What is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Neuron — The Neuron (nerve cell) is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Each neuron has: Cell body (soma) containing nucleus and organelles; Dendrites - short branching processes that receive signals; Axon - long process that carries signals away from the cell body. The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons. Neurons communicate via electrical impulses and chemical messengers (neurotransmitters). Unlike most body cells, mature neurons generally cannot divide (post-mitotic) - making nerve injury often permanent.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) — The nervous system is divided into: CNS (Brain + Spinal cord) - the processing and integration centre - Protected by skull, vertebral column, meninges, and CSF. PNS (All nervous tissue outside the CNS) - 12 pairs of cranial nerves + 31 pairs of spinal nerves and their branches. The PNS is further divided into: Somatic NS (voluntary control of skeletal muscles) and Autonomic NS (involuntary control of visceral organs - Sympathetic + Parasympathetic).

A. Somatic and visceral nervous system

B. Sensory and motor nervous system

D. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Dendrites — Dendrites are the short, highly branched extensions of the neuron that receive incoming signals from other neurons and carry them toward the cell body. The word dendrite comes from Greek dendron meaning tree. Each neuron may have thousands of dendrites forming a dendritic tree, greatly increasing the surface area for receiving signals. Dendrites contain receptor proteins for neurotransmitters released at synapses. The more dendrites a neuron has, the more connections (synapses) it can form with other neurons.

What is the function of the axon in a neuron? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

A. Carries impulses away from cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands — The Axon (nerve fibre) is the long, slender extension of the neuron that carries electrical impulses (action potentials) AWAY from the cell body. Key facts: Can be up to 1 metre long (e.g., neurons supplying leg muscles via the sciatic nerve). Usually one axon per neuron (may branch into axon collaterals). Ends in axon terminals (synaptic knobs) which release neurotransmitters. May be covered by myelin sheath (speeds up conduction). Mnemonic: Axon = Away from cell body.

B. Receives signals from adjacent neurons

D. Stores neurotransmitters permanently

The myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system is formed by which cells? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Schwann cells — The myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that wraps around axons of many neurons. Schwann cells form myelin in the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System). Oligodendrocytes form myelin in the CNS (Central Nervous System). Functions of myelin: Electrical insulation, speeds impulse conduction via saltatory conduction (impulse jumps between Nodes of Ranvier). Myelinated fibres conduct at 70-120 m/s vs unmyelinated at 0.5-2 m/s. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) = autoimmune destruction of myelin in the CNS causing neurological deficits.

Saltatory conduction of nerve impulses occurs at which structures? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Nodes of Ranvier — Nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath at regular intervals (~1 mm apart) along a myelinated axon. Saltatory conduction (from Latin saltare = to leap) occurs when the nerve impulse jumps from one node to the next - rather than travelling continuously along the entire axon. This dramatically increases speed of conduction (up to 100x faster) and reduces energy expenditure (Na+/K+ pumps only work at nodes). Named after Louis-Antoine Ranvier (French pathologist, 1871). In demyelinating diseases like MS, destruction of myelin eliminates nodes causing slowed/blocked conduction.

What is a synapse? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. The junction between two neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted — A Synapse is the junction between two neurons (or between a neuron and a muscle/gland) where signals are transmitted. Components: Presynaptic neuron (axon terminal - releases neurotransmitters), Synaptic cleft (tiny gap ~20-40 nm), and Postsynaptic neuron (has receptors that bind neurotransmitters). Transmission: Action potential > Ca2+ influx > vesicle fusion > neurotransmitter released > binds receptors > EPSP (excitatory) or IPSP (inhibitory). Most brain synapses are chemical synapses. Electrical synapses (gap junctions) allow direct ion flow - faster but less versatile.

A. The fatty insulating layer around an axon

B. The cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus

C. The fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Acetylcholine — Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) - the synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fibre. It binds to nicotinic receptors on muscle causing depolarisation and muscle contraction. ACh is also used in: All parasympathetic postganglionic synapses, All autonomic ganglia, and CNS (memory and learning). Myasthenia Gravis: Autoimmune destruction of ACh receptors at NMJ causes muscle weakness. Organophosphate poisoning: Inhibits acetylcholinesterase causing ACh accumulation. Botulinum toxin blocks ACh release causing muscle paralysis.

