Question 1

How many pairs of spinal nerves stem from the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that stem from the spinal cord. Each pair is named according to the level of the vertebrae from which it originates, except for the first pair, which emerges between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae.

Question 2

The peripheral nervous system consists of the ___________.

Accepted Answer

The peripheral nervous system includes both the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion) and the sensory-somatic nervous system (which controls voluntary movements and senses like touch and pain). The brain and spinal cord are part of the central nervous system, not the peripheral nervous system.

Question 3

Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding the relationship between neural cells and glial cells?

Accepted Answer

Neural cells and glial cells have a mutually beneficial relationship where they influence each other. Glial cells provide support for neurons and help them function properly, while neurons release chemicals that regulate the behavior and function of glial cells. This relationship is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Option B and C are incorrect as they state one type of cell exists solely to support the other, which is not the case. Option D is incorrect as it states that there is no direct interaction between neurons and glial cells, which is also not true.

Question 4

Every deliberate action you make, such as pedaling a bike, walking, scratching, or smelling a flower, involves neurons in the ______ nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The sensory-somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions such as pedaling a bike, walking, scratching, or smelling a flower. The other nervous systems listed (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and autonomic) are primarily responsible for involuntary actions such as regulating heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Question 5

As Molly is walking across campus, a car swerves toward her. Her heart races and sweat breaks out as she jumps out of harm's way. This mobilization of energy is due to the action of Molly's ______________.

Accepted Answer

The mobilization of energy described in the scenario is characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses in times of danger or stress. The other options (A, B, and C) are not involved in this type of physiological response.

Question 6

Involuntary muscles are controlled by the ________ nervous system.

Accepted Answer

Involuntary muscles are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the functions of internal organs such as the heart, stomach, and intestines. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscles, while the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are part of the autonomic nervous system and regulate different functions such as the fight or flight response and rest and digest response, respectively.

Question 7

The division of the nervous system that allows the brain and the spinal cord to communicate with the sensory systems of the eyes, ears, skin, and mouth and allows the brain and spinal cord to control the muscles and glands of the body is called the ______.

Accepted Answer

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the division of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, including the sensory systems and muscles. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B refers only to the brain and spinal cord. Option C refers to the system of glands that secrete hormones to communicate with the body. Option D is not a recognized division of the nervous system.

Question 8

Which of the following is a long bundle of neurons that functions as a carrier of messages from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body and is responsible for certain reflexes?

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord is a long bundle of neurons that serves as a pathway for messages between the body and brain. It is responsible for certain reflexes, such as the knee-jerk reflex. The cerebellum is a separate part of the brain that is involved in coordinating movement and balance. The somatic nervous system is a division of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements and sensation. The amygdala is a small structure in the brain that plays a role in processing emotions and memories.

Question 9

The parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for increasing salivation. It is also responsible for decreasing heart rate and promoting digestion, which makes choices A and D incorrect. Pupil constriction is actually a parasympathetic response, so dilation of pupils is not associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, making choice B incorrect.

Question 10

The brain and spinal cord are two components of the______.

Accepted Answer

The brain and spinal cord are both part of the central nervous system, which is responsible for receiving and processing information from the body and sending out signals to control bodily functions. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary movements and sensory information, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion. The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

The sensory-somatic nervous system is one branch of the ________ nervous system.

Accepted Answer

Sensory-somatic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system, which consists of all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. The other options are branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 12

The central nervous system consists of ______.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 13

The autonomic nervous system can be further subdivided into ___________.

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. These systems have opposing effects on various body functions, such as heart rate and digestion. The other options listed are not accurate subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 14

The autonomic nervous system has two divisions called the __________ and the ____________.

Accepted Answer

The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. They have opposite effects on target organs and work together to maintain physiological homeostasis. Option A is incorrect because the central and peripheral nervous systems refer to different organizational levels within the nervous system. Option C is incorrect because receptors and effectors are not separate divisions of the autonomic nervous system; they are components of the system. Option D is incorrect because the limbic system and endocrine system are not divisions of the autonomic nervous system; they are separate but interconnected systems of the body.

Question 15

Which of the following is associated with the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which includes decreasing salivation. Other effects include increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and increasing sweat production, which are opposite to the options A, B, and C.

Question 16

There are approximately how many glial cells in the brain relative to the number of neurons?

Accepted Answer

It is estimated that there are approximately 10 times more glial cells in the brain relative to the number of neurons. This means that for every neuron in the brain, there are roughly 10 glial cells. While there is some variation depending on the specific brain region and type of glial cell, overall this is the best estimate for the ratio of glial cells to neurons in the brain.

Question 17

As she walks out of the living room, Gloriann turns out the light. In this example, Gloriann's __________________ is active.

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles, such as turning off a light. The other options, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and autonomic nervous systems, control involuntary actions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Question 18

A reflex involves which of the following type(s) of neurons?

Accepted Answer

A reflex arc involves the activation of sensory neurons that detect a stimulus, which then activate interneurons in the spinal cord or brainstem, and then signal motor neurons that produce a response. Therefore, all three types of neurons (sensory, interneurons, and motor) are involved in a reflex.

Question 19

Jill has recently been prescribed L-Dopa to treat her condition. Jill most likely has which of the following?

Accepted Answer

L-Dopa is a medication commonly used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is used to increase dopamine levels in the brain to reduce Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movements. Therefore, Jill most likely has Parkinson's disease.

Question 20

Which component of the nervous system mobilizes the body in times of stress?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic component of the nervous system is responsible for mobilizing the body in times of stress by initiating the "fight or flight" response. This response involves increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as releasing adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for immediate action.

Quiz 2: The Biology of Mind and Behavior: The Brain in Action