| Portage Learning
These are original, instructor-style practice questions written for study. They are not
official Portage Learning questions and are not copied from any exam, textbook, or
question bank. They are written around common BIOD 101 Module 5 biology topics,
especially the nervous system and special senses, with NCLEX-style clinical framing.
Question 1:
Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Axon terminal
D. Myelin sheath
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dendrites are branched extensions that receive signals from other neurons.
Question 2:
Which part of the neuron carries signals away from the cell body?
A. Dendrite
B. Soma
C. Axon
D. Synapse
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The axon conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.
Question 3:
Which cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system?
A. Oligodendrocytes
B. Schwann cells
C. Astrocytes
D. Microglia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Schwann cells myelinate axons in the PNS; oligodendrocytes do so in the
CNS.
,Question 4:
Which cells produce myelin in the central nervous system?
A. Schwann cells
B. Oligodendrocytes
C. Ependymal cells
D. Satellite cells
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths in the CNS.
Question 5:
The gaps between myelin segments along an axon are called:
A. Synapses
B. Nodes of Ranvier
C. Dendritic spines
D. Axon hillocks
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Nodes of Ranvier are gaps that allow saltatory conduction.
Question 6:
Which type of conduction is faster?
A. Continuous conduction
B. Saltatory conduction
C. Synaptic transmission
D. Diffuse conduction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Saltatory conduction jumps between nodes, increasing speed.
Question 7:
During depolarization, which ion rushes into the neuron?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Chloride
D. Calcium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ influx and
depolarization.
, Question 8:
During repolarization, which ion exits the neuron?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Potassium efflux restores the negative resting membrane potential.
Question 9:
The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is about:
A. +30 mV
B. 0 mV
C. -70 mV
D. -100 mV
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The resting potential is approximately -70 mV inside relative to outside.
Question 10:
Which neurotransmitter is primarily excitatory in the CNS?
A. GABA
B. Glycine
C. Glutamate
D. Dopamine
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Question 11:
Which neurotransmitter is primarily inhibitory in the CNS?
A. Glutamate
B. GABA
C. Acetylcholine
D. Norepinephrine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.