Which neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson's disease? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Dopamine — Parkinson's Disease is caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra (midbrain), leading to deficiency of Dopamine in the basal ganglia circuit. Dopamine is essential for smooth, coordinated movement. Features of Parkinson's (TRAP mnemonic): Tremor (resting tremor - pill-rolling), Rigidity (cogwheel rigidity), Akinesia/Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and Postural instability. Treatment: Levodopa (L-DOPA) - dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Also: dopamine agonists (pramipexole), MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline).

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS is? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) — GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It acts by opening Cl- channels causing hyperpolarisation and reduced neuronal excitability. Drugs that enhance GABA activity: Benzodiazepines (diazepam/Valium - anti-anxiety, sedative, anticonvulsant), Barbiturates (phenobarbitone - sedative, anticonvulsant), and Alcohol (enhances GABA causing CNS depression). Reduced GABA activity causes seizures (epilepsy). Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. The balance between GABA (inhibitory) and Glutamate (excitatory) is critical for normal brain function.

Which part of the brain is responsible for voluntary movement and higher cognitive functions? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Cerebrum (Cerebral cortex) — The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain (~85% of brain weight). Its outer layer, the Cerebral Cortex (grey matter, 2-4 mm thick), is responsible for: Voluntary movement (Motor cortex - frontal lobe), Sensory perception (Somatosensory cortex - parietal lobe), Language (Broca's area - speech production; Wernicke's area - speech comprehension), Memory, learning, reasoning, consciousness, Vision (occipital lobe), and Hearing (temporal lobe). The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure, connected by the corpus callosum.

The cerebellum is primarily responsible for which function? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Coordination of movement, balance, and posture — The Cerebellum (little brain) is located at the posterior cranial fossa. It represents only ~10% of brain volume but contains ~50% of all brain neurons. Functions: Coordination of voluntary movements (ensures smooth, precise movements), Balance and posture (works with the vestibular system), Motor learning (learning new motor skills - riding a bike, playing piano), and Fine-tuning of movement. Cerebellar damage causes: Ataxia (unsteady gait, incoordination), Dysdiadochokinesia (inability to perform rapid alternating movements), Intention tremor, Nystagmus, and Dysarthria (slurred speech).

B. Processing visual information

D. Controlling hunger and thirst

Which part of the brainstem controls vital functions like heartbeat and breathing? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Medulla oblongata — The Medulla Oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem, continuous with the spinal cord. It contains vital autonomic control centres: Cardiac centre (regulates heart rate and force), Vasomotor centre (regulates blood vessel tone and blood pressure), Respiratory centre (controls breathing rhythm with the pons), and Reflex centres (coughing, sneezing, swallowing, vomiting, hiccupping). The medulla is known as the vital centre because damage to it is rapidly fatal. It contains the pyramidal decussation where corticospinal tracts cross - explaining why the left brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa.

The hypothalamus is best described as the: — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Master regulator of the autonomic nervous system and homeostasis - controls temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormones — The Hypothalamus is a small but critically important structure in the diencephalon. Functions: Temperature regulation (thermostat of the body), Hunger and satiety (feeding centre and satiety centre), Thirst (osmoreceptors - control of ADH release), Sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm regulation), Emotion and behaviour (rage, fear, pleasure), Endocrine control (controls the anterior pituitary via releasing hormones and produces ADH and Oxytocin released by posterior pituitary), and Autonomic NS control (sympathetic and parasympathetic responses).

A. Centre for language processing

C. Primary visual processing area

D. Site of voluntary motor control

What is the thalamus? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. A relay station that receives sensory information and routes it to the appropriate cerebral cortex areas — The Thalamus is a large, egg-shaped structure in the diencephalon - the gateway to the cortex. It: Receives almost all sensory information (except smell/olfaction - which goes directly to cortex), Relays and filters sensory signals to appropriate cortical areas, and Processes pain, temperature, touch, vision, hearing, taste, proprioception. Also involved in: Motor control (receives cerebellar and basal ganglia output - relays to motor cortex), consciousness, and sleep-wake regulation. Thalamic strokes can cause sensory deficits on the opposite side of the body.

A. The centre for hormone production

B. The primary centre for emotional responses

D. The reflex centre for breathing

How many pairs of cranial nerves are present in humans? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. 12 pairs — There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that arise directly from the brain. Mnemonic: On Old Olympus Towering Tops A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops. I - Olfactory (smell), II - Optic (vision), III - Oculomotor (eye movement), IV - Trochlear (eye movement), V - Trigeminal (face sensation + chewing), VI - Abducens (eye movement), VII - Facial (facial expression + taste), VIII - Vestibulocochlear (hearing + balance), IX - Glossopharyngeal (throat + taste), X - Vagus (visceral organs), XI - Spinal Accessory (neck/shoulder muscles), XII - Hypoglossal (tongue movement).

