Introduction:
The nervous tissue, composed of neurons and neuroglia, coordinates sensation, integration, and motor responses across the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Key functions include impulse generation and propagation, synaptic transmission, reflex control, homeostatic regulation, and rapid communication between organs. Neuroglial cells—astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, microglia and ependymal cells—support myelination, metabolic support, immune defense and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Understanding tissue locations (brain, spinal cord, cranial and peripheral nerves, autonomic ganglia and enteric plexuses) and mechanisms like saltatory conduction, neurotransmitter release and blood–brain barrier structure is essential for B.Pharm students studying neuropharmacology and toxicology. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which cell type is primarily responsible for action potential generation and transmission in nervous tissue?
- Astrocyte
- Neuron
- Oligodendrocyte
- Microglia
Correct Answer: Neuron
Q2. Where are Schwann cells located and what is their main function?
- CNS; form myelin sheaths around multiple axons
- PNS; form myelin sheaths around single axons
- CNS; phagocytose debris
- PNS; generate cerebrospinal fluid
Correct Answer: PNS; form myelin sheaths around single axons
Q3. Which neuroglial cell forms the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?
- Schwann cell
- Astrocyte
- Oligodendrocyte
- Ependymal cell
Correct Answer: Oligodendrocyte
Q4. Astrocytes contribute to which of the following functions?
- Production of neurotransmitters only
- Formation of the blood–brain barrier and metabolic support
- Myelination of peripheral nerves
- Generation of action potentials
Correct Answer: Formation of the blood–brain barrier and metabolic support
Q5. Which structure is the site of synaptic transmission between neurons?
- Node of Ranvier
- Soma
- Synapse
- Myelin sheath
Correct Answer: Synapse
Q6. Saltatory conduction refers to action potential propagation that:
- Occurs continuously along unmyelinated axons
- Jumps between nodes of Ranvier on myelinated axons
- Requires neurotransmitter release at each node
- Is slower than continuous conduction
Correct Answer: Jumps between nodes of Ranvier on myelinated axons
Q7. Which glial cell acts as the resident immune cell in the CNS?
- Microglia
- Schwann cell
- Astrocyte
- Oligodendrocyte
Correct Answer: Microglia
Q8. The blood–brain barrier is primarily formed by which of the following?
- Fenestrated capillaries and Schwann cells
- Tight junctions between endothelial cells supported by astrocyte end-feet
- Loose endothelial junctions and microglia
- Ependymal cells lining ventricles
Correct Answer: Tight junctions between endothelial cells supported by astrocyte end-feet
Q9. Which part of a neuron normally receives synaptic input?
- Axon hillock
- Axon terminal
- Dendrite
- Myelin sheath
Correct Answer: Dendrite
Q10. Ependymal cells are primarily responsible for which function?
- Forming peripheral nerve myelin
- Phagocytosis of pathogens in CNS
- Line ventricles and contribute to cerebrospinal fluid movement
- Maintaining synaptic cleft ion concentrations
Correct Answer: Line ventricles and contribute to cerebrospinal fluid movement
Q11. Which neurotransmitter is the main excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system?
- GABA
- Glutamate
- Glycine
- Dopamine
Correct Answer: Glutamate
Q12. The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is closest to which value?
- +60 mV
- 0 mV
- -70 mV
- -200 mV
Correct Answer: -70 mV
Q13. Which region integrates input and initiates action potentials in many neurons?
- Axon terminal
- Axon hillock
- Soma cytoplasm
- Dendritic spine
Correct Answer: Axon hillock
Q14. In the peripheral nervous system, which structure contains neuronal cell bodies of sensory neurons?
- Autonomic ganglia
- Dorsal root ganglia
- Ventral horn of spinal cord
- Cranial nerve nuclei
Correct Answer: Dorsal root ganglia
Q15. Which statement about grey matter and white matter is correct?
