Understanding the Nervous System

What are the main components of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

• Brain and spinal cord

• Nerves and muscles

• Brain and peripheral nerves

• Spinal cord and peripheral nerves

Answer explanation

The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and transmitting information. Other options include peripheral nerves, which are part of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), not the CNS.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the primary function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

• To process information within the brain

• To connect the CNS to the rest of the body

• To control voluntary muscle movements

• To regulate involuntary body functions

Answer explanation

The primary function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is to connect the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the rest of the body, facilitating communication between the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral organs.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What's the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in terms of their primary functions?

• The somatic nervous system controls involuntary actions, while the autonomic nervous system controls voluntary actions.

• The somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions.

• Both systems control voluntary actions.

• Both systems control involuntary actions.

Answer explanation

The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions, such as movement of skeletal muscles, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary actions, like heart rate and digestion.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the role of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

• It promotes rest and digestion.

• It prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.

• It controls voluntary muscle movements.

• It connects the CNS to the muscles.

Answer explanation

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing it for stressful or emergency situations by increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

• The sympathetic division is responsible for rest and digestion, while the parasympathetic division prepares the body for stress.

• The sympathetic division prepares the body for stress, while the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion.

• Both divisions prepare the body for stress.

• Both divisions promote rest and digestion.

Answer explanation

The sympathetic division prepares the body for stress by activating the fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion, helping the body to conserve energy.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

When a person is in a dangerous situation, which division of the autonomic nervous system is likely to be activated and why?

• Parasympathetic division, because it promotes rest and digestion.

• Sympathetic division, because it prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response.

• Somatic nervous system, because it controls voluntary muscle movements.

• Central nervous system, because it processes information within the brain.

Answer explanation

The sympathetic division is activated in dangerous situations as it triggers the fight-or-flight response, preparing the body to react quickly to threats, unlike the parasympathetic division which promotes rest.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) interact with the central nervous system (CNS) to control muscle movements?

• The PNS sends sensory information to the CNS, which then processes it and sends motor commands back to the muscles via the PNS.

• The CNS sends sensory information to the PNS, which then processes it and sends motor commands back to the muscles via the CNS.

• The PNS processes sensory information and sends motor commands directly to the muscles without involving the CNS.

• The CNS processes sensory information and sends motor commands directly to the muscles without involving the PNS.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the PNS sends sensory information to the CNS, which processes it and sends motor commands back to the muscles via the PNS, illustrating the essential communication between these two systems for muscle control.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What would be the impact of damage to the spinal cord on the functioning of the peripheral nervous system?

• It would have no impact on the PNS.

• It could disrupt the transmission of messages between the CNS and the PNS, leading to loss of muscle control and sensation.

• It would only affect the autonomic nervous system.

• It would only affect the somatic nervous system.

Answer explanation

Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), resulting in loss of muscle control and sensation, making this the correct choice.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for the "fight or flight" response?

• Central Nervous System

• Somatic Nervous System

• Sympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System

• Parasympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System

Answer explanation

The "fight or flight" response is primarily controlled by the Sympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System, which prepares the body to react to stress or danger by increasing heart rate and energy availability.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes the role of nerves in the peripheral nervous system?

• Nerves in the PNS process information within the brain.

• Nerves in the PNS carry messages between the CNS and the muscles.

• Nerves in the PNS control voluntary muscle movements.

• Nerves in the PNS regulate involuntary body functions.

Answer explanation

Nerves in the PNS are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and muscles, enabling movement and coordination. This makes the second choice the best description of their role.

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DOK Level 1: Recall