How many pairs of spinal nerves are present in humans? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. 31 pairs — There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves arising from the spinal cord: Cervical (C1-C8) = 8 pairs (neck, shoulders, arms), Thoracic (T1-T12) = 12 pairs (chest, upper abdomen, back), Lumbar (L1-L5) = 5 pairs (lower back, anterior legs), Sacral (S1-S5) = 5 pairs (buttocks, posterior legs, bladder), and Coccygeal (Co1) = 1 pair (coccyx region). Each spinal nerve has a dorsal root (sensory - carries afferent signals) and a ventral root (motor - carries efferent signals). The dorsal root ganglion contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons.

What is a reflex action? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. A rapid, automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus that does not require conscious thought — A Reflex Action is a rapid, automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus. It does not require conscious thought because it is processed in the spinal cord (not the brain). The pathway is called a reflex arc: Stimulus > Receptor > Afferent (sensory) neuron > Integration centre (spinal cord) > Efferent (motor) neuron > Effector (muscle/gland) > Response. Types: Monosynaptic reflex (e.g., knee-jerk/patellar reflex - only 1 synapse) and Polysynaptic reflex (e.g., withdrawal reflex from pain - multiple synapses and interneurons). Reflexes allow the body to respond faster than conscious thought.

A. A voluntary, conscious response to a stimulus

C. A delayed response processed in the cerebral cortex

D. A response involving only the autonomic nervous system

The knee-jerk reflex (patellar reflex) is an example of which type of reflex? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Monosynaptic stretch reflex — The Knee-jerk (Patellar) Reflex is the classic example of a monosynaptic stretch reflex: Tapping the patellar tendon stretches the quadriceps muscle. Muscle spindles detect the stretch. Sensory neuron carries signal to spinal cord (L3-L4). Directly synapses with the motor neuron (only ONE synapse - monosynaptic). Motor neuron signals quadriceps to contract causing knee extension. Used clinically to test the integrity of the L3-L4 spinal segment and the femoral nerve. Absent reflex = lower motor neuron lesion. Exaggerated reflex = upper motor neuron lesion.

What is the somatic nervous system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and conveys sensory information to the CNS — The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) is the division of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles (under conscious control) and carries sensory information (touch, pain, temperature, proprioception) from the body to the CNS. Components: Afferent (sensory) fibres (carry information FROM skin, muscles, joints TO CNS) and Efferent (motor) fibres (carry commands FROM CNS TO skeletal muscles). The neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction is Acetylcholine (ACh). Somatic motor neurons are large, fast, myelinated (A-alpha) fibres.

A. Controls involuntary functions of internal organs

C. Controls heart rate and digestion

D. Regulates the fight-or-flight response

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. The division of the PNS that controls involuntary functions of internal organs, glands, and smooth muscle — The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the division of the PNS that regulates involuntary body functions not under conscious control: Heart rate and blood pressure, Digestion and peristalsis, Breathing rate, Glandular secretions (sweat, saliva, hormones), and Pupil size and bladder control. Divided into: Sympathetic NS (fight or flight), Parasympathetic NS (rest and digest), and Enteric NS (gut nervous system - second brain). The ANS uses a two-neuron chain: preganglionic neuron (CNS) > ganglion > postganglionic neuron > effector organ.

A. Controls voluntary skeletal muscle movement

B. Responsible for sensory perception only

D. Responsible for processing information in the cerebral cortex

What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Prepares the body for fight or flight - increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion — The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight) prepares the body for emergency action: Heart (increases rate and force - tachycardia), Lungs (bronchodilation), Pupils (dilation - mydriasis), Blood vessels (vasoconstriction in skin/gut; vasodilation in muscles), Digestion (inhibited - decreased peristalsis, dry mouth), Adrenal medulla (releases adrenaline and noradrenaline), Liver (glycogenolysis - releases glucose), Sweat glands (increased sweating), and Bladder (relaxation - urinary retention). Neurotransmitter: Noradrenaline at postganglionic synapses. Origin: Thoracolumbar outflow (T1-L2).

A. Slows heart rate, increases digestion, constricts pupils

D. Stimulates salivation and lacrimation

What are the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Promotes rest and digestion - slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, constricts pupils — The Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest and Digest) promotes normal, relaxed body functions: Heart (decreases rate - bradycardia - via vagus nerve CN X), Lungs (bronchoconstriction), Pupils (constriction - miosis), Digestion (stimulated - increases peristalsis, saliva, gastric acid), Bladder (contracts - promotes urination), Glands (increases salivation, lacrimation, mucus secretion), and Sexual function (erection - parasympathetic). Mnemonic: Point and Shoot (Parasympathetic = erection/Point; Sympathetic = ejaculation/Shoot). Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) at all parasympathetic synapses.

