Nervous System and Neurons

What is the basic structural unit of the nervous system?

• bone

• neuron

• muscle

• cell

Answer explanation

The basic structural unit of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals, allowing communication between different parts of the body. While bones, muscles, and cells are important components of the body, they do not specifically serve as the structural unit of the nervous system.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-1

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Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

• axon

• cell body

• synapse

• dendrites

Answer explanation

Dendrites are the part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons. They are tree-like structures that extend from the cell body, and their primary function is to collect and transmit information from other neurons to the cell body. Axons, synapses, and cell bodies have different roles in the neuron's functioning, but it is the dendrites that are responsible for receiving signals.

What is the function of the nervous system?

• Transmit signals and coordinate bodily functions.

• Store and release energy for muscle contraction.

• Produce hormones and enzymes for digestion.

• Control blood flow and regulate body temperature.

Answer explanation

The nervous system's primary function is to transmit signals and coordinate bodily functions. It acts as a communication network, sending, receiving, and interpreting information from all parts of the body. This allows the body to respond and adapt to changes both inside and outside the body, thus coordinating bodily functions.

Which neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reward?

• norepinephrine

• acetylcholine

• serotonin

• dopamine

Answer explanation

Dopamine is the correct answer. It is a type of neurotransmitter that your body makes, and your nervous system uses it to send messages between nerve cells. It's often described as the brain's 'reward' chemical, being released in response to pleasurable experiences.

What are the two main components of the central nervous system?

• liver and kidneys

• heart and lungs

• stomach and intestines

• brain and spinal cord

Answer explanation

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. These two components work together to transmit and process information, allowing the body to function properly. The other options, such as liver and kidneys, heart and lungs, and stomach and intestines, are important organs but not part of the CNS.

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body?

• endocrine system

• somatic nervous system

• autonomic nervous system

• peripheral nervous system

Answer explanation

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. It connects the brain and spinal cord to the limbs and organs, allowing for communication and control. The other options, endocrine, somatic, and autonomic systems, have different functions within the body and do not serve this specific role.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

• Neurotransmitters are responsible for maintaining the structure of neurons in the nervous system.

• Neurotransmitters transmit signals between neurons in the nervous system.

• Neurotransmitters are only found in the peripheral nervous system.

• Neurotransmitters regulate the production of hormones in the nervous system.

Answer explanation

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the nervous system by transmitting signals between neurons. They are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells, allowing the nervous system to function properly. The other options mentioned are not accurate descriptions of the primary role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

What are the three main functions of the nervous system?

• Sensory output, integration, and motor input

• Motor input, integration, and sensory output

• Integration, sensory output, and motor input

• Sensory input, integration, and motor output

Answer explanation

The three main functions of the nervous system are sensory input, integration, and motor output. Sensory input involves collecting information from the environment, integration processes and interprets the sensory input, and motor output responds to the sensory input by activating muscles or glands.

Which part of the neuron carries signals away from the cell body?

• nucleus

• soma

• dendrite

• axon

What are the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

• autonomic nervous system and sensory nervous system

• central nervous system and autonomic nervous system

• somatic nervous system and central nervous system

• somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system