Practice Questions | Fill in the Blanks | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Board Examination Questions
1. What is the function of the nervous system?
The nervous system is responsible for coordinating various body activities. It detects environmental changes and responds quickly to stimuli by sending electrical signals throughout the body.
2. What are the main parts of the central nervous system?
The main parts of the central nervous system are the brain and the spinal cord. The brain processes information and coordinates responses, while the spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
3. How do reflex actions work?
Reflex actions are automatic responses to certain stimuli. When a stimulus is detected by a sensory receptor, a signal is sent to the spinal cord, which immediately sends a signal back to the muscles to execute the response without involving the brain.
4. What is the role of neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons. They play a crucial role in communication within the nervous system and influence various functions including mood, sleep, and cognition.
5. What is an action potential?
An action potential is a rapid change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron that occurs when it is activated. This electrical impulse propagates along the axon, allowing for communication between neurons.
6. How do hormones regulate body functions?
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream. They regulate various physiological processes including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and homeostasis by binding to specific receptors in target cells.
7. What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary actions?
Voluntary actions are conscious movements that are controlled by the brain and involve the skeletal muscles, while involuntary actions occur without conscious control and are mediated by the autonomic nervous system, such as heartbeats and digestion.
8. Describe the structure of the brain.
The brain consists of three main parts: the cerebrum (responsible for higher brain functions), the cerebellum (which regulates balance and coordination), and the brainstem (which controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate).
9. What is the role of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord is a cylindrical structure that conducts signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also coordinates reflexes and enables communication between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
10. How do sensory receptors function?
Sensory receptors are specialized cells that detect specific types of stimuli (such as light, sound, touch, taste, and smell). When they are stimulated, they convert the sensory input into electrical signals that are transmitted to the central nervous system for processing.
11. What is the role of the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland, often called the “master gland,” regulates various endocrine functions by secreting hormones. It influences growth, metabolism, and reproductive functions, and controls the activity of other endocrine glands.
12. What are the components of the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside the central nervous system. It includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their branches, which connect the central nervous system to limbs and organs.
13. Explain the process of synaptic transmission.
Synaptic transmission is the process by which a nerve impulse is transmitted between two neurons at a synapse. When an action potential reaches the synaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, propagating the signal.
14. Describe the role of the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. It regulates various autonomic functions, regulates body temperature, thirst and hunger, and controls the pituitary gland’s release of hormones.
15. What are reflex arcs and their components?
A reflex arc is a neural pathway that mediates a reflex action. It typically consists of a sensory neuron that detects the stimulus, an integration center (often in the spinal cord), and a motor neuron that carries the response to an effector (muscle or gland).
16. What is the adrenal gland’s function?
The adrenal glands produce various hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress responses. They release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress and other stimuli.
17. Explain the concept of homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It involves regulating factors such as temperature, pH, hydration, and glucose levels to ensure optimal functioning.
18. What are the effects of adrenaline in the body?
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response. It increases heart rate, dilates air passages, enhances blood flow to muscles, and boosts energy availability, preparing the body for rapid responses to stressors.
19. Describe the function of the cerebellum.
The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance. It processes sensory input related to body position and movement, ensuring smooth and precise actions and helping to maintain posture.
20. What is the role of the somatic nervous system?
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements by sending signals from the brain to skeletal muscles. It is involved in activities that require conscious control, such as walking or picking up objects.
1. The basic unit of the nervous system is called a ______.
Answer: neuron
2. Hormones are secreted by ______ glands.
Answer: endocrine
3. The ______ nervous system controls involuntary actions.
Answer: autonomic
4. The ______ is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and balance.
Answer: cerebellum
5. The brain and spinal cord make up the ______ nervous system.
Answer: central
6. Neurotransmitters are released into the ______ to transmit signals between neurons.
Answer: synapse
7. Reflex actions are mediated by the ______ nervous system.
Answer: peripheral
8. The part of the neuron that receives signals is called ______.
Answer: dendrite
9. The ______ is often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system.
Answer: pituitary gland
10. ______ and ______ are examples of neurotransmitters.