A. Prepares the body for emergency responses

B. Increases heart rate and blood pressure during stress

D. Stimulates release of adrenaline from adrenal medulla

The vagus nerve belongs to which cranial nerve number? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Cranial nerve X — The Vagus Nerve (CN X) is the 10th cranial nerve and the most important nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is the longest cranial nerve (vagus = wanderer in Latin). It supplies: Heart (slows rate), Lungs (bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion), Oesophagus and stomach (peristalsis, gastric acid), Small intestine and proximal large intestine, and Liver, pancreas, kidneys. Also carries sensory fibres from visceral organs and motor fibres to the pharynx and larynx (speech, swallowing). Vagotomy (cutting the vagus) reduces gastric acid - previously used for peptic ulcers.

What is the cerebral cortex? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. The outermost layer of grey matter covering the cerebrum responsible for higher brain functions — The Cerebral Cortex is the thin outermost layer of grey matter (2-4 mm thick) covering the cerebral hemispheres. It is highly folded (convoluted) forming gyri (ridges) and sulci (grooves) - dramatically increasing surface area (~2500 cm2). Functional areas: Motor cortex (precentral gyrus - frontal lobe), Somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus - parietal lobe), Visual cortex (occipital lobe), Auditory cortex (temporal lobe), and Association areas for higher functions (reasoning, planning, language).

A. The inner white matter of the cerebrum

B. The fluid-filled cavities within the brain

D. The membrane covering the brain

What is the corpus callosum? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. The band of nerve fibres connecting the two cerebral hemispheres — The Corpus Callosum is the largest white matter commissure in the brain - a thick band of approximately 200-250 million myelinated nerve fibres that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate and share information. It is located in the longitudinal fissure between the two hemispheres. Functions: Allows interhemispheric communication and transfers sensory, motor, and cognitive information between hemispheres. Split-brain syndrome: Surgical cutting of corpus callosum (corpus callosotomy) done for severe epilepsy results in the two hemispheres acting independently.

A. A fluid-filled cavity in the brain

B. The outer covering of the brain

D. The region controlling balance in the brain

Broca's area is associated with which function? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Speech production (motor speech) — Broca's Area (Brodmann areas 44 and 45) is located in the posterior inferior frontal gyrus of the dominant (usually left) hemisphere. Named after French surgeon Paul Broca (1861). Function: Motor speech production - coordinates movements of lips, tongue, and larynx needed for speaking. Broca's Aphasia (Expressive/Motor aphasia): Damage causes difficulty producing speech (non-fluent, telegraphic speech) but relatively preserved comprehension. Compare: Wernicke's area (temporal lobe) = speech comprehension - damage causes fluent but meaningless speech.

A. Processing visual information

C. Coordinating balance and posture

What is the function of the hippocampus? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Essential for formation of new memories (memory consolidation) and spatial navigation — The Hippocampus (Greek: sea horse) is a curved structure in the medial temporal lobe, part of the limbic system. Functions: Memory consolidation (converts short-term memories to long-term memories), Spatial navigation (contains place cells - mental map of the environment), and Learning new information. Alzheimer's disease: Hippocampus is one of the first areas damaged causing early memory loss (anterograde amnesia). HM (Henry Molaison): Famous case - bilateral hippocampectomy for epilepsy caused severe anterograde amnesia. Chronic stress/cortisol can damage the hippocampus (reduced neurogenesis).

A. Controls voluntary movement of the body

B. Regulates hunger and body temperature

D. Controls heart rate and blood pressure

What is the limbic system? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. A group of brain structures involved in emotions, behaviour, memory, and motivation — The Limbic System is a set of interconnected brain structures forming the emotional brain. Key structures: Hippocampus (memory formation, spatial navigation), Amygdala (fear, aggression, emotional processing), Hypothalamus (homeostasis, drives - hunger, thirst, sex), Cingulate cortex (attention, emotion-cognition integration), Olfactory bulb (smell - directly connected to limbic system - explains why smells evoke powerful memories), and Mammillary bodies (memory - damaged in Korsakoff's syndrome from thiamine/B1 deficiency due to chronic alcoholism). The limbic system connects the primitive brainstem with the higher cognitive cerebral cortex.

