ATI RN
Test Questions on Autonomic Nervous System MCAT Questions
Question 1 of 5
A ganglion is an aggregate of nerve cell bodies:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the CNS (e.g., sympathetic chain). Inside CNS, they’re called nuclei.
Question 2 of 5
Depolarization of the membrane of a nerve cell occurs by the rapid influx of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Depolarization results from sodium (Na⁺) influx through voltage-gated channels during an action potential. Potassium (K⁺) efflux repolarizes, chloride and anions maintain resting state.
Question 3 of 5
The interior surface of the membrane of a nonconducting neuron differs from the exterior surface in that it is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At rest, the interior is negatively charged (~-70 mV) with less Na⁺ and more K⁺ compared to the exterior (positive, high Na⁺), due to the sodium-potassium pump.
Question 4 of 5
The interruptions occurring at regular intervals along a myelin-coated axon are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials regenerate, enabling saltatory conduction.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing the cranial nerve (CN) function of a college athlete following a head injury. The client can positively identify the aroma of coffee, cloves, and ammonia. The nurse would record that which of the following cranial nerves is functional?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CN I (olfactory) mediates smell, as demonstrated by identifying aromas. CN II (optic) is for vision, CN III (oculomotor) and CN IV (trochlear) control eye movement.