Answer: dopamine, serotonin
1. Which of the following is NOT a part of the central nervous system?
a) Brain
b) Spinal cord
c) Nerves
d) Cerebellum
Answer: c) Nerves (nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system)
2. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance?
a) Cerebrum
b) Brainstem
c) Cerebellum
d) Thalamus
Answer: c) Cerebellum
3. What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
a) To control involuntary actions
b) To transmit signals to skeletal muscles
c) To regulate hormone levels
d) To control heart rate
Answer: b) To transmit signals to skeletal muscles
4. What is the term for the gap between two neurons?
a) Axon
b) Synapse
c) Dendrite
d) Myelin sheath
Answer: b) Synapse
5. Which hormone is known as the stress hormone?
a) Insulin
b) Adrenaline
c) Cortisol
d) Estrogen
Answer: c) Cortisol
6. What type of neurons transmit signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system?
a) Motor neurons
b) Interneurons
c) Sensory neurons
d) Glial cells
Answer: c) Sensory neurons
7. The part of the neuron that sends signals away from the cell body is called a ______.
a) Dendrite
b) Axon
c) Synapse
d) Soma
Answer: b) Axon
8. Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain?
a) Corpus callosum
b) Cerebellum
c) Brainstem
d) Thalamus
Answer: a) Corpus callosum
9. Which part of the brain controls automatic functions such as breathing?
a) Cerebellum
b) Medulla oblongata
c) Cerebrum
d) Thalamus
Answer: b) Medulla oblongata
10. Which neurotransmitter is involved in mood regulation?
a) Acetylcholine
b) Norepinephrine
c) Dopamine
d) Serotonin
Answer: d) Serotonin
11. What part of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions?
a) Cerebellum
b) Brainstem
c) Cerebrum
d) Limbic system
Answer: c) Cerebrum
12. What is the effect of inhibiting neurotransmitter release at a synapse?
a) Increased communication between neurons
b) Decreased communication between neurons
c) No effect on neuron activity
d) Improved reflex responses
Answer: b) Decreased communication between neurons
13. What is the primary role of the hypothalamus?
a) Motor control
b) Regulating circadian rhythms
c) Memory processing
d) Balance and coordination
Answer: b) Regulating circadian rhythms
14. Which of the following conditions is caused by improper balance of neurotransmitters?
a) High blood sugar
b) Diabetes
c) Depression
d) Heart disease
Answer: c) Depression
15. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response?
a) Somatic nervous system
b) Sympathetic nervous system
c) Parasympathetic nervous system
d) Central nervous system
Answer: b) Sympathetic nervous system
1. Explain the structure and function of a neuron.
Answer: A neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. The axon transmits electrical impulses to other neurons or effector organs. Neurons function to transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.
2. Describe the pathway of a reflex arc.
Answer: A reflex arc begins when a sensory receptor detects a stimulus and sends a signal through a sensory neuron to the spinal cord. The signal is processed by an interneuron in the spinal cord, which relays it to a motor neuron that activates the effector (muscle or gland) to produce a response.
3. How do hormones affect growth and development?
Answer: Hormones such as growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones play vital roles in growth and development. They regulate metabolism, cellular growth, and differentiation while influencing physical and sexual maturation during puberty.
4. Discuss the effects of stress on the endocrine system.
Answer: Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased secretion of cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response, affecting various bodily functions including immune response, metabolism, and mood.
5. Explain the concept of homeostasis with an example.
Answer: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment. For example, body temperature regulation involves mechanisms such as sweating to cool down or shivering to generate heat, keeping the core temperature within a narrow, optimal range.
6. What is the role of the peripheral nervous system?
Answer: The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. It transmits sensory information to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to the muscles and glands, facilitating communication between the body and the brain.
7. Describe the different types of neurons and their functions.
Answer: There are three main types of neurons: sensory neurons (which transmit sensory information to the CNS), motor neurons (which carry commands from the CNS to muscles), and interneurons (which connect sensory and motor neurons, processing signals within the CNS).
8. What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?
Answer: The blood-brain barrier is a protective barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. It allows the passage of essential nutrients while blocking harmful substances, thereby maintaining the brain’s stable environment.
9. Discuss the process of myelination and its importance.
Answer: Myelination is the formation of a myelin sheath around axons by Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes, which increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction. This process is crucial for efficient neural communication and is vital for proper nervous system function.
10. Explain the effects of aging on the nervous system.
Answer: Aging can lead to decreased neurons, slower nerve conduction, and reduced neurotransmitter production, resulting in slower reflexes, memory decline, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.