A. The system controlling voluntary movement

C. The system that controls reflexes

D. The sensory pathway for vision and hearing

What is the function of the amygdala? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

D. Processes emotions, especially fear and aggression, and forms emotional memories — The Amygdala (Greek: almond) is an almond-shaped structure in the medial temporal lobe, part of the limbic system. Functions: Fear processing and fear conditioning (the fear centre of the brain), Aggression and threatening behaviour, Emotional memory (attaches emotional significance to memories), and Threat detection (triggers fight-or-flight response via hypothalamus). Kluver-Bucy Syndrome: Bilateral amygdala damage causes loss of fear, hypersexuality, hyperorality (putting everything in mouth). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Hyperactive amygdala causes exaggerated fear responses.

A. Controls balance and fine motor coordination

B. Regulates sleep and wakefulness

C. Produces cerebrospinal fluid

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. A clear, colourless fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord — Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless fluid that fills the subarachnoid space, ventricles of the brain, and the central canal of the spinal cord. Production: ~500 mL/day by the choroid plexus in the ventricles. Total volume at any time: ~150 mL (reabsorbed at arachnoid granulations). Functions: Mechanical cushion (protects brain from injury), Buoyancy (reduces effective brain weight from 1400g to ~25g), Nutrient and waste transport, and Maintains stable chemical environment. CSF analysis (lumbar puncture) diagnoses: Meningitis (cloudy CSF, raised WBCs), Subarachnoid haemorrhage (xanthochromic CSF), and Multiple sclerosis (oligoclonal bands).

A. Blood plasma filtered into brain tissue

C. Fluid secreted by the choroid plexus that only nourishes the brain

D. A hormone produced in the ventricles

What is the condition called when excess CSF accumulates in the brain? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Hydrocephalus — Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) is a condition where excess CSF accumulates in the ventricles of the brain, causing increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Causes: Obstructive (Non-communicating) = Blockage within the ventricular system (e.g., aqueduct stenosis, tumour). Non-obstructive (Communicating) = Impaired CSF reabsorption at arachnoid granulations (e.g., after meningitis, subarachnoid haemorrhage). In infants: enlarging head circumference, bulging fontanelle, sunset sign. In adults: headache, vomiting, papilloedema (raised ICP). Treatment: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt - drains CSF from ventricle to peritoneum.

What are the meninges? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord - dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater — The Meninges are three protective membranes (from outside to inside): 1) Dura Mater (tough mother) = Outermost, thickest, fibrous layer. Attached to inner skull. Contains dural venous sinuses. 2) Arachnoid Mater (spider-like) = Middle layer, thin and weblike. The subarachnoid space between arachnoid and pia contains CSF. Arachnoid granulations reabsorb CSF. 3) Pia Mater (tender mother) = Innermost, delicate, directly covers brain surface. Meningitis = inflammation of meninges. Epidural haematoma = blood between skull and dura (arterial). Subdural haematoma = blood between dura and arachnoid (venous).

C. The white matter tracts of the cerebrum

D. Specialised neurons in the cerebral cortex

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath in the CNS causing progressive neurological deficits — Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath around axons, forming plaques/scleroses throughout the CNS. Features: Relapsing-Remitting MS (most common - 85%): Episodes of neurological deficits followed by recovery. Symptoms: Visual problems (optic neuritis - common first symptom), weakness, numbness, tingling, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, cognitive impairment. Uhthoff's phenomenon: Symptoms worsen with heat. Diagnosis: MRI (white matter plaques), CSF (oligoclonal bands), Visual evoked potentials. Treatment: Interferon-beta, glatiramer, natalizumab, ocrelizumab.

A. A bacterial infection of the meninges

B. A degenerative disease of motor neurons causing progressive paralysis

D. A genetic disease causing degeneration of the cerebellum

What is the action potential? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. A brief, rapid reversal of membrane potential that travels along the axon as the nerve impulse — An Action Potential is the electrical signal (nerve impulse) that travels along the axon. Sequence: 1) Resting potential - Membrane at -70 mV (inside negative - maintained by Na+/K+ pump). 2) Depolarisation - Stimulus causes Na+ channels to open - Na+ rushes IN - membrane reaches +30 to +40 mV. 3) Repolarisation - Na+ channels close - K+ channels open - K+ flows OUT - potential returns toward -70 mV. 4) Hyperpolarisation - Brief dip below -70 mV (refractory period). 5) Returns to resting potential. All-or-nothing principle: Action potential either fires fully or not at all. Refractory period prevents backward propagation.

