Central and Peripheral Nervous System Quiz

Which structures make up the central nervous system?

• Brain and spinal cord

• Spinal cord and nerves

• Brain and sensory receptors

• Nerves and muscles

Answer explanation

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. These structures are responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body, unlike nerves and sensory receptors, which are part of the peripheral nervous system.

The main function of the CNS is to:

• Detect changes in the environment

• Process information and coordinate responses

• Contract muscles directly

• Store food for nerve cells

Answer explanation

The CNS primarily processes information received from the environment and coordinates appropriate responses, making 'Process information and coordinate responses' the correct choice.

The spinal cord is part of the CNS because it:

• Detects light

• Processes and relays information to and from the brain

• Pumps blood to neurones

• Produces neurotransmitters

Answer explanation

The spinal cord is part of the CNS because it processes and relays information to and from the brain, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Which best describes the CNS?

• It is the body’s control centre for processing information

• It carries impulses between receptors and effectors only

• It detects temperature changes directly

• It produces all hormones in the body

Answer explanation

The CNS (Central Nervous System) is primarily responsible for processing information and coordinating responses, making it the body's control center. The other options do not accurately describe its functions.

In the nervous system, the CNS works together with:

• Sensory receptors only

• The peripheral nervous system

• Muscles only

• Bones and joints

Answer explanation

The CNS (central nervous system) works with the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, facilitating communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system consists of:

• Brain and spinal cord

• Nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body

• Only sensory neurones

• Only motor neurones

Answer explanation

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerves that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, facilitating communication. The other options incorrectly describe components of the CNS or specific neuron types.

Which is the main function of the PNS?

• To process information

• To carry impulses between the CNS and other parts of the body

• To store information for reflexes

• To control thinking and memory

Answer explanation

The main function of the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) is to carry impulses between the CNS (Central Nervous System) and other parts of the body, facilitating communication and coordination.

Sensory nerves in the PNS carry impulses:

• From receptors to the CNS

• From the CNS to muscles

• Between neurones in the CNS

• Between muscles

Answer explanation

Sensory nerves in the PNS are responsible for transmitting impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS), making 'From receptors to the CNS' the correct choice.

Motor nerves in the PNS carry impulses:

• From receptors to the CNS

• From the CNS to effectors

• Between receptors

• Between muscles and bones

Answer explanation

Motor nerves in the PNS transmit impulses from the CNS (central nervous system) to effectors, such as muscles and glands, enabling responses to stimuli. Thus, the correct answer is 'From the CNS to effectors'.

Which statement about the PNS is correct?

• It only controls reflexes

• It transmits information to and from the CNS

• It controls memory

• It processes and stores sensory data

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that the PNS transmits information to and from the CNS. It plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system with limbs and organs, facilitating communication throughout the body.