MCAT Biology : Systems Biology and Tissue Types

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #141 : Biology

Which of the following structures creates a myelin sheath for axons in the central nervous system?

Possible Answers:

Axon hillock

Schwann cells

Oligodendrocytes

Nodes of Ranvier

Correct answer:

Oligodendrocytes

Explanation:

Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells both create myelin sheaths for axons, however, oligodendrocytes function in the central nervous system and Schwann cells function in the peripheral nervous system.

Example Question #3 : Divisions Of The Nervous System

Diseases which destroy the myelin sheath of neurons cause __________.

Possible Answers:

decreased pain perception

no change

cancer

a decrease in the speed of nerve conduction

an increase in the speed of nerve conduction

Correct answer:

a decrease in the speed of nerve conduction

Explanation:

Myelin sheathes function in insulating the neuron, and allows for much faster propogation of the action potential due to saltatory conduction. Loss of the myelin sheath would slow conduction of signals down the neural axon.

Pain perception is conducted to free nerve endings known as nociceptors, which are not myelinated.

Example Question #4 : Divisions Of The Nervous System

Excessive stimulation of the ulnar nerve results in the sensation known as the "funny bone," and can cause discomfort in the elbow and forearm. What cells are responsible for the myelination of the ulnar nerve?

Possible Answers:

Oligodendrocytes

Schwann cells

Dendritic cells

Astrocytes

Correct answer:

Schwann cells

Explanation:

There are two types of cells responsible for the myelination of axons throughout the nervous system. Oligodendrocytes myelinate the axons of neurons in the central nervous system. Schwann cells myelinate neurons in the peripheral nervous system. This question is referring to a nerve in the elbow, which would be in the peripheral nervous system.

Astrocytes are a type of glial cell primarily found in the blood-brain barrier. Dendritic cells play a role in the adaptive immune response, and are not considered part of the nervous system.

Example Question #141 : Biology

Which of the following glial cells produces cerebrospinal fluid?

Possible Answers:

Oligodendrocytes

Ependymal cells

Astrocytes

Microglia

Satellite cells

Correct answer:

Ependymal cells

Explanation:

Ependymal cells, which line cerebral cavities and the central canal, produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a colorless liquid that protects the brain and spinal cord against injury.

Microglia protect the central nervous system from microbes and debris of injured cells. Astrocytes, located in the central nervous system, provide structural support for neurons in addition to many other tasks involving nutrient and ion regulation. Oligodrendrocytes produce the myelin sheath around the axons of the central nervous system. Satellite cells are not found in the central nervous system, and therefore cannot produce CSF.

Example Question #142 : Biology

What is the major difference between Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes?

Possible Answers:

Oligodendrocytes myelinate central nervous system axons, whereas Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nervous system axons

Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons and dendrites, whereas Schwann cells only myelinate axons

Schwann cells are the most common glial cell type

Schwann cells myelinate axons, while oligodendocytes myelinate dendrites

Action potentials propagate faster down axons myelinated by Schwann cells

Correct answer:

Oligodendrocytes myelinate central nervous system axons, whereas Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nervous system axons

Explanation:

Both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells produce and maintain myelin along axons. Oligodendrocytes are the most common glial cell type, and provide myelination for all neural axons in the central nervous system. Schwann cells provide myelination for neurons in the peripheral nervous system.

Example Question #1 : Brain And Central Nervous System

An individual presents to his physician with an abnormal breathing rhythm. The physician suspects that the problem may be originating from his brain. What part of his brain is most likely not functioning properly?

Possible Answers:

Hippocampus

Cerebellum

Hypothalamus

Midbrain

Medulla oblongata

Correct answer:

Medulla oblongata

Explanation:

The medulla oblongata is responsible for autonomic functions, such as breathing rate and heart rate regulation. Dysfunction of the medulla oblongata could result in problems with breathing rhythm.

The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. The hypothalamus regulates the fight-or-flight response, sex drive, thirst, and hunger. The midbrain is the center for auditory and visual signal relay to the cortex. The hippocampus functions in the retention of memories.

Example Question #1 : Brain And Central Nervous System

Which of the following structures connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain?

Possible Answers:

Corpus collosum

Mammillary Body

Olfactory bulb

Stria terminalis

Hypothalamus

Correct answer:

Corpus collosum

Explanation:

The MCAT contains minimal questions regarding brain anatomy, however, you should have an understanding of a select few structures, one of which is the corpus collosum. The corpus collosum is a bundle of neurons connecting the left and right brain, allowing communication between the left and right hemispheres. If these neurons were damaged somehow, the result would be split-brain syndrome, a condition in which the two halves of the brain do not communicate with one another.

Example Question #171 : Mcat Biological Sciences

Which of the following activities would you expect to be controlled by the cerebral cortex?

Possible Answers:

Heart rate

Salivation

Memory

Breathing while asleep

Correct answer:

Memory

Explanation:

The cerebral cortex is also referred to as the "higher brain." It acts to process thoughts and store memories. More basic, vital activities such as heart beat and breathing are controlled by other, less developed regions of the brain. Note that the hippocampus plays a role in creating memories, but most memories are stored in the cerebrum; this is the link between long term and short term memory storage.

Example Question #172 : Mcat Biological Sciences

Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling body temperature, and adjusting to external temperature conditions?

Possible Answers:

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Hypothalamus

Thalamus

Correct answer:

Hypothalamus

Explanation:

The hypothalamus is responsible for cooling and heating mechanisms in the body, and thus is the correct answer. 

The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions, like conscious thought. The cerebellum is essential for balance and coordination. The thalamus is primarily responsible for integrating and coordinating sensory input to the brain.

Example Question #5 : Brain And Central Nervous System

An individual presents to his physician with a complaint of "uncoordinated muscle movements." After running proper tests, the physician suspects that this individual has some degree of brain injury. Which portion of the brain is most likely to be injured?

Possible Answers:

Hippocampus

Hypothalamus

Midbrain

Cerebellum

Medulla oblongata

Correct answer:

Cerebellum

Explanation:

The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. Injury to the cerebellum can result in a loss of motor coordination.

The medulla oblongata controls autonomic activities, such as regulating heart and respiration rates. The hypothalamus regulates the fight-or-flight response, sex drive, thirst, and hunger. The midbrain is the center for auditory and visual signal relay to the cortex. The hippocampus functions in the retention of memories.

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