A. The resting potential of a neuron at -70 mV

B. A gradual decrease in membrane potential

D. The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

What is Alzheimer's disease? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by loss of memory and cognitive decline due to accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles — Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia (60-70% of all dementia cases). Pathology: Amyloid plaques (extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid peptide), Neurofibrillary tangles (intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein), Loss of cholinergic neurons (especially in hippocampus and basal forebrain), and Brain atrophy. Features: Progressive memory loss (anterograde amnesia first), language problems, disorientation, personality changes. Risk factors: Age (>65), APOE-e4 gene, Down syndrome (trisomy 21). Treatment: Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine), Memantine (NMDA antagonist).

A. A disease caused by overproduction of dopamine

B. A viral infection of the brain

D. An autoimmune attack on the myelin sheath

What is Parkinson's disease pathologically characterised by? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and presence of Lewy bodies (alpha-synuclein aggregates) — Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease (after Alzheimer's). Pathological hallmarks: Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (midbrain) causing dopamine depletion in the striatum. Lewy bodies = Intracellular eosinophilic inclusions containing alpha-synuclein protein (pathognomonic finding). Depigmentation of substantia nigra (loss of neuromelanin). Clinical features (TRAP): Tremor (resting, pill-rolling), Rigidity (cogwheel), Akinesia/Bradykinesia, Postural instability. Also: micrographia, masked face, shuffling gait, hypophonia (soft voice). Treatment: Levodopa + Carbidopa, dopamine agonists, deep brain stimulation.

A. Accumulation of beta-amyloid in the substantia nigra

C. Demyelination of corticospinal tracts

D. Degeneration of anterior horn cells

What is epilepsy? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. A disorder of abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain causing recurrent seizures — Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures due to abnormal, excessive electrical discharges in the brain. Types of seizures: Focal (Partial) = Abnormal activity in ONE area (focal aware or focal unaware). Generalised = Abnormal activity involves BOTH hemispheres (Tonic-clonic/grand mal - LOC + convulsions; Absence/petit mal - brief staring spells - 3-Hz spike-wave on EEG; Myoclonic, Atonic, Tonic). Diagnosis: EEG (electroencephalogram). Treatment: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) - sodium valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, levetiracetam. Status epilepticus (seizure >5 minutes) = medical emergency.

A. A progressive muscle wasting disease

C. A viral infection of the meninges

D. Degeneration of the cerebellum causing loss of balance

What is meningitis? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. Inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) usually caused by infection — Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges usually caused by infection. Causes: Bacterial meningitis (most serious) - Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal - most common in adolescents), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal - most common in adults), Listeria (elderly/immunocompromised). Viral meningitis (most common, usually milder): Enteroviruses, HSV, mumps. Classic triad: Fever + Headache + Neck stiffness. Signs: Kernig's sign, Brudzinski's sign. Non-blanching petechial rash = meningococcal septicaemia (medical emergency). Treatment: IV ceftriaxone (empirical). Prevention: MenACWY and MenB vaccines.

A. Inflammation of the brain tissue itself

B. Degeneration of myelin in the CNS

D. Bleeding between the skull and dura mater

What is a stroke (cerebrovascular accident - CVA)? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

B. A sudden interruption of blood supply to part of the brain causing brain cell death and neurological deficits — A Stroke (CVA) is a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain causing brain cells to die (time is brain - ~1.9 million neurons die per minute during a stroke). Types: Ischaemic stroke (~85%) - Blood clot blocks cerebral artery (Thrombosis or Embolism). Haemorrhagic stroke (~15%) = Rupture of blood vessel causing bleeding into brain. FAST signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency. Treatment: Thrombolysis (tPA) within 4.5 hours for ischaemic stroke; surgery for haemorrhagic. Prevention: Control hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, smoking.

A. A sudden loss of hearing due to nerve damage

C. A sudden electrical discharge causing seizures

D. Inflammation of the brain caused by viral infection

What is the blood-brain barrier (BBB)? — Electrical Engineering MCQ

C. A selective barrier formed by tight junctions in brain capillary endothelium that protects the brain from harmful blood-borne substances — The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is formed by tight junctions between brain capillary endothelial cells, supported by astrocyte end-feet and pericytes. Allows: O2, CO2, glucose (GLUT1), water, lipid-soluble molecules (alcohol, anaesthetics, psychoactive drugs). Blocks: most large molecules, proteins, most bacteria, and many drugs (major challenge for CNS drug delivery). Absent in circumventricular organs (area postrema/vomiting centre, hypothalamus, pituitary). Clinical relevance: CNS drug design must account for BBB penetration. Meningitis disrupts BBB causing brain oedema.

