Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the afferent and efferent divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Afferent division carries signals from receptors to the CNS; efferent division carries signals from the CNS to effectors.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of hormone secretion by glands

Question 3

A patient suffers a stroke that damages Broca's area. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing fluent speech

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordinates muscle activity and balance

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct order of the three meningeal layers from outermost to innermost?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 6

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for vision?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (II)

Question 7

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which type of reflex is this, and what is the correct pathway?

Accepted Answer

Somatic reflex; receptor → sensory neuron → interneuron → motor neuron → effector

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis slow down nerve impulse conduction?

Accepted Answer

They damage the myelin sheath, reducing saltatory conduction along the axon.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is typically around $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$ and maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.

Question 10

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating homeostasis, including temperature and hunger?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Processing of emotions and memory

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Promotes 'rest and digest' activities such as stimulating digestion

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting electrical impulses between neurons

Question 14

Which of the following sensory receptors is responsible for detecting two-point discrimination on the skin?

Accepted Answer

Meissner corpuscles

Question 15

A patient is unable to move their right arm and has lost sensation in the same limb. Which part of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left frontal and parietal lobes

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex

Question 17

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for hearing and balance?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about rods and cones in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Rods detect dim light and are found in the periphery; cones detect color and are concentrated in the fovea.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the path of light through the eye to the retina?

Accepted Answer

Cornea → aqueous humor → pupil → lens → vitreous humor → retina

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the sense of smell can trigger strong emotional memories?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory pathways project directly to the limbic system, which processes emotion and memory.

Nervous System and Special Senses: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions