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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

MCQ on Nervous System Quiz - Put Your Knowledge to the Test

Ready for a nervous system quiz? Answer MCQs and challenge yourself now

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style brain spinal cord nerve MCQ quiz illustration on teal background

Ready to challenge yourself with an engaging mcq on nervous system? Dive into our interactive nervous system quiz to test your grasp of spinal cord MCQ scenarios and sharpen your cranial nerves trivia skills. Whether you're a med student brushing up on nerve pathways or a curious science buff, this mcq nervous system test blends fun and learning. Discover what makes neurobiology tick, from reflex arcs to sensory processing, and measure your expertise. With instant feedback and score analysis, you'll see which topics need extra review. Feeling confident? Take on our bonus cns quiz for a deeper challenge. Click now and begin your free practice test on the nervous system today!

Which part of a neuron receives incoming signals?
Dendrite
Cell body
Synapse
Axon
Dendrites are branched projections of a neuron that receive synaptic inputs from other neurons and transmit electrical signals toward the cell body. They increase the surface area available for synapses and are the primary sites for signal integration. Without dendrites, the neuron would not effectively receive or process incoming information. More info
What type of glial cell forms the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?
Oligodendrocyte
Microglia
Schwann cell
Astrocyte
Oligodendrocytes wrap their membranes around axons in the CNS to form myelin sheaths, which insulate axons and speed electrical signal conduction. In contrast, Schwann cells myelinate PNS axons. Damage to oligodendrocytes disrupts signal transmission and is implicated in diseases like multiple sclerosis. More info
Which division of the peripheral nervous system carries sensory signals to the central nervous system?
Efferent division
Afferent division
Autonomic division
Somatic division
The afferent division of the PNS transmits sensory information from receptors throughout the body to the CNS for processing. The efferent division carries motor commands away from the CNS to muscles and glands. Proper functioning of the afferent division is essential for perception of stimuli. More info
What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?
-70 mV
+30 mV
-100 mV
0 mV
Most neurons maintain a resting membrane potential of approximately - 70 mV, established by the differential distribution of ions and the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. This negative potential is critical for the generation and propagation of action potentials. Deviations from this value can impair neuronal function. More info
During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion primarily enters the neuron?
Chloride (Cl?)
Calcium (Ca²?)
Potassium (K?)
Sodium (Na?)
Voltage-gated sodium channels open at threshold, allowing Na? to rush into the neuron and depolarize the membrane. This influx of positive charge drives the membrane potential toward a positive value. Blocking these channels prevents action potential initiation. More info
Which glial cells line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid?
Ependymal cells
Oligodendrocytes
Microglia
Astrocytes
Ependymal cells form a tight epithelial-like lining of the brain's ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord, where they secrete and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. They also have cilia that help move the fluid. Dysfunction can lead to hydrocephalus. More info
Which two major structures make up the central nervous system?
Brain and cranial nerves
Spinal cord and peripheral nerves
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nerves and ganglia
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate activity throughout the body. Peripheral nerves and ganglia comprise the peripheral nervous system and serve to relay information to and from the CNS. More info
What is considered the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Glial cell
Synapse
Neuron
Neurotransmitter
Neurons are specialized cells capable of generating and conducting electrical impulses, making them the fundamental signaling units of the nervous system. They communicate via synapses and release neurotransmitters. Glial cells support and protect neurons but do not transmit signals in the same way. More info
In a monosynaptic reflex arc, how many synapses are present?
One
Zero
Two
Three
A monosynaptic reflex arc features a single synapse directly between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron in the spinal cord. This arrangement allows for extremely rapid responses, such as the knee-jerk reflex. Polysynaptic reflexes involve one or more interneurons. More info
Which cranial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression?
Glossopharyngeal (IX)
Vagus (X)
Trigeminal (V)
Facial (VII)
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) innervates the muscles responsible for facial expressions, such as smiling and frowning. It also carries taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and supplies parasympathetic fibers to several glands. More info
Which ascending spinal tract transmits pain and temperature sensations?
Spinocerebellar tract
Dorsal columns
Corticospinal tract
Spinothalamic tract
The spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature information from the body to the thalamus and on to the cerebral cortex. It runs in the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord. Lesions here lead to loss of pain and temperature below the level of injury. More info
What is the primary neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction?
Glutamate
