Page 1 of 158
BIOL 2313 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS JUST RELEASED
BIOL 2313 FINAL EXAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Nervous System Organization, Neurons, and Neuroglia — Questions 1–25
2. Action Potentials, Synaptic Transmission, and Neural Integration — Questions 26–50
3. Brain Structure, Protection, and Higher Neural Functions — Questions 51–75
4. Spinal Cord, Reflexes, and Peripheral Nerves — Questions 76–100
5. Autonomic Nervous System and Visceral Regulation — Questions 101–125
6. Special Senses and Sensory Receptors — Questions 126–150
7. Endocrine System and Hormonal Regulation — Questions 151–175
8. Blood, Cardiovascular System, and Cardiac Physiology — Questions 176–200
9. Blood Vessels, Hemodynamics, and Blood Pressure Regulation — Questions 201–225
10. Lymphatic, Immune, and Integrated Homeostatic Responses — Questions 226–250
DOMAIN 1 — NERVOUS SYSTEM ORGANIZATION, NEURONS, AND NEUROGLIA
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Question 1
Which structural feature of a neuron is primarily specialized for receiving information from other
neurons or sensory receptors?
A. Axon terminals
B. Dendrites
C. Myelin sheath
D. Axon hillock
Answer: B. Dendrites
Rationale: Dendrites are specialized for receiving incoming signals and conducting them toward the cell
body. Axon terminals release neurotransmitters, the myelin sheath insulates axons, and the axon hillock
is the region where action potentials are commonly initiated.
Question 2
What primary function does the myelin sheath provide for axons within the central and peripheral
nervous systems?
A. It produces neurotransmitters for synaptic communication.
B. It generates cerebrospinal fluid around neurons.
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C. It increases the speed of electrical impulse conduction.
D. It directly controls skeletal muscle contraction.
Answer: C. It increases the speed of electrical impulse conduction.
Rationale: Myelin electrically insulates axons and allows impulses to travel rapidly by saltatory
conduction between nodes of Ranvier. It does not produce neurotransmitters, generate cerebrospinal
fluid, or directly cause muscle contraction.
Question 3
How do Schwann cells contribute to normal peripheral nervous system function after axonal injury?
A. They can form myelin and support peripheral axonal regeneration.
B. They destroy every damaged neuron within the spinal cord.
C. They produce hormones that regulate neural transmission.
D. They replace all neurons inside the brain following injury.
Answer: A. They can form myelin and support peripheral axonal regeneration.
Rationale: Schwann cells myelinate peripheral axons and participate in repair following peripheral nerve
injury. The other choices incorrectly describe functions that Schwann cells do not normally perform.
Question 4
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Which neuroglial cell type forms myelin around axons located within the central nervous system?
A. Schwann cells
B. Satellite cells
C. Ependymal cells
D. Oligodendrocytes
Answer: D. Oligodendrocytes
Rationale: Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS. Schwann cells perform this function in the PNS,
satellite cells support neuron cell bodies in peripheral ganglia, and ependymal cells line fluid-filled
spaces.
Question 5
Why are astrocytes considered especially important for maintaining the chemical environment
surrounding neurons in the brain?
A. They contract skeletal muscles during voluntary movement.
B. They help regulate extracellular ions and support the blood-brain barrier.
C. They produce antibodies that eliminate pathogens in blood.
D. They create all cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles.
BIOL 2313 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS JUST RELEASED
BIOL 2313 FINAL EXAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Nervous System Organization, Neurons, and Neuroglia — Questions 1–25
2. Action Potentials, Synaptic Transmission, and Neural Integration — Questions 26–50
3. Brain Structure, Protection, and Higher Neural Functions — Questions 51–75
4. Spinal Cord, Reflexes, and Peripheral Nerves — Questions 76–100
5. Autonomic Nervous System and Visceral Regulation — Questions 101–125
6. Special Senses and Sensory Receptors — Questions 126–150
7. Endocrine System and Hormonal Regulation — Questions 151–175
8. Blood, Cardiovascular System, and Cardiac Physiology — Questions 176–200
9. Blood Vessels, Hemodynamics, and Blood Pressure Regulation — Questions 201–225
10. Lymphatic, Immune, and Integrated Homeostatic Responses — Questions 226–250
DOMAIN 1 — NERVOUS SYSTEM ORGANIZATION, NEURONS, AND NEUROGLIA
, Page 2 of 158
Question 1
Which structural feature of a neuron is primarily specialized for receiving information from other
neurons or sensory receptors?
A. Axon terminals
B. Dendrites
C. Myelin sheath
D. Axon hillock
Answer: B. Dendrites
Rationale: Dendrites are specialized for receiving incoming signals and conducting them toward the cell
body. Axon terminals release neurotransmitters, the myelin sheath insulates axons, and the axon hillock
is the region where action potentials are commonly initiated.
Question 2
What primary function does the myelin sheath provide for axons within the central and peripheral
nervous systems?
A. It produces neurotransmitters for synaptic communication.
B. It generates cerebrospinal fluid around neurons.
, Page 3 of 158
C. It increases the speed of electrical impulse conduction.
D. It directly controls skeletal muscle contraction.
Answer: C. It increases the speed of electrical impulse conduction.
Rationale: Myelin electrically insulates axons and allows impulses to travel rapidly by saltatory
conduction between nodes of Ranvier. It does not produce neurotransmitters, generate cerebrospinal
fluid, or directly cause muscle contraction.
Question 3
How do Schwann cells contribute to normal peripheral nervous system function after axonal injury?
A. They can form myelin and support peripheral axonal regeneration.
B. They destroy every damaged neuron within the spinal cord.
C. They produce hormones that regulate neural transmission.
D. They replace all neurons inside the brain following injury.
Answer: A. They can form myelin and support peripheral axonal regeneration.
Rationale: Schwann cells myelinate peripheral axons and participate in repair following peripheral nerve
injury. The other choices incorrectly describe functions that Schwann cells do not normally perform.
Question 4
, Page 4 of 158
Which neuroglial cell type forms myelin around axons located within the central nervous system?
A. Schwann cells
B. Satellite cells
C. Ependymal cells
D. Oligodendrocytes
Answer: D. Oligodendrocytes
Rationale: Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS. Schwann cells perform this function in the PNS,
satellite cells support neuron cell bodies in peripheral ganglia, and ependymal cells line fluid-filled
spaces.
Question 5
Why are astrocytes considered especially important for maintaining the chemical environment
surrounding neurons in the brain?
A. They contract skeletal muscles during voluntary movement.
B. They help regulate extracellular ions and support the blood-brain barrier.
C. They produce antibodies that eliminate pathogens in blood.
D. They create all cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles.
