Nervous System Multiple Choice Questions And Answers

Nervous System Multiple Choice Questions and Answers: A Comprehensive Guide

The nervous system, a marvel of biological engineering, controls and coordinates all bodily functions. Understanding its intricacies is crucial for anyone studying biology, medicine, or related fields. This comprehensive guide provides a plethora of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and answers covering various aspects of the nervous system, from its basic structure and function to complex neurological processes. We'll delve into the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system (PNS), neurotransmitters, reflexes, and more. This resource aims to be a valuable tool for students and anyone seeking to solidify their knowledge of this fascinating system.

I. Structure and Organization of the Nervous System

1. Which of the following is NOT a part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

(a) Brain (b) Spinal cord (c) Cranial nerves (d) Cerebellum

Answer: (c) Cranial nerves Cranial nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

2. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is primarily responsible for:

(a) Integrating sensory information (b) Connecting the CNS to the rest of the body (c) Higher-level cognitive functions (d) Maintaining homeostasis through hormonal regulation

Answer: (b) Connecting the CNS to the rest of the body The PNS acts as a communication network between the CNS and the body's organs and tissues.

3. Which glial cell type is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the CNS?

(a) Schwann cells (b) Oligodendrocytes (c) Astrocytes (d) Microglia

Answer: (b) Oligodendrocytes Schwann cells myelinate axons in the PNS.

4. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily formed by:

(a) Tight junctions between endothelial cells (b) Astrocyte foot processes (c) Microglia (d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer: (d) Both (a) and (b) The BBB is a highly selective barrier formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells and the surrounding astrocyte foot processes.

5. Which of the following structures is involved in coordinating movement and balance?

(a) Cerebrum (b) Cerebellum (c) Medulla oblongata (d) Pons

Answer: (b) Cerebellum The cerebellum plays a critical role in motor control, coordination, and balance.

II. Neurons and Neurotransmission

6. What is the primary function of a neuron's axon?

(a) Receiving signals from other neurons (b) Integrating signals (c) Transmitting signals to other neurons or effectors (d) Producing neurotransmitters

Answer: (c) Transmitting signals to other neurons or effectors Axons conduct nerve impulses away from the cell body.

7. The space between two communicating neurons is called a:

(a) Node of Ranvier (b) Synapse (c) Myelin sheath (d) Axon terminal

Answer: (b) Synapse The synapse is the junction where neurotransmission occurs.

8. Which of the following is NOT a major neurotransmitter?

(a) Acetylcholine (b) Dopamine (c) Serotonin (d) Keratin

Answer: (d) Keratin Keratin is a structural protein, not a neurotransmitter.

9. The process by which a neuron's membrane potential becomes more negative is called:

(a) Depolarization (b) Repolarization (c) Hyperpolarization (d) Action potential

Answer: (c) Hyperpolarization Hyperpolarization makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

10. The "all-or-none" principle refers to:

(a) The strength of a stimulus affecting the speed of the impulse (b) The intensity of a stimulus affecting the amplitude of the action potential (c) An action potential either occurring completely or not at all (d) The summation of multiple stimuli affecting the generation of an action potential

Answer: (c) An action potential either occurring completely or not at all Once the threshold potential is reached, an action potential fires completely; it doesn't partially fire.

III. Sensory and Motor Systems

11. Which type of receptor is responsible for detecting changes in blood pressure?

(a) Photoreceptors (b) Mechanoreceptors (c) Chemoreceptors (d) Thermoreceptors

Answer: (b) Mechanoreceptors Baroreceptors, a type of mechanoreceptor, detect changes in pressure.

12. The somatic nervous system controls:

(a) Involuntary muscle contractions (b) Glandular secretions (c) Voluntary muscle movements (d) Smooth muscle contractions

Answer: (c) Voluntary muscle movements The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscles.

13. The autonomic nervous system is divided into which two branches?

(a) Somatic and visceral (b) Sensory and motor (c) Sympathetic and parasympathetic (d) Central and peripheral

Answer: (c) Sympathetic and parasympathetic These branches have opposing effects on the body's functions.

14. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?

(a) Norepinephrine (b) Epinephrine (c) Acetylcholine (d) Dopamine

Answer: (c) Acetylcholine Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter at parasympathetic synapses.

15. The "fight-or-flight" response is associated with which branch of the autonomic nervous system?

(a) Parasympathetic nervous system (b) Sympathetic nervous system (c) Somatic nervous system (d) Enteric nervous system

Answer: (b) Sympathetic nervous system The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful situations.

IV. Reflexes and Higher-Order Functions

16. A reflex arc typically involves:

(a) Only sensory neurons (b) Only motor neurons (c) Sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons (d) Only interneurons

Answer: (c) Sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons A reflex arc involves a sensory neuron detecting a stimulus, an interneuron integrating the information, and a motor neuron causing a response.

17. Which part of the brain is crucial for higher-order cognitive functions like planning and decision-making?

(a) Cerebellum (b) Brainstem (c) Cerebrum (d) Thalamus

Answer: (c) Cerebrum The cerebrum's frontal lobe is particularly important for these executive functions.

18. Which lobe of the brain is primarily involved in visual processing?

(a) Frontal lobe (b) Parietal lobe (c) Occipital lobe (d) Temporal lobe

Answer: (c) Occipital lobe The occipital lobe receives visual information from the eyes.

19. Broca's area, crucial for speech production, is typically located in which lobe of the brain?

(a) Occipital lobe (b) Parietal lobe (c) Temporal lobe (d) Frontal lobe

Answer: (d) Frontal lobe Damage to Broca's area can result in expressive aphasia.

20. Wernicke's area, responsible for language comprehension, is located in which lobe of the brain?

(a) Frontal lobe (b) Parietal lobe (c) Temporal lobe (d) Occipital lobe

Answer: (c) Temporal lobe Damage to Wernicke's area can lead to receptive aphasia.

V. Neurological Disorders and Diseases

21. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by:

(a) Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (b) Demyelination of axons in the CNS (c) Amyloid plaque formation in the brain (d) Neurotransmitter imbalance

Answer: (b) Demyelination of axons in the CNS MS disrupts nerve impulse transmission.

22. Alzheimer's disease is primarily associated with:

(a) Loss of myelin sheath (b) Accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (c) Viral infection of the brain (d) Genetic mutation affecting dopamine receptors

Answer: (b) Accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles These pathological hallmarks contribute to neuronal damage.

23. Parkinson's disease is characterized by the degeneration of which type of neuron?

(a) Cholinergic neurons (b) Serotonergic neurons (c) Dopaminergic neurons (d) GABAergic neurons

Answer: (c) Dopaminergic neurons The loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra causes motor impairments.

24. Epilepsy is characterized by:

(a) Chronic, recurring seizures (b) Progressive muscle weakness (c) Degeneration of motor neurons (d) Impaired cognitive function

Answer: (a) Chronic, recurring seizures Epilepsy involves abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

25. Stroke is caused by:

(a) Reduced blood flow to the brain (b) Viral infection of the brain (c) Genetic predisposition (d) Autoimmune attack on the nervous system

Answer: (a) Reduced blood flow to the brain Stroke can be ischemic (blocked artery) or hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain).

This extensive collection of MCQs and answers provides a solid foundation for understanding the nervous system. Remember, consistent review and further exploration of relevant textbooks and resources will solidify your understanding and prepare you for more advanced concepts. Good luck with your studies!