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
GABA
Acetylcholine is released by motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction, where it binds to nicotinic receptors on muscle fibers to trigger contraction. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase increases muscle stimulation and can cause spasms. More info
Which brain structure is primarily responsible for coordinating balance and movement?
Cerebrum
Medulla oblongata
Cerebellum
Thalamus
The cerebellum processes input from the vestibular system and proprioceptors to coordinate balance, posture, and fine motor control. Damage to the cerebellum causes ataxia and coordination deficits. It works in concert with cortical motor areas. More info
Which glial cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system?
Astrocytes
Schwann cells
Microglia
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells myelinate single axons in the peripheral nervous system, speeding up conduction of action potentials. They also aid in axonal regeneration after injury. Each Schwann cell wraps around only one segment of an axon. More info
Which lobe of the cerebral cortex processes visual information?
Temporal lobe
Frontal lobe
Occipital lobe
Parietal lobe
The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex (V1) and associated visual processing areas. It interprets visual signals from the retina via the optic pathways. Lesions here can cause cortical blindness or visual field defects. More info
What structural component forms the blood - brain barrier?
Gap junctions in astrocytes
Tight junctions between endothelial cells
Fenestrated capillaries
Myelin sheaths
The blood - brain barrier arises from tight junctions between endothelial cells of CNS capillaries, restricting paracellular diffusion. Astrocyte end-feet support these junctions but do not form them. This barrier protects neural tissue from toxins and pathogens. More info
The dorsal root ganglion contains the cell bodies of which type of neurons?
Motor neurons
Autonomic neurons
Sensory neurons
Interneurons
Dorsal root ganglia house the pseudounipolar cell bodies of sensory neurons that convey information from peripheral receptors to the spinal cord. Motor neuron cell bodies reside in the ventral horn. Damage to these ganglia affects sensation. More info
During the repolarization phase of an action potential, which ion channel predominantly opens?
Ligand-gated chloride channels
Voltage-gated potassium channels
Voltage-gated sodium channels
Calcium channels
Repolarization follows depolarization when voltage-gated K? channels open, allowing potassium to leave the cell and restore a negative membrane potential. Sodium channels remain inactivated during this phase. Proper timing of these channels is vital for action potential fidelity. More info
The dorsal spinocerebellar tract transmits which type of sensory information to the cerebellum?
Pain and temperature
Proprioceptive signals
Visual signals
Fine touch and pressure
The dorsal spinocerebellar tract carries unconscious proprioceptive information from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs to the cerebellum, which is essential for coordinating movement. This pathway remains ipsilateral and does not decussate. More info
Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory transmitter in the adult mammalian central nervous system?
Glycine
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Glutamate
Acetylcholine
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult CNS, binding to GABA_A and GABA_B receptors to increase chloride influx or potassium efflux, hyperpolarizing neurons and reducing excitability. Dysregulation of GABAergic signaling is implicated in epilepsy and anxiety disorders. More info
During the absolute refractory period, voltage-gated sodium channels are in which state?
Inactivated
Open
Degraded
Closed but activatable
In the absolute refractory period, voltage-gated Na? channels transition to an inactivated state, during which they cannot reopen regardless of stimulus strength. This ensures unidirectional propagation of the action potential and enforces a recovery period. More info
Which region of the spinal cord contains the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons?
Lateral horn
Ventral horn
Dorsal root ganglion
Dorsal horn
The lateral horn of the thoracolumbar spinal cord (T1 - L2) contains the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons. These neurons send fibers out to sympathetic ganglia to modulate fight-or-flight responses. Lesions here disrupt autonomic control. More info
The Na?/K? ATPase pump moves how many sodium and potassium ions per ATP hydrolyzed?
3 Na? in, 2 K? out
2 Na? in, 3 K? out
2 Na? out, 3 K? in
3 Na? out, 2 K? in
The Na?/K? ATPase uses one molecule of ATP to export three Na? ions out of the cell and import two K? ions. This electrogenic transport is crucial for maintaining resting membrane potential and cellular osmotic balance. More info
Long-term potentiation in the hippocampus primarily involves activation of which receptor?
AMPA receptor
NMDA receptor
Kainate receptor
GABA_A receptor
NMDA receptors play a central role in long-term potentiation by allowing Ca²? influx when both glutamate binding and postsynaptic depolarization remove the Mg²? block. Calcium then triggers signaling cascades that strengthen synaptic connections. More info
Which ion's influx triggers neurotransmitter release at presynaptic terminals?
Chloride (Cl?)
Calcium (Ca²?)
Sodium (Na?)
Potassium (K?)
Voltage-gated Ca²? channels open upon arrival of an action potential at the presynaptic terminal, allowing Ca²? influx. The rise in intracellular Ca²? concentration triggers synaptic vesicle fusion with the membrane and neurotransmitter release. More info
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Spinal Cord Functions -

