1
BIOS252 / BIOS 252 Exam 2: Anatomy
and Physiology II with Lab
(Chamberlain, 2023/2024) – 50 Multiple-
Choice Questions with Verified Answers
and Rationales
Question 1
What is the primary neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction to excite the
sarcolemma?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter released by motor neurons at the
neuromuscular junction to stimulate muscle contraction by depolarizing the sarcolemma.
Dopamine and serotonin are involved in other neural functions, while GABA is inhibitory.
Question 2
Which structure in the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements?
A. Medulla oblongata
B. Cerebellum
C. Thalamus
D. Hypothalamus
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates voluntary muscle movements, balance, and posture.
The medulla oblongata controls vital functions, the thalamus relays sensory information, and the
hypothalamus regulates autonomic functions.
Question 3
What are the 12 cranial nerves collectively referred to as using a mnemonic?
A. OOOTTAFVGVAH
, 2
B. AFOTTOVAGHVA
C. VAGHOTAFOTTO
D. TTOAFVAGHOO
Rationale: The mnemonic OOOTTAFVGVAH represents the 12 cranial nerves: Olfactory
(I), Optic (II), Oculomotor (III), Trochlear (IV), Trigeminal (V), Abducens (VI), Facial
(VII), Vestibulocochlear (VIII), Glossopharyngeal (IX), Vagus (X), Accessory (XI),
Hypoglossal (XII). The other options are incorrect mnemonics.
Question 4
The substantia nigra releases which neurotransmitter involved in pleasurable experiences and
motor control?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Norepinephrine
Rationale: The substantia nigra releases dopamine, which is critical for motor control and
reward pathways. Serotonin regulates mood, acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation, and
norepinephrine modulates arousal.
Question 5
What is the function of the spinothalamic tract?
A. Transmits motor information to muscles
B. Transmits sensory information like pain and temperature to the brain
C. Regulates autonomic functions
D. Coordinates balance and posture
Rationale: The spinothalamic tract is an ascending pathway that carries sensory
information such as pain, temperature, and crude touch to the brain. The other options
describe functions of different neural pathways.
Question 6
Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
A. Axon
B. Dendrites
, 3
C. Soma
D. Axon terminal
Rationale: Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive synaptic inputs
from other neurons. The axon conducts signals away, the soma processes information, and the
axon terminal releases neurotransmitters.
Question 7
What type of neuron is found in the precentral gyrus?
A. Sensory neurons
B. Motor neurons
C. Interneurons
D. Glial cells
Rationale: The precentral gyrus contains motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle
movements. Sensory neurons are in the postcentral gyrus, interneurons connect neurons, and
glial cells support neurons.
Question 8
Which neuroglial cell type regulates the composition of cerebrospinal fluid?
A. Astrocytes
B. Ependymal cells
C. Microglia
D. Oligodendrocytes
Rationale: Ependymal cells line the ventricles and help produce and regulate cerebrospinal
fluid. Astrocytes support neurons, microglia are immune cells, and oligodendrocytes form
myelin in the CNS.
Question 9
What is the outermost layer of the meninges?
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Subarachnoid space
BIOS252 / BIOS 252 Exam 2: Anatomy
and Physiology II with Lab
(Chamberlain, 2023/2024) – 50 Multiple-
Choice Questions with Verified Answers
and Rationales
Question 1
What is the primary neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction to excite the
sarcolemma?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter released by motor neurons at the
neuromuscular junction to stimulate muscle contraction by depolarizing the sarcolemma.
Dopamine and serotonin are involved in other neural functions, while GABA is inhibitory.
Question 2
Which structure in the brain is responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements?
A. Medulla oblongata
B. Cerebellum
C. Thalamus
D. Hypothalamus
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates voluntary muscle movements, balance, and posture.
The medulla oblongata controls vital functions, the thalamus relays sensory information, and the
hypothalamus regulates autonomic functions.
Question 3
What are the 12 cranial nerves collectively referred to as using a mnemonic?
A. OOOTTAFVGVAH
, 2
B. AFOTTOVAGHVA
C. VAGHOTAFOTTO
D. TTOAFVAGHOO
Rationale: The mnemonic OOOTTAFVGVAH represents the 12 cranial nerves: Olfactory
(I), Optic (II), Oculomotor (III), Trochlear (IV), Trigeminal (V), Abducens (VI), Facial
(VII), Vestibulocochlear (VIII), Glossopharyngeal (IX), Vagus (X), Accessory (XI),
Hypoglossal (XII). The other options are incorrect mnemonics.
Question 4
The substantia nigra releases which neurotransmitter involved in pleasurable experiences and
motor control?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Norepinephrine
Rationale: The substantia nigra releases dopamine, which is critical for motor control and
reward pathways. Serotonin regulates mood, acetylcholine is involved in muscle activation, and
norepinephrine modulates arousal.
Question 5
What is the function of the spinothalamic tract?
A. Transmits motor information to muscles
B. Transmits sensory information like pain and temperature to the brain
C. Regulates autonomic functions
D. Coordinates balance and posture
Rationale: The spinothalamic tract is an ascending pathway that carries sensory
information such as pain, temperature, and crude touch to the brain. The other options
describe functions of different neural pathways.
Question 6
Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
A. Axon
B. Dendrites
, 3
C. Soma
D. Axon terminal
Rationale: Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive synaptic inputs
from other neurons. The axon conducts signals away, the soma processes information, and the
axon terminal releases neurotransmitters.
Question 7
What type of neuron is found in the precentral gyrus?
A. Sensory neurons
B. Motor neurons
C. Interneurons
D. Glial cells
Rationale: The precentral gyrus contains motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle
movements. Sensory neurons are in the postcentral gyrus, interneurons connect neurons, and
glial cells support neurons.
Question 8
Which neuroglial cell type regulates the composition of cerebrospinal fluid?
A. Astrocytes
B. Ependymal cells
C. Microglia
D. Oligodendrocytes
Rationale: Ependymal cells line the ventricles and help produce and regulate cerebrospinal
fluid. Astrocytes support neurons, microglia are immune cells, and oligodendrocytes form
myelin in the CNS.
Question 9
What is the outermost layer of the meninges?
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Subarachnoid space
