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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Take the Ultimate Nervous System Quiz!

Dive into our nervous system quiz and ace the CNS, ANS & SNS challenge!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art stylized brain with branching nerves labeled CNS, ANS, SNS, PNS on coral background for nervous system quiz

Think you know your body's command center? Our Ultimate CNS Quiz: Test Your Nervous System Smarts is here to prove it! Whether you're a budding neuroscientist or simply curious, this cns quiz explores central pathways, challenges you in an ans quiz on stress control, shocks you with fight-or-flight questions in an sns quiz, and rounds out your skills with a pns quiz on sensory responses. Along the way, this fun nervous system quiz helps you master neuron functions, key biology concepts, and discover how each system shapes everything from reflexes to relaxation. Ready to dive in? Take the challenge now in our nervous system quiz or push further with our anatomy and physiology quiz - let's get quizzing!

Which part of a neuron primarily receives incoming signals?
Axon
Soma
Dendrite
Myelin sheath
Dendrites are branched extensions of the neuron that receive signals from other cells and convey that information toward the soma. They greatly increase the surface area for synaptic connections. Proper function of dendrites is vital for neural communication. Wikipedia
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
Store neurotransmitters
Insulate axons and speed conduction
Generate action potentials
Receive synaptic inputs
The myelin sheath is a lipid-rich layer wrapped around axons by glial cells. It insulates the axon and dramatically increases the speed of electrical impulse conduction. Damage to myelin disrupts signal transmission, as seen in multiple sclerosis. Khan Academy
Which division of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?
Somatic nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and processes information received from the body. It acts as the control center for thoughts, movements, and vital functions. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system carries signals to and from the CNS. Wikipedia
What does PNS stand for?
Peripheral neural synapse
Primary nervous system
Primary neural structure
Peripheral nervous system
PNS stands for the peripheral nervous system, which includes all neural elements outside the brain and spinal cord. It connects the CNS to limbs and organs and includes sensory and motor neurons. The PNS is further divided into somatic and autonomic systems. Wikipedia
Which glial cell helps form the blood - brain barrier?
Schwann cell
Microglia
Astrocyte
Oligodendrocyte
Astrocytes extend end-feet that surround brain capillaries and help maintain the blood - brain barrier. They regulate ion balance and nutrient flow to neurons. The barrier protects the CNS from toxins and pathogens in the bloodstream. Wikipedia
What structure connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?
Corpus callosum
Internal capsule
Fornix
Cerebral peduncle
The corpus callosum is a large bundle of myelinated nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres, enabling interhemispheric communication. It allows for coordinated function and data sharing between the brain's halves. Lesions in this area can disrupt this coordination. Wikipedia
Gray matter in the CNS is composed mainly of which of the following?
Blood vessels
Neuron cell bodies
Cerebrospinal fluid
Myelinated axons
Gray matter consists primarily of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. It processes information and forms cortical and subcortical structures. White matter, by contrast, is rich in myelinated axons. Wikipedia
White matter consists mainly of which component?
Myelinated axons
Neuron cell bodies
Dendritic spines
Synaptic vesicles
White matter is composed chiefly of myelinated axons, which give it a white appearance due to the fatty myelin. These tracts form communication pathways between gray matter areas and between the CNS and PNS. Wikipedia
What is the typical resting membrane potential of a neuron?
-70 mV
-120 mV
+30 mV
0 mV
Neurons at rest typically maintain a membrane potential of about - 70 millivolts, determined by ionic gradients and selective permeability, particularly to K+. This polarization is essential for excitability and signal transmission. Wikipedia
Which ion is found in higher concentration outside a resting neuron?
Calcium (Ca2+)
Sodium (Na+)
Chloride (Cl - )
Potassium (K+)
At rest, extracellular sodium concentration is high compared to the intracellular fluid, contributing to the resting membrane potential. Potassium is higher inside. The Na+/K+ ATPase pump maintains this gradient. Wikipedia
Approximately at what membrane voltage does an action potential threshold occur?
-55 mV
0 mV
+30 mV
-90 mV
The threshold for initiating an action potential in many neurons is around - 55 mV. Once reached, voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing rapid depolarization. Subthreshold stimuli fail to trigger an action potential. Khan Academy
Which ion influx is primarily responsible for the rising phase of an action potential?
Potassium (K+)
Sodium (Na+)
Chloride (Cl - )
Calcium (Ca2+)
During the rising phase of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ ions to rush into the cell. This influx depolarizes the membrane rapidly. Subsequent inactivation of sodium channels and opening of potassium channels repolarize the cell. Wikipedia
Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction?
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
GABA
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the main neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction, where it binds to nicotinic receptors on muscle fibers to induce contraction. Release of ACh triggers an end-plate potential. Wikipedia
Which cortical area is the primary motor cortex located?
Postcentral gyrus
Cingulate gyrus
Precentral gyrus
Superior temporal gyrus
The primary motor cortex resides in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe and is responsible for voluntary motor control. It sends signals via upper motor neurons to the spinal cord. Damage impairs motor execution. Wikipedia
Which part of the brainstem is primarily responsible for autonomic control of heart rate?
Medulla oblongata
Pons
Thalamus
Midbrain
