LO.3.01 - The Nervous System

What are the two major divisions of the human nervous system?

• Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

• Autonomic and Somatic Nervous Systems

• Motor and Sensory Nervous Systems

• Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

Answer explanation

The human nervous system is divided into two major parts: 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.

The brain and spinal cord make up which part of the nervous system?

• Peripheral Nervous System

• Central Nervous System

• Autonomic Nervous System

• Sensory Nervous System

Answer explanation

The brain and spinal cord are the main components of the Central Nervous System (CNS), which is responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. The other options refer to different parts of the nervous system.

True or False: The spinal cord is responsible for both sensory input and motor responses.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. The spinal cord processes sensory input from the body and coordinates motor responses, making it essential for reflexes and voluntary movements.

Which of the following best describes the somatic nervous system?

• Controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles

• Communicates between CNS and organs like the heart

• Is activated during a freeze response

• Regulates digestion and breathing

Answer explanation

The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, allowing us to perform actions consciously. The other options describe functions of the autonomic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is activated when the body is preparing for which response?

• Sleep

• Fight or flight

• Freeze

• Digestion

Answer explanation

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body to react to perceived threats by increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow, and releasing adrenaline.

What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play during stress?

• Activates fight response

• Controls the freeze response

• Prepares muscles for movement

• Enhances sensory awareness

Answer explanation

The parasympathetic nervous system helps control the freeze response during stress, allowing the body to conserve energy and prepare for potential danger, rather than activating fight or flight responses.

True or False: The primary function of sensory nerves is to send impulses from the CNS to the body's muscles.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. The primary function of sensory nerves is to transmit sensory information from the body to the CNS, not to send impulses from the CNS to the muscles, which is the role of motor nerves.

True or False: The autonomic nervous system is responsible for voluntary muscle control.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, while voluntary muscle control is managed by the somatic nervous system.

Explain the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Answer explanation

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate and energy. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes 'rest and digest' activities, slowing heart rate and conserving energy.

What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?

• Communicate between the brain and spinal cord

• Communicate between CNS and the rest of the body

• Control voluntary movement

• Control the brain's higher functions

Answer explanation

The primary function of the peripheral nervous system is to communicate between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body, facilitating sensory and motor functions.