A. The bony skull protecting the brain

B. The meninges surrounding the brain

D. The cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the CNS

Nervous System MCQ [ Free PDF Download ] for RRB & SSC and other Competitive exams

Nervous System MCQ for RRB & SSC and other Competitive exams

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What is neuropathic pain?

✓ Answer: B Pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system itself - characterised by burning, shooting, or electric pain with allodynia and hyperalgesia

Neuropathic Pain arises from direct damage to or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system (peripheral nerves or CNS) - unlike nociceptive pain (from tissue damage). Characteristics: Burning, shooting, electric shock-like, stabbing pain. Allodynia = Pain from normally non-painful stimuli (e.g., light touch). Hyperalgesia = Exaggerated pain response to painful stimuli. Spontaneous pain = Pain without any apparent stimulus. Causes: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (most common), Post-herpetic neuralgia (after shingles), Trigeminal neuralgia, Phantom limb pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), MS, and spinal cord injury. Treatment: Amitriptyline (TCA), Duloxetine (SNRI), Pregabalin/Gabapentin (calcium channel modulators), and Topical lidocaine/capsaicin. Standard analgesics (NSAIDs, paracetamol) are often ineffective.

What is motor neuron disease (MND)?

✓ Answer: C A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons causing wasting, weakness, and eventually respiratory failure

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting both UMNs and LMNs. Most common form: ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - Lou Gehrig's disease. UMN features: Spasticity, hyperreflexia, Babinski sign. LMN features: Wasting, fasciculations, weakness. Spares: Sensation, cognition (usually), eye movements, bladder/bowel. Fatal - usually within 3-5 years (respiratory failure). Famous patients: Stephen Hawking (physicist), Lou Gehrig (baseball player). ~10% are familial (SOD1, C9orf72 gene mutations). Treatment: Riluzole (modestly slows progression - glutamate antagonist), supportive care, ventilation, PEG feeding. NICE approved Tofersen (antisense oligonucleotide) for SOD1-ALS.

What is the significance of the Babinski sign?

✓ Answer: C Extension of the big toe and fanning of other toes when the lateral sole is stroked - normal in infants but indicates upper motor neuron lesion in adults

The Babinski Sign (Plantar Response): The lateral sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe. Normal (adults): Toes flex downward (plantar flexion) = negative Babinski. Abnormal (Babinski positive): Big toe extends upward (dorsiflexion) + other toes fan outward = indicates Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) lesion. Normal in infants (up to ~18 months) because the corticospinal tract is not yet fully myelinated. Positive Babinski in adults = pathological UMN lesion (stroke, MS, spinal cord compression). Named after Joseph Babinski (French-Polish neurologist, 1896). Other signs of UMN lesion: Hyperreflexia, clonus, spasticity, weakness. Essential part of every neurological examination.

What is the trigeminal nerve (CN V) responsible for?

✓ Answer: C Sensation from the face and motor control of mastication (chewing) muscles

The Trigeminal Nerve (CN V) is the largest cranial nerve and has both sensory and motor functions. Three divisions: V1 (Ophthalmic) = Sensory - forehead, scalp, nose, cornea (corneal reflex - afferent limb). V2 (Maxillary) = Sensory - cheeks, upper lip, upper teeth, palate. V3 (Mandibular) = Sensory - lower jaw, lower teeth + Motor - muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids). Trigeminal Neuralgia: Sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain in the face - one of the worst pain syndromes known. Triggered by light touch (eating, talking). Treatment: Carbamazepine (first-line). Herpes zoster (shingles) commonly affects V1 division causing painful rash around eye (Herpes zoster ophthalmicus).

What is Huntington's disease?

✓ Answer: C A genetic autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease causing involuntary movements (chorea), psychiatric symptoms, and dementia

Huntington's Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat (>36 repeats) in the HTT gene on chromosome 4, producing mutant huntingtin protein that is toxic to neurons. Anticipation: Number of repeats increases with each generation causing earlier onset in offspring. Primarily affects the striatum (caudate nucleus) and later the cerebral cortex. Features (typically onset 30-50 years): Chorea (involuntary, jerky, dance-like movements), Psychiatric (depression, anxiety, personality change - often precede motor symptoms by years), Dementia (progressive cognitive decline), and Dysphagia (aspiration risk). No cure. Treatment: Tetrabenazine (depletes dopamine - reduces chorea), antidepressants, antipsychotics. Fatal within 15-20 years of onset. Genetic testing available - raises ethical dilemmas.

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

✓ Answer: C A scale used to objectively assess consciousness level based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was developed at the University of Glasgow (Teasdale and Jennett, 1974) to standardise assessment of consciousness level after brain injury. Three components (mnemonic: EMV - Eye, Motor, Verbal): Eye Opening (E) = 4 Spontaneous, 3 To voice, 2 To pain, 1 None. Verbal Response (V) = 5 Oriented, 4 Confused, 3 Words, 2 Sounds, 1 None. Motor Response (M) = 6 Obeys commands, 5 Localises, 4 Withdraws, 3 Flexion, 2 Extension, 1 None. Total score: 3-15. Maximum = 15 (fully conscious). Minimum = 3 (deep coma). Score <=8 = severe brain injury (consider intubation). Score 9-12 = moderate injury. Score 13-15 = mild injury. Used in ICU, trauma, and emergency medicine worldwide.

What is the facial nerve (CN VII) responsible for?

✓ Answer: B Facial expression, taste from anterior 2/3 of tongue, and lacrimation/salivation

The Facial Nerve (CN VII) has multiple functions: Motor = Muscles of facial expression (forehead, eyes, nose, mouth - raises eyebrows, closes eyes, smiles). Sensory = Taste from the anterior 2/3 of tongue (via chorda tympani branch). Parasympathetic = Lacrimation (tear secretion - lacrimal gland) and Salivation (submandibular and sublingual glands). Bell's Palsy: Idiopathic (often viral - HSV) unilateral lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy causing entire face on one side to droop (including forehead - helps distinguish from UMN stroke where forehead spared due to bilateral cortical representation). Treatment: Prednisolone (oral steroids), eye protection. Most recover fully within weeks.

What is the difference between sensory and motor nerve fibres?

✓ Answer: C Sensory (afferent) fibres carry signals from receptors to the CNS; motor (efferent) fibres carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands

Sensory (Afferent) fibres: Carry signals FROM sensory receptors (skin, muscle, organs) TO the CNS. Cell bodies in dorsal root ganglia (spinal nerves) or cranial nerve ganglia. Enter the spinal cord via the dorsal root (Bell-Magendie Law - dorsal = sensory). Motor (Efferent) fibres: Carry commands FROM CNS TO effectors (muscles and glands). Cell bodies in anterior horn of spinal cord (somatic motor) or lateral horn (autonomic). Leave via the ventral root (Bell-Magendie Law - ventral = motor). Most spinal nerves are mixed nerves (contain both sensory and motor fibres). Mnemonic: SAME DAVE = Sensory = Afferent; Motor = Efferent; Dorsal = Afferent; Ventral = Efferent.

What is an EEG (Electroencephalogram) and what is it used for?

✓ Answer: B A test that records the electrical activity of the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp - used to diagnose epilepsy and sleep disorders

An EEG (Electroencephalogram) records electrical activity (brain waves) from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp - non-invasive. Normal brain wave patterns by frequency: Delta (0.5-4 Hz) = Deep sleep, infants, brain disease. Theta (4-8 Hz) = Drowsiness, light sleep, meditation. Alpha (8-13 Hz) = Relaxed, awake, eyes closed. Beta (13-30 Hz) = Alert, active thinking, anxiety. Gamma (>30 Hz) = High-level cognitive processing. Clinical uses: Epilepsy diagnosis (characteristic spike-wave patterns), Sleep disorders (polysomnography), Encephalopathy, Brain death (flat/isoelectric EEG), and Monitoring sedation in ICU. Limitations: Poor spatial resolution (compared to MRI). Advantages: Excellent temporal resolution, cheap, non-invasive, and bedside.

What part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing vision?

✓ Answer: D Occipital lobe

The Occipital Lobe is located at the posterior pole of the brain and is the primary centre for visual processing. Key areas: Primary Visual Cortex (V1) = Brodmann area 17, located in the calcarine sulcus - receives raw visual input from the thalamus (LGN). Visual association cortex (V2-V5) = Processes colour, motion, depth, shape. Two visual processing streams: Dorsal stream (Where pathway) = Occipital > Parietal - spatial awareness, motion. Ventral stream (What pathway) = Occipital > Temporal - object recognition, face recognition. Occipital lobe damage: Cortical blindness (cannot see but pupils react to light), Visual agnosia (cannot recognise objects). Anton syndrome: Patient is blind but denies it (confabulates).

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