The medulla oblongata houses the cardiovascular center that regulates heart rate and blood pressure via autonomic output. It adjusts sympathetic and parasympathetic tone in response to baroreceptor input. Lesions can cause fatal dysregulation. Wikipedia
Which neurotransmitter is the chief inhibitory mediator in the adult mammalian CNS?
GABA
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine
Glutamate
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, reducing neuronal excitability by opening Cl - channels. It plays key roles in motor control, vision, and anxiety regulation. Wikipedia
Which lobe of the brain is mainly responsible for processing visual information?
Occipital lobe
Parietal lobe
Temporal lobe
Frontal lobe
The occipital lobe at the back of the brain houses the primary visual cortex, which processes visual input from the retina. It is essential for interpreting color, shape, and motion. Lesions can cause cortical blindness. Wikipedia
Which cells myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system?
Schwann cells
Oligodendrocytes
Astrocytes
Microglia
Schwann cells wrap around PNS axons to form the myelin sheath, enabling rapid saltatory conduction. Each Schwann cell myelinates a single internode. Damage to Schwann cells impairs peripheral nerve function. Wikipedia
Which ascending spinal tract carries pain and temperature sensations?
Corticospinal tract
Dorsal column
Rubrospinal tract
Spinothalamic tract
The spinothalamic tract transmits pain and temperature information from the spinal cord to the thalamus. It crosses near the entry level, so lesions cause contralateral sensory loss. Wikipedia
Which meningeal layer is the toughest and most external?
Subarachnoid
Pia mater
Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
The dura mater is the outermost, tough fibrous layer that protects the CNS and supports venous sinuses. Beneath it lie the arachnoid and pia mater. It also forms dural reflections like the falx cerebri. Wikipedia
Which receptor is a mechanoreceptor in the skin that senses pressure and vibration?
Merkel cell
Nociceptor
Ruffini ending
Pacinian corpuscle
Pacinian corpuscles are large, onion-like mechanoreceptors that detect deep pressure and high-frequency vibration in the skin and deep tissues. They rapidly adapt to stimulus. Wikipedia
Which hypothalamic nucleus plays a key role in thermoregulation and homeostasis?
Preoptic area
Arcuate nucleus
Ventromedial nucleus
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
The preoptic area of the hypothalamus contains thermosensitive neurons that regulate body temperature by controlling autonomic and endocrine responses. It integrates peripheral and central temperature signals. Wikipedia
Parasympathetic outflow is described as 'craniosacral.' Which spinal segments contribute to sacral outflow?
C3 - C5
S2 - S4
L1 - L2
T1 - T4
Parasympathetic fibers emerge from the brainstem and sacral spinal segments S2 - S4, hence the term craniosacral. These fibers innervate pelvic organs and contribute to visceral functions. Wikipedia
Which brainstem structure's substantia nigra produces dopamine and is affected in Parkinson's disease?
Red nucleus
Ventral tegmental area
Substantia nigra
Locus coeruleus
The substantia nigra pars compacta synthesizes dopamine critical for movement regulation. Degeneration of these neurons leads to Parkinsonian symptoms. It is located in the midbrain. Wikipedia
How many pairs of cranial nerves are present in the human nervous system?
14
8
10
12
Humans have 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem to innervate head and neck structures. They have sensory, motor, or mixed functions. Wikipedia
The 'all-or-none' law in neurons refers to which principle?
Action potentials vary in amplitude with stimulus strength
An action potential either fully occurs or not at all
Only some sodium channels open at subthreshold
Graded potentials summate linearly
The all-or-none principle states that once threshold is reached, a full action potential occurs without change in amplitude, regardless of stimulus strength. Subthreshold stimuli do not trigger an action potential. Wikipedia
Which peripheral nerve fiber type has the fastest conduction velocity?
A-delta fibers
C fibers
A-beta fibers
A-alpha fibers
A-alpha fibers are large, heavily myelinated motor and proprioceptive fibers with the fastest conduction velocities (~80 - 120 m/s). They transmit muscle stretch and reflex information rapidly. Wikipedia
What is the primary function of the ventral horn in the spinal cord?
Motor neuron cell bodies
Autonomic output
Myelination of axons
Sensory integration
The ventral horn of the spinal cord gray matter contains the cell bodies of lower motor neurons that send axons out to skeletal muscles, mediating voluntary movement. Lesions here cause flaccid paralysis. Wikipedia
Which glial cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the central nervous system?
Astrocyte
Oligodendrocyte
Microglia
Schwann cell
Oligodendrocytes extend processes that wrap multiple CNS axons in myelin, facilitating rapid signal conduction. Dysfunction leads to neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis. Wikipedia
Which receptor activation and ion influx underlies the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neurons?
AMPAR activation and Na+ influx
GABA_A activation and Cl - influx
mGluR activation and K+ efflux
NMDAR activation and Ca2+ influx
Long-term potentiation in the hippocampus is initiated when NMDA receptors open during strong synaptic activity, allowing Ca2+ influx. This calcium trigger leads to signaling cascades that strengthen synapses. AMPA receptors are later upregulated. Wikipedia
Which embryonic brain vesicle gives rise to the midbrain in the adult CNS?
Telencephalon
Diencephalon
Mesencephalon
Metencephalon
The mesencephalon (midbrain vesicle) differentiates into adult midbrain structures such as the tectum and tegmentum. The metencephalon forms the pons and cerebellum. Proper development is crucial for sensorimotor integration. Wikipedia
Which adrenergic receptor subtype mediates most sympathetic-induced vasoconstriction?
Alpha-1
Beta-1
Alpha-2
Beta-2
Sympathetic stimulation of blood vessels primarily activates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing vasoconstriction. Alpha-2 receptors play minor autoregulatory roles. Wikipedia
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify major nervous system divisions -

