The Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Front

Which type of neuron carries messages from the eyes to the brain in response to light?

Back

Sensory

Answer explanation

The cells in your eyes detect light and send signals to the brain via sensory neurons. These neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information, making 'Sensory' the correct choice.

Front

What is an axon?

Back

The extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body

Answer explanation

An axon is the part of a neuron that extends away from the cell body, transmitting electrical impulses to other neurons or muscles. This makes "the extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body" the correct choice.

Front

The slowdown of neural communication in multiple sclerosis involves a degeneration of

Back

myelin sheath

Answer explanation

The slowdown of neural communication in multiple sclerosis is primarily due to the degeneration of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers. This damage disrupts signal transmission, leading to the symptoms of the disease.

Front

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that travel across where?

Back

The synaptic gap

Answer explanation

Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal and travel across the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the next neuron, making 'the synaptic gap' the correct answer.

Front

José has just played a long, bruising football game but feels little fatigue or discomfort. His lack of pain is most likely caused by the release of: endorphins, serotonin, Acetylcholine, melatonin

Back

endorphins

Answer explanation

José's lack of pain is likely due to the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers produced by the body during intense physical activity, helping to reduce discomfort and promote a sense of well-being.

Front

Some opiate drugs have molecular structures so similar to endorphins that they mimic endorphin's euphoric effects in the brain. What kind of molecule are these opiate drugs?

Back

Agonists

Answer explanation

Opiate drugs act as agonists because their structures closely resemble endorphins, allowing them to bind to the same receptors and mimic their euphoric effects in the brain.

Front

The brain and spinal cord make up which component of the nervous system?

Back

Central

Answer explanation

The brain and spinal cord are the main components of the central nervous system, which is responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Central'.

Front

Which system controls the slowing of a heartbeat?

Back

Parasympathetic

Answer explanation

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing the heartbeat, counteracting the sympathetic nervous system, which accelerates it. Thus, the correct answer is the parasympathetic system.

Front

What chemicals does the endocrine system use as its messengers?

Back

Hormones

Answer explanation

The endocrine system uses hormones as its chemical messengers to regulate various bodily functions. Neurotransmitters are used by the nervous system, not the endocrine system.

Front

The most influential endocrine gland is found in the brain. This "master" gland secretes many different hormones, some of which affect other glands. What is the name of this endocrine gland?

Back

Pituitary

Answer explanation

The pituitary gland, located in the brain, is known as the 'master' gland because it regulates other endocrine glands by secreting various hormones, making it the most influential endocrine gland.