Introduction: Neuroglia MCQs With Answer designed for B.Pharm students provide a focused, keyword-rich overview of glial cell biology, functions, and pharmacological relevance. This concise study aid covers astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells and satellite cells, emphasizing roles in myelination, blood-brain barrier maintenance, neurotransmitter uptake, K+ buffering, neuroinflammation and drug delivery. Intended for exam prep and clinical application, these MCQs highlight diagnostic markers, pathophysiology of demyelinating diseases, and therapeutic targets relevant to pharmacists. Simple explanations paired with targeted questions help reinforce core concepts and improve retention. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which glial cell type is primarily responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?
- Schwann cells
- Oligodendrocytes
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
Correct Answer: Oligodendrocytes
Q2. Which glial cells are the resident immune cells of the CNS and participate in phagocytosis?
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
- Oligodendrocytes
Correct Answer: Microglia
Q3. Which glial cell contributes most directly to the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
- Oligodendrocytes
- Schwann cells
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
Correct Answer: Astrocytes
Q4. Which transporter in astrocytes is primarily responsible for glutamate uptake from the synaptic cleft?
- GLT-1 (EAAT2)
- GAT-1
- NKCC1
- DAT
Correct Answer: GLT-1 (EAAT2)
Q5. Myelin produced by oligodendrocytes differs from peripheral myelin produced by Schwann cells because oligodendrocytes:
- Wrap a single axon segment only
- Can myelinate multiple axonal segments from different neurons
- Are found in peripheral nerves
- Are derived from neural crest cells
Correct Answer: Can myelinate multiple axonal segments from different neurons
Q6. Which glial cell type lines the cerebral ventricles and participates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and circulation?
- Ependymal cells
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocytes
- Microglia
Correct Answer: Ependymal cells
Q7. Astrocytic end-feet influence drug delivery to the brain mainly by interacting with:
- Pericytes only
- Endothelial tight junctions of cerebral capillaries
- Microglial receptors
- Oligodendrocyte processes
Correct Answer: Endothelial tight junctions of cerebral capillaries
Q8. Which potassium-handling function is a key role of astrocytes in maintaining neuronal excitability?
- Secreting potassium into synaptic cleft
- K+ spatial buffering
- Generating action potentials
- Inhibiting Na+/K+ ATPase
Correct Answer: K+ spatial buffering
Q9. Which marker is commonly used to identify astrocytes in immunohistochemistry?
- MBP (myelin basic protein)
- GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein)
- NeuN
- CD68
Correct Answer: GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein)
Q10. Microglia are derived from which embryologic lineage?
- Neural crest
- Mesenchymal stem cells
- Yolk sac–derived myeloid precursors
- Neuroectoderm
Correct Answer: Yolk sac–derived myeloid precursors
Q11. Which glial cell stores glycogen and supplies lactate to neurons during high activity?
- Oligodendrocytes
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
Correct Answer: Astrocytes
Q12. In multiple sclerosis, the primary pathologic event is loss of:
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Myelin in the CNS
- Peripheral nerve nodes
Correct Answer: Myelin in the CNS
Q13. Which ion channel family on astrocytes facilitates K+ uptake and is important for spatial buffering?
- Voltage-gated Na+ channels
- Kir channels (inwardly rectifying K+ channels)
- TRP channels
- CFTR channels
Correct Answer: Kir channels (inwardly rectifying K+ channels)
Q14. Which myelin protein is a major structural component of compact myelin in the CNS?
- Peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22)
- Myelin basic protein (MBP)
- Synaptophysin
- GFAP
Correct Answer: Myelin basic protein (MBP)
Q15. Which receptor type on microglia recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activates innate immune responses?
- NMDA receptor
- Toll-like receptor (TLR)
- Dopamine receptor
- GABA-A receptor
Correct Answer: Toll-like receptor (TLR)
Q16. Which process describes the formation of new myelin sheaths by oligodendrocyte precursor cells after injury?
- Demyelination
- Remyelination
- Gliosis
- Apoptosis
Correct Answer: Remyelination
Q17. Which glial cell type can present antigen and modulate adaptive immune responses in the CNS under pathological conditions?
- Ependymal cells
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Schwann cells
Correct Answer: Microglia
Q18. What is the principal effect of astrocyte-mediated glutamate uptake on synaptic transmission?
