NEUROSCIENCE COMPLETE QUESTION
TEST BANK (VERIFIED A+ KEY &
RATIONALES)
Master your nursing and pre-med prerequisites with this ultimate
question comprehensive exam test bank meticulously mapped to
all modules of Portage Learning Neuroscience BIOL 322. Every
high-yield multiple-choice question features verified correct
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Module 1: Introduction to Neuroscience &
Cellular Structure
1. Which of the following glial cells is responsible
for forming the myelin sheath around axons
within the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
A) Schwann cells
B) Oligodendrocytes
C) Microglia
D) Astrocytes
Answer: B
Rationale: Oligodendrocytes myelinate
, multiple axon segments within the central
nervous system, whereas Schwann cells
perform this function exclusively in the
peripheral nervous system (PNS).
2. What is the primary function of the rough
endoplasmic reticulum (Nissl bodies) located in
the soma of a neuron?
A) ATP production
B) Lipid synthesis
C) Protein synthesis
D) Neurotransmitter recycling
Answer: C
Rationale: Nissl bodies are dense aggregates
of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free
ribosomes, making them highly active sites
of protein synthesis necessary for structural
maintenance and neurotransmitter enzymes.
3. During an action potential, the rapid
depolarization phase is primarily caused by
which cellular event?
A) Efflux of potassium ions (K⁺)
B) Influx of sodium ions (Na⁺)
C) Active transport via the sodium-potassium
pump
D) Influx of chloride ions (Cl⁻)
, Answer: B
Rationale: Depolarization occurs when
voltage-gated sodium channels open rapidly,
allowing sodium ions to rush down their
electrochemical gradient into the
intracellular space.
4. A patient suffers a traumatic brain injury,
resulting in an accumulation of cellular debris.
Which cell type will proliferate to clear this debris
via phagocytosis?
A) Ependymal cells
B) Satellite cells
C) Microglia
D) Oligodendrocytes
Answer: C
Rationale: Microglia serve as the resident
macrophages and immune defense of the
central nervous system, activating and
migrating to sites of injury to phagocytize
debris.
5. What is the typical resting membrane potential
of a standard mammalian neuron?
A) +30 mV
B) 0 mV
C) -55 mV
, D) -70 mV
Answer: D
Rationale: Due to the selective permeability
of the membrane to potassium at rest and
the action of the Na⁺/K⁺ pump, the steady-
state resting potential is maintained near -70
mV.
6. Which mechanism is responsible for returning
the membrane potential to its resting state
during the repolarization phase?
A) Closure of potassium channels and opening
of sodium channels
B) Inactivation of sodium channels and opening
of voltage-gated potassium channels
C) Passive diffusion of calcium ions out of the
cell
D) Activation of the chloride pump
Answer: B
Rationale: Repolarization requires the halting
of sodium influx (via inactivation gates)
alongside the efflux of potassium ions
through opened voltage-gated potassium
channels.
7. The absolute refractory period ensures that:
A) Action potentials can travel backward toward