Nervous System: Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System

Which of the following is part of the central nervous system?

• Heart

• Brain

• Lungs

• Kidneys

Answer explanation

The brain is a crucial part of the central nervous system, responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions. The heart, lungs, and kidneys are part of other systems in the body.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

What is the main function of the peripheral nervous system?

• Digestion

• Transmitting signals to and from the central nervous system

• Pumping blood

• Filtering waste

Answer explanation

The main function of the peripheral nervous system is to transmit signals to and from the central nervous system, facilitating communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.

The spinal cord is part of which nervous system?

• Peripheral

• Central

• Sympathetic

• Parasympathetic

Answer explanation

The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system, which also includes the brain. It is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, distinguishing it from the peripheral nervous system.

Which of the following is NOT a part of the peripheral nervous system?

• Sensory nerves

• Motor nerves

• Spinal cord

• Autonomic nerves

Answer explanation

The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, while sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves are components of the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, the correct answer is the spinal cord.

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

• Sympathetic and parasympathetic

• Autonomic and somatic

• Brain and spinal cord

• Central and peripheral

Answer explanation

The peripheral nervous system is divided into two main parts: the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions, and the somatic nervous system, which governs voluntary movements.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the (a)   .

• Heart

• Nerves

• Spinal cord

• Eyes

Answer explanation

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body, while the heart, nerves, and eyes are part of other systems.

Which system is responsible for voluntary movements?

• Autonomic nervous system

• Somatic nervous system

• Central nervous system

• Sympathetic nervous system

Answer explanation

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements by transmitting signals from the brain to skeletal muscles, allowing conscious control over actions. In contrast, the autonomic and sympathetic systems manage involuntary functions.

The autonomic nervous system is a division of which nervous system?

• Central

• Peripheral

• Sympathetic

• Somatic

Answer explanation

The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the sympathetic is a subdivision of the autonomic system.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response?

• Sympathetic

• Parasympathetic

• Somatic

• Central

Answer explanation

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system triggers the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles.

Which nervous system controls involuntary activities like heart rate and digestion?

• Somatic nervous system

• Autonomic nervous system

• Central nervous system

• Peripheral nervous system

Answer explanation

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary activities such as heart rate and digestion, unlike the somatic nervous system, which manages voluntary movements.