ATI TEAS 7 NERVOUS SYSTEM EXAM 2026 |
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
ATI TEAS 7 NERVOUS SYSTEM EXAM 2026 | ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
• This document contains 200 comprehensive multiple-choice questions designed
to assess your mastery of nervous system anatomy, physiology, and clinical
applications at the TEAS 7 level.
• Study this material by working through questions systematically, reviewing
rationales for both correct and incorrect answers, and identifying weak areas for
targeted review before your exam.
1. Which of the following structures is responsible for transmitting signals
away from the cell body of a neuron?
A) Dendrite
B) Soma
C) Axon
D) Synapse
E) Myelin sheath
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Axon
Rationale: The axon is a long, thin projection of the neuron that extends from the
soma (cell body) and is specialized for transmitting action potentials and neural
signals away from the cell body toward other neurons or effector organs. Dendrites
receive signals, the soma contains the nucleus, synapses are junctions between
neurons, and myelin is insulation around axons.
,2. The blood-brain barrier is primarily composed of which of the following?
A) Skeletal muscle cells
B) Endothelial cells joined by tight junctions
C) Simple squamous epithelium
D) Glial cells only
E) Pia mater cells
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Endothelial cells joined by tight junctions
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier is formed by endothelial cells of brain capillaries
that are connected by tight junctions, creating a selective barrier that prevents most
large molecules and pathogens from entering the brain while allowing small,
necessary molecules to pass. This protects the CNS from harmful substances while
maintaining proper neural function.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for muscle contraction at
the neuromuscular junction?
A) GABA
B) Dopamine
C) Acetylcholine
D) Serotonin
E) Norepinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular
junction where motor neurons innervate skeletal muscles. It binds to acetylcholine
receptors on muscle fibers, causing depolarization and muscle contraction. GABA
and dopamine are CNS neurotransmitters, while serotonin and norepinephrine are
involved in mood and autonomic regulation.
,4. The myelin sheath surrounding axons in the PNS is formed by which type of
glial cell?
A) Astrocytes
B) Microglia
C) Schwann cells
D) Oligodendrocytes
E) Ependymal cells
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Schwann cells
Rationale: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system wrap around axons to
form the myelin sheath, insulating them and increasing conduction velocity.
Oligodendrocytes perform this function in the CNS. Astrocytes provide metabolic
support, microglia perform immune functions, and ependymal cells produce
cerebrospinal fluid.
5. Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential of a
neuron?
A) +70 mV
B) 0 mV
C) -70 mV
D) +120 mV
E) -30 mV
CORRECT ANSWER: C) -70 mV
, Rationale: The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately -
70 mV, meaning the inside of the cell is negatively charged relative to the outside.
This is maintained by the Na+/K+-ATPase pump and the differential permeability of
the membrane to various ions. This negative potential is essential for generating
action potentials.
6. During an action potential, which ion primarily flows into the neuron
during depolarization?
A) Potassium (K+)
B) Sodium (Na+)
C) Calcium (Ca2+)
D) Chloride (Cl-)
E) Magnesium (Mg2+)
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Sodium (Na+)
Rationale: During the depolarization phase of an action potential, voltage-gated
sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to rush into the cell down its electrochemical
gradient. This inward sodium current is responsible for the rapid depolarization
phase that brings the membrane potential from -70 mV toward +30 mV.
7. The somatic nervous system differs from the autonomic nervous system
primarily in that it:
A) Operates without conscious control
B) Controls involuntary functions only
C) Is under voluntary control and innervates skeletal muscles
D) Regulates heart rate and digestion
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
ATI TEAS 7 NERVOUS SYSTEM EXAM 2026 | ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
• This document contains 200 comprehensive multiple-choice questions designed
to assess your mastery of nervous system anatomy, physiology, and clinical
applications at the TEAS 7 level.
• Study this material by working through questions systematically, reviewing
rationales for both correct and incorrect answers, and identifying weak areas for
targeted review before your exam.
1. Which of the following structures is responsible for transmitting signals
away from the cell body of a neuron?
A) Dendrite
B) Soma
C) Axon
D) Synapse
E) Myelin sheath
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Axon
Rationale: The axon is a long, thin projection of the neuron that extends from the
soma (cell body) and is specialized for transmitting action potentials and neural
signals away from the cell body toward other neurons or effector organs. Dendrites
receive signals, the soma contains the nucleus, synapses are junctions between
neurons, and myelin is insulation around axons.
,2. The blood-brain barrier is primarily composed of which of the following?
A) Skeletal muscle cells
B) Endothelial cells joined by tight junctions
C) Simple squamous epithelium
D) Glial cells only
E) Pia mater cells
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Endothelial cells joined by tight junctions
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier is formed by endothelial cells of brain capillaries
that are connected by tight junctions, creating a selective barrier that prevents most
large molecules and pathogens from entering the brain while allowing small,
necessary molecules to pass. This protects the CNS from harmful substances while
maintaining proper neural function.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for muscle contraction at
the neuromuscular junction?
A) GABA
B) Dopamine
C) Acetylcholine
D) Serotonin
E) Norepinephrine
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Acetylcholine
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular
junction where motor neurons innervate skeletal muscles. It binds to acetylcholine
receptors on muscle fibers, causing depolarization and muscle contraction. GABA
and dopamine are CNS neurotransmitters, while serotonin and norepinephrine are
involved in mood and autonomic regulation.
,4. The myelin sheath surrounding axons in the PNS is formed by which type of
glial cell?
A) Astrocytes
B) Microglia
C) Schwann cells
D) Oligodendrocytes
E) Ependymal cells
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Schwann cells
Rationale: Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system wrap around axons to
form the myelin sheath, insulating them and increasing conduction velocity.
Oligodendrocytes perform this function in the CNS. Astrocytes provide metabolic
support, microglia perform immune functions, and ependymal cells produce
cerebrospinal fluid.
5. Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential of a
neuron?
A) +70 mV
B) 0 mV
C) -70 mV
D) +120 mV
E) -30 mV
CORRECT ANSWER: C) -70 mV
, Rationale: The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately -
70 mV, meaning the inside of the cell is negatively charged relative to the outside.
This is maintained by the Na+/K+-ATPase pump and the differential permeability of
the membrane to various ions. This negative potential is essential for generating
action potentials.
6. During an action potential, which ion primarily flows into the neuron
during depolarization?
A) Potassium (K+)
B) Sodium (Na+)
C) Calcium (Ca2+)
D) Chloride (Cl-)
E) Magnesium (Mg2+)
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Sodium (Na+)
Rationale: During the depolarization phase of an action potential, voltage-gated
sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to rush into the cell down its electrochemical
gradient. This inward sodium current is responsible for the rapid depolarization
phase that brings the membrane potential from -70 mV toward +30 mV.
7. The somatic nervous system differs from the autonomic nervous system
primarily in that it:
A) Operates without conscious control
B) Controls involuntary functions only
C) Is under voluntary control and innervates skeletal muscles
D) Regulates heart rate and digestion