- Prolongs excitatory signaling
- Prevents excitotoxicity and terminates signaling
- Converts glutamate to dopamine
- Increases synaptic glutamate concentration
Correct Answer: Prevents excitotoxicity and terminates signaling
Q19. Which growth factor produced by astrocytes supports neuronal survival and synapse formation?
- NGF (nerve growth factor)
- BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)
- Insulin
- ACTH
Correct Answer: BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)
Q20. Which extracellular matrix structure associated with astrocytes helps regulate ion diffusion and synaptic microenvironment?
- Perineuronal nets
- Basement membrane exclusively in PNS
- Myelin sheath
- Nodes of Ranvier
Correct Answer: Perineuronal nets
Q21. Which molecule is a common marker for activated microglia and macrophages in the CNS?
- MBP
- CD68
- GFAP
- Synaptophysin
Correct Answer: CD68
Q22. Satellite glial cells are found surrounding neuronal cell bodies in which location?
- CNS gray matter
- Dorsal root ganglia and autonomic ganglia
- Within the bloodstream
- Peripheral muscle fibers
Correct Answer: Dorsal root ganglia and autonomic ganglia
Q23. Which statement about gap junctions between astrocytes is correct?
- They prevent metabolic coupling
- They allow intercellular diffusion of ions and small metabolites
- They are absent in the CNS
- They only connect astrocytes to neurons
Correct Answer: They allow intercellular diffusion of ions and small metabolites
Q24. Which pharmacological strategy targets neuroinflammation by modulating microglial activation?
- Statins that inhibit cholesterol synthesis
- Minocycline with anti-inflammatory microglial effects
- Beta blockers acting on cardiac receptors
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors only
Correct Answer: Minocycline with anti-inflammatory microglial effects
Q25. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) express which marker commonly used in research?
- PDGFRα (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha)
- MBP
- GFAP
- CD68
Correct Answer: PDGFRα (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha)
Q26. Which process best describes reactive astrogliosis after CNS injury?
- Astrocyte apoptosis and loss only
- Astrocyte hypertrophy, proliferation, and scar formation
- Conversion of astrocytes into oligodendrocytes
- Immediate remyelination
Correct Answer: Astrocyte hypertrophy, proliferation, and scar formation
Q27. Which enzyme in astrocytes converts glutamate to glutamine for neuronal recycling?
- Glutamine synthetase
- Glutaminase
- Monoamine oxidase
- Acetylcholinesterase
Correct Answer: Glutamine synthetase
Q28. Which of the following is NOT a function of microglia?
- Synaptic pruning during development
- Phagocytosis of cellular debris
- Forming myelin sheaths in CNS
- Releasing cytokines during inflammation
Correct Answer: Forming myelin sheaths in CNS
Q29. Which glial-related pathology is characterized by astrocyte loss and demyelination often after viral infection or toxin exposure?
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Leukodystrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Peripheral neuropathy
Correct Answer: Leukodystrophy
Q30. Which molecule is critical for node of Ranvier function and is influenced by glial cells?
- Sodium channels (Nav)
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
- Actin filaments
- Mitochondrial DNA
Correct Answer: Sodium channels (Nav)
Q31. How do oligodendrocytes supply metabolic support to axons?
- By secreting synaptic vesicles
- Providing lactate and metabolic substrates through monocarboxylate transporters
- Generating action potentials
- Removing potassium from nodes
Correct Answer: Providing lactate and metabolic substrates through monocarboxylate transporters
Q32. Which glial-derived factor is implicated in promoting angiogenesis and BBB integrity?
- VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
- Insulin-like growth factor only
- Acetylcholine
- Substance P
Correct Answer: VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
Q33. In the context of drug delivery, which glial property presents a major obstacle to small molecule penetration into the brain?
- Astrocytic release of neurotransmitters
- Tight junctions of the BBB formed by endothelial cells supported by astrocytes
- High microglial phagocytosis of drugs
- Excessive CSF flow washing drugs away
Correct Answer: Tight junctions of the BBB formed by endothelial cells supported by astrocytes
Q34. Which cell-surface protein is essential for oligodendrocyte-axon interaction and myelin compaction?
- NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule)
- MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein)
- Albumin
- Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein)
Q35. Which signaling molecule released by microglia can contribute to neuronal death during chronic neuroinflammation?
- TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta)
- TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha)
- Epinephrine
- Glucose
Correct Answer: TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha)
Q36. Which technique is commonly used to study glial cell morphology and marker expression in tissue sections?
- Western blot only
- Immunohistochemistry with cell-specific antibodies
- Polysomnography
- Electrocardiography
Correct Answer: Immunohistochemistry with cell-specific antibodies
Q37. Which effect does astrocyte swelling have on neuronal function during ischemia?
- Improves synaptic transmission
- Increases intracranial pressure and impairs neuronal signaling
- Enhances oxygen delivery to neurons
- Promotes remyelination
Correct Answer: Increases intracranial pressure and impairs neuronal signaling
Q38. Which metabolic interaction between astrocytes and neurons supports neurotransmitter recycling?
- Astrocytes release dopamine directly to neurons
- Glutamate-glutamine cycle
- Myelin turnover
- Axonal transport of proteins
Correct Answer: Glutamate-glutamine cycle
Q39. Which glial alteration is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in affected brain regions?
- Microglial activation and reactive astrogliosis around amyloid plaques
- Complete absence of astrocytes
- Excessive remyelination
- Peripheral nerve demyelination
Correct Answer: Microglial activation and reactive astrogliosis around amyloid plaques
Q40. Which cell type myelinates axons in the peripheral nervous system?
- Oligodendrocytes
- Astrocytes
- Schwann cells
- Microglia
Correct Answer: Schwann cells
Q41. Which channel in astrocytes contributes to water homeostasis in the brain?
- Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)
- Voltage-gated calcium channel
- Na+/K+ pump exclusively
- GLUT1 transporter
Correct Answer: Aquaporin-4 (AQP4)
Q42. Which inflammatory mediator released by activated microglia can be neuroprotective at low concentrations but neurotoxic at high concentrations?
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10)
- Nitric oxide (NO)
- Insulin
- Serotonin
Correct Answer: Nitric oxide (NO)
Q43. Which glial change is commonly observed in epilepsy and is associated with altered extracellular potassium homeostasis?
- Loss of microglia only
- Astrocyte dysfunction and altered Kir channel expression
- Excessive oligodendrocyte proliferation
- Reduced CSF production by ependymal cells
Correct Answer: Astrocyte dysfunction and altered Kir channel expression
Q44. Which therapeutic approach aims to enhance remyelination by stimulating oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation?
- Immunosuppression with corticosteroids only
- Use of growth factors or small molecules promoting OPC differentiation
- Blocking astrocyte gap junctions
- Administration of acetylcholine
Correct Answer: Use of growth factors or small molecules promoting OPC differentiation
Q45. Which glial-derived extracellular vesicles are being investigated as biomarkers and delivery vehicles for CNS diseases?
- Platelet-derived microparticles only
- Astrocyte- and microglia-derived exosomes
- Red blood cell fragments
- Intestinal microvesicles
Correct Answer: Astrocyte- and microglia-derived exosomes
Q46. Which adverse effect is most likely if oligodendrocyte function is severely compromised?
- Enhanced synaptic pruning
- Slowed nerve conduction due to demyelination
- Excess CSF production
- Peripheral muscle hypertrophy
Correct Answer: Slowed nerve conduction due to demyelination
Q47. Which signaling pathway is important for OPC proliferation and migration during development and repair?
- Wnt/β-catenin signaling
- Adrenergic receptor signaling exclusively
- Hemoglobin synthesis pathway
- Glycolysis only
Correct Answer: Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Q48. Which cell type expresses the transcription factor Olig2, important for oligodendrocyte lineage development?
- Astrocytes exclusively
- Oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes
- Microglia exclusively
- Epithelial cells
Correct Answer: Oligodendrocyte precursor cells and oligodendrocytes
Q49. Which imaging modality can indirectly assess glial activation in vivo using specific radioligands?
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Ultrasound only
- Plain radiography (X-ray)
Correct Answer: Positron emission tomography (PET)
Q50. In drug development for CNS disorders, why is targeting glial cells considered a promising strategy?
- Glial cells have no role in disease progression
- Glial modulation can influence neuroinflammation, synaptic function, myelination and BBB permeability
- Drugs cannot reach glial cells
- Glial cells are identical to peripheral fibroblasts
Correct Answer: Glial modulation can influence neuroinflammation, synaptic function, myelination and BBB permeability
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