temperature, the autonomic nervous system, and sexual responses.

The thalamus is the major relay center for all ascending sensory information (expect smell/olfaction) and distributes sensory information to the appropriate part of the brain cortex.

Example Question #3 : Help With Proteins And Signals In The Central Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system consists of three divisions. 

Which of the following is not a division of the autonomic system?

Possible Answers:

Enteric

Sympathetic 

Somatic

Parasympathetic 

Correct answer:

Somatic

Explanation:

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) consists of a set of pathways to and from the central nervous system (CNS) that innervate and regulate smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands. The ANS is distinct from the somatic nervous system, which innervates skeletal muscle. The ANS has three divisions the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.

Example Question #265 : Systems Physiology

Where are cell bodies for preganglionic neurons located?

Possible Answers:

Effector organs

Central nervous system (CNS)

Autonomic ganglia

Paravertebral chain

Correct answer:

Central nervous system (CNS)

Explanation:

Synapses between neurons are made in the autonomic ganglia. Parasympathetic ganglia are located in or near the effector organs, while sympathetic ganglia are located in the paravertebral chain. Preganglionic neurons have their cell bodies in the CNS and synapse in autonomic ganglia. 

Example Question #266 : Systems Physiology

What enzyme is responsible for removing norepinephrine and epinephrine from the synaptic cleft? 

Possible Answers:

Monomaine oxidase 

Cholinesterase 

None of these

Lactase 

Protease

Correct answer:

Monomaine oxidase 

Explanation:

Norepinephrine and epinephrine are both classified as monoamines. Thus, the enzyme that destroys norepinephrine and epinephrine at the synaptic cleft is monoamine oxidase. Cholinesterase is the enzyme that terminates acetylcholine activity. Lactase is an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of the sugar lactose. A protease is an enzyme that degrades proteins by breaking peptide bonds found between amino acids. 

Example Question #6 : Help With Proteins And Signals In The Central Nervous System

The electrical impulse that a neuron conveys to other neurons begins at the cone-shaped __________ and travels at high speed along the axon toward the __________.

Possible Answers:

dendrite . . . cell body

axon hillock . . . axon terminal

axon . . . terminal

dendrite . . . axon

axon . . . dendrite

Correct answer:

axon hillock . . . axon terminal

Explanation:

The axon hillock is the last place where membrane potentials are summated before the generation of an action potential. The newly-created action potential travels down the axon to the axon terminal.

Example Question #7 : Help With Proteins And Signals In The Central Nervous System

What is the cell that is responsible for myelination in the central nervous system?

Possible Answers:

ependymal cell

astrocyte

oligodendrocyte

glial cell

schwann cell

Correct answer:

oligodendrocyte

Explanation:

The cell responsible for myelination in the central nervous system is known as the oligodendrocyte. Myelination of neurons in the peripheral nervous system are made possible by Schwann Cells.

 

Example Question #1 : Cranial Nerves

Which of the following cranial nerves is not associated with the taste, hearing, smell, or vision?

Possible Answers:

Cranial nerve II

Cranial nerve V

Cranial nerve VIII

Cranial nerve I

Correct answer:

Cranial nerve V

Explanation:

Cranial nerve V is also called the trigeminal nerve. It is associated with sensory receptors on the face, as well as stimulation of the chewing muscles.

Cranial nerves I, II, and VIII are associated with smell, sight, and hearing respectively. Cranial nerve I is the olfactory nerve, cranial nerve II is the optic nerve, and cranial nerve VIII is the vestibulocochlear nerve. Cranial nerves VII (facial nerve) and IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) provide the sense of taste.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors