Central Nervous System Quiz

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Stephen Reinbold, PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
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Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.
 , PhD (Biological Sciences)
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  • 1/15 Questions

    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.
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About This Quiz


Welcome to the Central Nervous System Quiz. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge about the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for controlling most functions of the body and mind. It processes information received from the sensory organs and coordinates bodily functions.

In this quiz, you will answer questions about the structure and function of the brain, the role of the spinal cord, and the importance of neurons and synapses. You will also learn about different parts of the brain, such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, and their specific functions.

By taking this quiz, you will gain a deeper insight into how the central nervous system works. Test your knowledge and learn more about this essential part of the human body.

Central Nervous System Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which term refers to a nerve cell?

    • Cerebrum

    • Cerebellum

    • Neuron

    • Synapse

    Correct Answer
    A. Neuron
    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.

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  • 3. 

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

    • Neuron

    • Axon

    • Brain

    • Spinal cord

    Correct Answer
    A. Brain
    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.

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  • 4. 

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

    • Peripheral nervous system

    • Central nervous system

    • Enteric nervous system

    • Autonomic nervous system

    Correct Answer
    A. Central nervous system
    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.

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  • 5. 

    What is the specialized connection with other cells called?

    • Synapse

    • Lobe

    • Cerebrum

    • Ganglion

    Correct Answer
    A. Synapse
    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.

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  • 6. 

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

    • Axon

    • Dendrite

    • Spinal cord

    • Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Spinal cord
    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.

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Dendrite
    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.

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  • 8. 

    Which part of the brain controls coordination and balance?

    • Cerebrum

    • Cerebellum

    • Medulla oblongata

    • Pons

    Correct Answer
    A. Cerebellum
    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.

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  • 9. 

    What are the helping cells of the brain called?

    • Axons

    • Dendrites

    • Glial

    • Neurons

    Correct Answer
    A. Glial
    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.

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  • 10. 

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

    • Dendrite

    • Axon

    • Soma

    • Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Axon
    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.

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  • 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

    Correct Answer
    A. Peripheral nervous system
    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.

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  • 12. 

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

    • Cerebrum

    • Cerebellum

    • Medulla oblongata

    • Hypothalamus

    Correct Answer
    A. Cerebrum
    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.

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  • 13. 

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

    • Cerebrum

    • Cerebellum

    • Medulla oblongata

    • Hypothalamus

    Correct Answer
    A. Medulla oblongata
    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.

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  • 14. 

    What is the cell body of a neuron called?

    • Dendrite

    • Axon

    • Soma

    • Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Soma
    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.

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  • 15. 

    What is a subsystem of the peripheral nervous system?

    • Enteric nervous system

    • Central central nervous system

    • Voluntary nervous system

    • Autonomic nervous system

    Correct Answer
    A. Autonomic nervous system
    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.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.

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  • Jun 06, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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    Expert Reviewed by
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  • Apr 16, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Paxalles
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