- Grey matter contains mainly myelinated axons; white matter contains neuronal cell bodies
- Grey matter contains neuronal cell bodies and dendrites; white matter contains myelinated axons
- Both contain equal numbers of oligodendrocytes
- Only white matter is present in the cerebral cortex
Correct Answer: Grey matter contains neuronal cell bodies and dendrites; white matter contains myelinated axons
Q16. What is Wallerian degeneration?
- Degeneration of neuronal cell bodies after synapse loss
- Degeneration of the distal axon segment after nerve injury
- Apoptosis of oligodendrocytes in CNS disease
- Regeneration of axons across the injury site
Correct Answer: Degeneration of the distal axon segment after nerve injury
Q17. Which molecule directly mediates vesicle fusion during neurotransmitter release?
- SNARE proteins
- Acetylcholine esterase
- Sodium–potassium ATPase
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
Correct Answer: SNARE proteins
Q18. Which division of the autonomic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine at postganglionic synapses?
- Parasympathetic
- Sympathetic
- Somatic motor
- Enteric
Correct Answer: Sympathetic
Q19. The neuromuscular junction uses which primary neurotransmitter to stimulate muscle contraction?
- GABA
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Glutamate
Correct Answer: Acetylcholine
Q20. Which of the following best describes the enteric nervous system?
- Part of CNS controlling voluntary movements
- Intrinsic network in the gut regulating motility and secretion
- Collection of sensory receptors in skin
- Set of sympathetic ganglia along the spinal cord
Correct Answer: Intrinsic network in the gut regulating motility and secretion
Q21. Which ion flux is chiefly responsible for the rising phase of an action potential?
- Potassium efflux
- Sodium influx
- Calcium efflux
- Chloride influx
Correct Answer: Sodium influx
Q22. Myelin speeds nerve conduction by:
- Increasing membrane capacitance
- Decreasing membrane resistance
- Reducing ion leakage and enabling saltatory conduction
- Blocking action potential initiation
Correct Answer: Reducing ion leakage and enabling saltatory conduction
Q23. Which neuronal structure contains Nissl bodies and is the main site of protein synthesis?
- Axon terminal
- Soma (cell body)
- Node of Ranvier
- Myelin sheath
Correct Answer: Soma (cell body)
Q24. Peripheral nerve regeneration is more successful than central because:
- Oligodendrocytes promote axon regrowth in CNS
- Schwann cells create a permissive environment for regrowth in PNS
- Blood–brain barrier allows immune cells to aid repair
- CNS neurons retain mitotic ability
Correct Answer: Schwann cells create a permissive environment for regrowth in PNS
Q25. Which receptor type on the postsynaptic membrane is an ionotropic receptor?
- Metabotropic G-protein coupled receptor
- Ligand-gated ion channel
- Trophic neurotrophin receptor
- Tyrosine kinase receptor
Correct Answer: Ligand-gated ion channel
Q26. Which region of the spinal cord contains motor neuron cell bodies that innervate skeletal muscle?
- Dorsal horn
- Lateral horn
- Ventral horn
- Posterior column
Correct Answer: Ventral horn
Q27. Dopamine deficiency in specific CNS pathways is primarily associated with which condition?
- Alzheimer disease
- Parkinson disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Multiple sclerosis
Correct Answer: Parkinson disease
Q28. Which process best describes synaptic plasticity important for learning and memory?
- Static synaptic strength over time
- Long-term potentiation and long-term depression
- Immediate neuronal apoptosis after stimulation
- Permanent blockade of all ion channels
Correct Answer: Long-term potentiation and long-term depression
Q29. Which of the following is NOT a function of neuroglia?
- Structural support for neurons
- Propagation of action potentials between organs
- Phagocytosis and immune defense in CNS
- Regulation of extracellular ion and neurotransmitter levels
Correct Answer: Propagation of action potentials between organs
Q30. Choroid plexus epithelial cells primarily produce which substance?
- Blood plasma proteins
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Myelin basic protein
- Synaptic vesicles
Correct Answer: Cerebrospinal fluid
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com