Central Nervous System Quiz

1. What is the primary job of the nervous system?

To send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to and from the body.

To break down food to be used by the body.

To remove wastes from the body.

To regulate body temperature.

The primary job of the nervous system is to send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to and from the body. This communication network allows the body to respond to internal and external stimuli. The brain and spinal cord process information received from sensory organs and then send signals to muscles and organs to perform necessary actions. This system controls everything from voluntary movements to involuntary actions such as reflexes, making it essential for overall body function and coordination.

Explanation

The primary job of the nervous system is to send messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to and from the body. This communication network allows the body to respond to internal and external stimuli. The brain and spinal cord process information received from sensory organs and then send signals to muscles and organs to perform necessary actions. This system controls everything from voluntary movements to involuntary actions such as reflexes, making it essential for overall body function and coordination.

2. Which term refers to a nerve cell?

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Neuron

Synapse

A neuron is a nerve cell, which is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized to transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while the axon sends signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Neurons communicate through synapses, where the transmission of signals occurs. They play a critical role in all functions of the nervous system, from reflexes to complex cognitive processes.

Explanation

A neuron is a nerve cell, which is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are specialized to transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while the axon sends signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Neurons communicate through synapses, where the transmission of signals occurs. They play a critical role in all functions of the nervous system, from reflexes to complex cognitive processes.

3. Which organ of the nervous system is encased in the skull?

Neuron

Axon

Brain

Spinal cord

The brain is the major organ of the nervous system encased in the skull. It serves as the control center for the body, processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating thought, memory, and emotion. The brain communicates with the rest of the body through the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, coordinating a wide range of activities, from voluntary movements to involuntary actions like heartbeat and breathing. The brain's complex structure includes various regions responsible for different functions, making it essential for overall body function and coordination.

Explanation

The brain is the major organ of the nervous system encased in the skull. It serves as the control center for the body, processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating thought, memory, and emotion. The brain communicates with the rest of the body through the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, coordinating a wide range of activities, from voluntary movements to involuntary actions like heartbeat and breathing. The brain's complex structure includes various regions responsible for different functions, making it essential for overall body function and coordination.

4. Which system is made up of the brain and spinal cord?

Peripheral nervous system

Central nervous system

Enteric nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is the control center of the body, processing and sending out information. It interprets sensory data from the peripheral nervous system and coordinates voluntary and involuntary responses. The brain is responsible for higher functions such as thought, memory, and emotion, while the spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This system is essential for overall body function and coordination.

Explanation

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is the control center of the body, processing and sending out information. It interprets sensory data from the peripheral nervous system and coordinates voluntary and involuntary responses. The brain is responsible for higher functions such as thought, memory, and emotion, while the spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This system is essential for overall body function and coordination.

5. What is the specialized connection with other cells called?

Synapse

Lobe

Cerebrum

Ganglion

A synapse is the specialized connection between neurons (nerve cells) and other cells. It is the site where the transmission of signals occurs through the release of neurotransmitters. The synapse allows neurons to communicate with each other and with other types of cells, such as muscle or gland cells. This communication is essential for all functions of the nervous system, including movement, sensation, and thought processes. Synapses play a crucial role in the processing and integration of information in the brain and throughout the nervous system.

Explanation

A synapse is the specialized connection between neurons (nerve cells) and other cells. It is the site where the transmission of signals occurs through the release of neurotransmitters. The synapse allows neurons to communicate with each other and with other types of cells, such as muscle or gland cells. This communication is essential for all functions of the nervous system, including movement, sensation, and thought processes. Synapses play a crucial role in the processing and integration of information in the brain and throughout the nervous system.

6. What is the primary set of a large collection of nerves running down the spinal column of vertebrae?

Axon

Dendrite

Spinal cord

Nucleus

The spinal cord is the primary set of a large collection of nerves running down the spinal column of vertebrae. It serves as the main pathway for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae and is responsible for conducting sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body. It also coordinates reflexes. The spinal cord's function is essential for both voluntary movements and involuntary actions, playing a critical role in the central nervous system.

Explanation

The spinal cord is the primary set of a large collection of nerves running down the spinal column of vertebrae. It serves as the main pathway for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae and is responsible for conducting sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the body. It also coordinates reflexes. The spinal cord's function is essential for both voluntary movements and involuntary actions, playing a critical role in the central nervous system.

7. What is a filament that arises from the neuron cell body and extends for micrometers, forming a tree-like structure?

Dendrite

Axon

Soma

Nucleus

Dendrites are filaments that arise from the neuron cell body and extend for micrometers, forming a tree-like structure. These branching structures receive signals from other neurons and convey this information to the soma (cell body). Dendrites play a crucial role in the communication between neurons, as they increase the surface area available for receiving synaptic inputs. This allows for the integration of a large amount of information, which is essential for the neuron's function in processing and transmitting neural signals.

Explanation

Dendrites are filaments that arise from the neuron cell body and extend for micrometers, forming a tree-like structure. These branching structures receive signals from other neurons and convey this information to the soma (cell body). Dendrites play a crucial role in the communication between neurons, as they increase the surface area available for receiving synaptic inputs. This allows for the integration of a large amount of information, which is essential for the neuron's function in processing and transmitting neural signals.

8. Which part of the brain controls coordination and balance?

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Medulla oblongata

Pons

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. Located at the back of the brain, underneath the cerebrum, the cerebellum receives information from the sensory systems, spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to regulate motor movements. It ensures that movements are smooth and coordinated, helping with activities such as walking, running, and maintaining posture. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control, although it does not initiate movement.

Explanation

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance. Located at the back of the brain, underneath the cerebrum, the cerebellum receives information from the sensory systems, spinal cord, and other parts of the brain to regulate motor movements. It ensures that movements are smooth and coordinated, helping with activities such as walking, running, and maintaining posture. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control, although it does not initiate movement.

9. What are the helping cells of the brain called?

Axons

Dendrites

Glial

Neurons

Glial cells, also known simply as glia, are the helping cells of the brain. They support and protect neurons, the primary signaling cells of the nervous system. Glial cells perform various functions, including providing structural support, insulating axons with myelin, supplying nutrients to neurons, and removing waste products. They also play a role in repairing the brain and spinal cord following injury. There are several types of glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and Schwann cells, each with specialized functions essential for maintaining the health and functionality of the nervous system.

Explanation

Glial cells, also known simply as glia, are the helping cells of the brain. They support and protect neurons, the primary signaling cells of the nervous system. Glial cells perform various functions, including providing structural support, insulating axons with myelin, supplying nutrients to neurons, and removing waste products. They also play a role in repairing the brain and spinal cord following injury. There are several types of glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and Schwann cells, each with specialized functions essential for maintaining the health and functionality of the nervous system.

10. What is a special nerve filament that arises from the cell body and travels up to a meter?

Dendrite

Axon

Soma

Nucleus

An axon is a special nerve filament that arises from the cell body of a neuron and can travel up to a meter in length. Axons are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This long projection is essential for the communication between neurons over long distances, allowing the nervous system to coordinate complex functions. Axons are often covered with a myelin sheath, which insulates them and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals.

Explanation

An axon is a special nerve filament that arises from the cell body of a neuron and can travel up to a meter in length. Axons are responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This long projection is essential for the communication between neurons over long distances, allowing the nervous system to coordinate complex functions. Axons are often covered with a myelin sheath, which insulates them and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals.

11. Which system is made up of sensory neurons, clusters of neurons called ganglia, and the nerves connecting sense organs and muscles to the central nervous system?

Central nervous system

Peripheral nervous system

Enteric nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of sensory neurons, clusters of neurons called ganglia, and the nerves that connect sense organs and muscles to the central nervous system (CNS). The PNS relays information between the body and the CNS. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory organs to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit commands from the CNS to muscles and glands. This system is essential for sensory perception, movement, and bodily functions outside the brain and spinal cord. The PNS includes the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, further dividing its functions into voluntary and involuntary control.

Explanation

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of sensory neurons, clusters of neurons called ganglia, and the nerves that connect sense organs and muscles to the central nervous system (CNS). The PNS relays information between the body and the CNS. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory organs to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit commands from the CNS to muscles and glands. This system is essential for sensory perception, movement, and bodily functions outside the brain and spinal cord. The PNS includes the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, further dividing its functions into voluntary and involuntary control.

12. Which part of the brain is in charge of thinking and memory?

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Medulla oblongata

Hypothalamus

The cerebrum is the part of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, and many other higher cognitive functions. It is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres. The cerebrum controls voluntary actions, processes sensory information, and is involved in speech, reasoning, emotions, and problem-solving. Its outer layer, the cerebral cortex, plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness. The cerebrum's ability to process and store information makes it essential for learning and forming memories.

Explanation

The cerebrum is the part of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, and many other higher cognitive functions. It is the largest part of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres. The cerebrum controls voluntary actions, processes sensory information, and is involved in speech, reasoning, emotions, and problem-solving. Its outer layer, the cerebral cortex, plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness. The cerebrum's ability to process and store information makes it essential for learning and forming memories.

13. Which part of the brain is in charge of involuntary actions such as breathing and heartbeat?

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Medulla oblongata

Hypothalamus

The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain that controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heartbeat. Located at the base of the brainstem, the medulla oblongata regulates vital functions that are essential for life. It acts as a relay center, transmitting signals between the brain and the spinal cord. In addition to controlling cardiovascular and respiratory systems, it also manages reflex actions like swallowing, coughing, and sneezing. The medulla oblongata's role in regulating these autonomic functions is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall bodily function.

Explanation

The medulla oblongata is the part of the brain that controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heartbeat. Located at the base of the brainstem, the medulla oblongata regulates vital functions that are essential for life. It acts as a relay center, transmitting signals between the brain and the spinal cord. In addition to controlling cardiovascular and respiratory systems, it also manages reflex actions like swallowing, coughing, and sneezing. The medulla oblongata's role in regulating these autonomic functions is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall bodily function.

14. What is the cell body of a neuron called?

Dendrite

Axon

Soma

Nucleus

The soma, also known as the cell body, is the central part of a neuron. It contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material, as well as other organelles that maintain the cell's functions. The soma integrates signals received from the dendrites and generates action potentials that travel along the axon to communicate with other neurons or cells. The soma is crucial for the neuron's health and function, as it supports the cell's metabolic activities and processes incoming information.

Explanation

The soma, also known as the cell body, is the central part of a neuron. It contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's genetic material, as well as other organelles that maintain the cell's functions. The soma integrates signals received from the dendrites and generates action potentials that travel along the axon to communicate with other neurons or cells. The soma is crucial for the neuron's health and function, as it supports the cell's metabolic activities and processes incoming information.

15. What is a subsystem of the peripheral nervous system?

Enteric nervous system

Central central nervous system

Voluntary nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a subsystem of the peripheral nervous system. It controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. The ANS is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations (fight or flight response), and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and digestion (rest and digest response). The autonomic nervous system works automatically and regulates essential functions to maintain homeostasis without conscious effort.

Explanation

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a subsystem of the peripheral nervous system. It controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. The ANS is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations (fight or flight response), and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and digestion (rest and digest response). The autonomic nervous system works automatically and regulates essential functions to maintain homeostasis without conscious effort.