    Interpret key roles of different spinal cord segments and answer spinal cord MCQ with confidence.

  2. Identify Major Cranial Nerves -

    Pinpoint the names, numbers, and functions of cranial nerves featured in our cranial nerves trivia questions.

  3. Analyze Sympathetic Nervous System Responses -

    Examine how the sympathetic division modulates body reactions under stress and apply this to nervous system quiz scenarios.

  4. Recall Cerebrum Anatomy and Lobes -

    Memorize the lobes of the cerebrum and their primary functions to excel in MCQ on nervous system sections.

  5. Differentiate Afferent and Efferent Pathways -

    Distinguish sensory (afferent) from motor (efferent) neuron pathways for accurate quiz responses.

  6. Apply Strategies for Nervous System MCQs -

    Use proven test-taking techniques to tackle mcq nervous system questions effectively and boost your score.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Central vs Peripheral Systems -

    The nervous system splits into the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral (cranial and spinal nerves) divisions, a concept often tested in mcq on nervous system quizzes (source: NIH). Knowing this hierarchy helps you nail spinal cord MCQ by clarifying which structures mediate reflexes versus voluntary actions. Mnemonic tip: "CNS Commands, PNS Executes."

  2. Neuron Structure & Action Potentials -

    Axons, dendrites, and the soma form the neuron's architecture, with the Na+/K+ pump and voltage-gated channels driving action potentials (Gray's Anatomy). Remember the Nernst equation (Eion = 61.5 log([ion]out/[ion]in)) to calculate resting membrane potentials, a staple in mcq nervous system rounds. Visualize depolarization as "Na+ in, more positive" and repolarization as "K+ out, reset."

  3. Cranial Nerve Mnemonics -

    There are 12 cranial nerves, from Olfactory (I) to Hypoglossal (XII), frequently appearing in cranial nerves trivia and nervous system quizzes (PubMed Central). Use the classic phrase "On Old Olympus' Towering Tops, A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops" to recall their order and sensory/motor function. Practice labeling diagrams to reinforce both name and role.

  4. Autonomic Nervous System Balance -

    The sympathetic ("fight or flight") and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") branches regulate involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, a common topic in mcq on nervous system tests (American Physiological Society). Spotting opposing effects - sympathetic increases HR, parasympathetic decreases HR - boosts your quiz accuracy. Think "E for Excite, D for Digest" as a quick recall guide.

  5. Cerebral Lobes & Functions -

    The frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes each handle distinct tasks: decision-making, sensory integration, hearing, and vision respectively, core content in nervous system quiz sections (University of Oxford Neuroscience). Use "F-POT" to map each lobe, then link to real-world examples like Broca's area in the frontal lobe for speech. Diagram drills cement these associations.

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