    Learn to recognize and locate the central nervous system (CNS), autonomic (ANS), somatic (SNS) and peripheral (PNS) branches within a nervous system quiz context.

  2. Differentiate functional roles -

    Understand how the ANS controls involuntary processes, the SNS manages voluntary actions, and the PNS connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

  3. Analyze physiological responses -

    Examine how sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways produce fight-or-flight versus rest-and-digest reactions during quiz scenarios.

  4. Recall key neuronal components -

    Memorize the structure and function of neurons, synapses and neurotransmitters essential to CNS and peripheral signaling.

  5. Apply knowledge to real-world cases -

    Use insights from the nervous system quiz to interpret medical or everyday examples of nerve impulses and reflex arcs.

  6. Evaluate your mastery with the CNS quiz -

    Test and score your understanding by completing targeted questions in the cns quiz and reviewing detailed explanations.

Cheat Sheet

  1. CNS Organization & Processing -

    The central nervous system (CNS) integrates sensory input and motor commands through the brain and spinal cord. Key regions include the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem - use the mnemonic "FPOT" (Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal) to recall cortical lobes for your next cns quiz. Understanding gray vs. white matter layout boosts performance on detailed nervous system quiz questions.

  2. Autonomic Nervous System Balance -

    The ans quiz often highlights the sympathetic ("fight-or-flight") and parasympathetic ("rest-and-digest") branches, each with distinct neurotransmitters (norepinephrine vs. acetylcholine). Remember "S for Stress, P for Peace" to quickly sort effects during practice questions. Refer to American Physiological Society guidelines for clinically accurate ANS pathways.

  3. Somatic Nervous System & Voluntary Control -

    The somatic nervous system (SNS) governs voluntary movement by transmitting motor signals from the CNS to skeletal muscles. Use the phrase "Signal Neurons Stimulate" when you face an sns quiz section on reflex arcs and motor neuron pools. Real-world example: testing patellar tendon reflex illustrates simple spinal SNS circuits.

  4. Peripheral Nervous System Pathways -

    The pns quiz focuses on 12 cranial and 31 spinal nerves divided into afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) fibers. A handy mnemonic is "SAF-E" (Sensory=Afferent, Motor=Efferent) to classify nerve functions quickly. Don't forget to map dermatomes and myotomes to master peripheral innervation patterns.

  5. Neural Signaling: Action Potentials & Synapses -

    Action potentials follow an all-or-none rule: depolarization (Na+ influx) then repolarization (K+ efflux), critical for any nervous system quiz. Remember "Na+ In, K+ Out" and that Ca2+ entry triggers neurotransmitter release at synaptic terminals. Reviewing the Hodgkin-Huxley model boosts understanding of membrane dynamics.

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