Biochemistry of the Nervous System Quizs

Benjamin accidentally touches a hot stove and quickly pulls his hand away. Which part of his nervous system is primarily responsible for connecting his brain and spinal cord with the rest of his body to coordinate this response?

• To process and interpret sensory information

• To produce hormones

• To link the CNS with the rest of the body

• To regulate emotions

Answer explanation

The primary function of the peripheral nervous system is to link the central nervous system (CNS) with the rest of the body, facilitating communication between the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral organs.

Ava is studying for her neuroscience exam and wonders what the main energy source for neurons is. What should she write as the answer?

• Glucose

• ATP generated through oxidative phosphorylation

• Fatty acids

• Proteins

Answer explanation

Neurons primarily rely on ATP generated through oxidative phosphorylation for energy. While glucose is essential for ATP production, it is the ATP itself that serves as the main energy source for neuronal functions.

Anika is studying for her biology exam and comes across a question asking about the two major components into which the nervous system is divided. Which two major components should Anika write as her answer?

• Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

• Central and Peripheral

• Peripheral and Autonomic

• Central and Autonomic

Answer explanation

The nervous system is divided into two major components: the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Scarlett accidentally touches a hot stove and quickly pulls her hand away. What role does the spinal cord play in this situation?

• To regulate emotions

• To store memories

• To produce neurotransmitters

• To act as a conduit for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body

Answer explanation

The spinal cord serves as a crucial pathway for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body, enabling communication and coordination of bodily functions.

Lily is learning about how neurons work in her biology class. She reads that neurons need to maintain a specific balance of sodium and potassium ions to function properly. What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

• To synthesize neurotransmitters

• To degrade neurotransmitters

• To transport sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell

• To produce ATP

Answer explanation

The sodium-potassium pump is crucial in neurons as it actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining the necessary ion gradients for proper nerve function.

Grace is hiking in the woods when she suddenly encounters a wild animal. Her heart rate increases, her breathing quickens, and her muscles tense up as her body prepares to respond. What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system in this situation?

• To promote 'rest and digest' activities

• To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses

• To process sensory information

• To produce neurotransmitters

Answer explanation

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles, enabling quick reactions in stressful situations.

Rohan is learning about how neurons work. He wonders what allows certain particles to move in and out of the neuron membrane. What is the function of ion channels in the neuron membrane?

• To transport oxygen

• To store neurotransmitters

• To regulate the flow of ions across the membrane

• To produce hormones

Answer explanation

Ion channels in the neuron membrane are crucial for regulating the flow of ions, which is essential for generating action potentials and transmitting signals. This function is vital for neuronal communication.

Michael is studying for his neuroscience exam and comes across a question: "Which neurotransmitter is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?" Which one should he choose?

• Glutamate

• Dopamine

• GABA

• Serotonin

Answer explanation

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, playing a crucial role in reducing neuronal excitability and preventing overstimulation, unlike glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin, which are primarily excitatory or modulatory.

Benjamin notices that his heart rate increases and his stomach feels uneasy when he is nervous. Which part of his nervous system is responsible for linking his brain with these internal organs?

• To control voluntary muscle movements

• To link the CNS with internal organs

• To process sensory information

• To store energy

Answer explanation

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions by linking the central nervous system (CNS) with internal organs, controlling processes like heart rate and digestion, unlike voluntary muscle movements.

Maya is learning about how messages are sent in the brain. She reads that after a signal is sent, some chemicals are taken back into the cell that released them. What is this process called?

• The transport of neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron

• The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

• The degradation of neurotransmitters

• The synthesis of neurotransmitters

Answer explanation

Reuptake is the process where neurotransmitters are transported back into the presynaptic neuron after they have transmitted signals across the synaptic cleft. This helps terminate the signal and recycle neurotransmitters.