Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Nervous System Anatomy & Physiology Quiz - Test Your Skills

Dive into our Nervous System Anatomy & Physiology Quiz - master the central nervous system!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style brain spinal cord nerves on sky blue background promoting free nervous system anatomy physiology quiz

Challenge your knowledge of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves with our Ultimate Nervous System Quiz: Anatomy & Physiology Mastery! This free nervous system quiz anatomy and physiology test is perfect for med students, biology buffs, and anatomy enthusiasts eager to prove their neural know-how. In this anatomy and physiology quiz , you'll answer questions on central nervous system structure, synaptic transmission, and reflex arcs, receiving instant feedback. As you tackle our nervous system anatomy quiz, you'll strengthen your recall and uncover areas to focus on. Ready to level up your neuroanatomy expertise? Start now and transform your expertise!

What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Neuron
Dendrite
Synapse
Nerve fiber
Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system. They consist of dendrites, a cell body, and an axon which carry signals to other neurons or effector cells. Synapses are junctions between neurons but are not cells themselves. source
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions?
Somatic
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
Central
The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system conserves energy and promotes 'rest and digest' activities such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, digestion, and defecation. It primarily uses acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter. The sympathetic division is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses. source
The central nervous system consists of which two structures?
Cranial nerves and spinal nerves
Spinal cord and ganglia
Brain and spinal cord
Brain and peripheral nerves
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and integrating sensory information and coordinating bodily functions. Peripheral nerves and ganglia are part of the peripheral nervous system. source
Which glial cell produces myelin in the peripheral nervous system?
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
Astrocytes
Microglia
Schwann cells wrap around PNS axons to form the myelin sheath, which increases the speed of electrical conduction. Oligodendrocytes perform the same function in the CNS. Astrocytes and microglia have supportive and immune roles, respectively. source
What ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization phase of an action potential?
Potassium
Calcium
Chloride
Sodium
During the depolarization phase of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na? to rush into the neuron. This influx of positive ions causes the membrane potential to become more positive. Potassium is involved in repolarization. source
The region of a neuron that receives incoming signals is called the:
Axon terminal
Dendrites
Cell body
Axon hillock
Dendrites are branching projections of the neuron that receive synaptic inputs from other neurons. They convey electrical signals toward the cell body. The axon hillock integrates those inputs and can initiate action potentials. source
What structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres?
Fornix
Hippocampus
Thalamus
Corpus callosum
The corpus callosum is a large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them. The fornix is part of the limbic system, the thalamus relays sensory information, and the hippocampus is involved in memory. source
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
Parietal lobe
Frontal lobe
Occipital lobe
Temporal lobe
The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, is dedicated to visual processing. It contains the primary visual cortex where visual signals are interpreted. Other lobes handle functions like hearing, touch, and motor planning. source
The blood-brain barrier is formed by tight junctions between which cells?
Endothelial cells
Microglia
Oligodendrocytes
Astrocytes
The blood-brain barrier arises from tight junctions between endothelial cells of CNS capillaries, restricting the passage of substances from blood into the brain. Astrocyte end-feet support barrier function but do not form the junctions. source
Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory messenger in the central nervous system?
GABA
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Glutamate
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate brain. It reduces neuronal excitability by opening chloride channels. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. source
During an action potential, repolarization is mainly due to the efflux of which ion?
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Chloride
Repolarization follows depolarization when voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing K? to exit the neuron. This outward movement of positive ions brings the membrane potential back toward the resting level. Sodium channels are inactivated at this phase. source
Which structure in the brainstem plays a key role in controlling respiratory rhythm?
Midbrain
Pons
Cerebellum
Medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata contains the respiratory center that controls the rate and depth of breathing through autonomic reflexes. The pons modulates and fine-tunes respiration. The midbrain and cerebellum have other functions. source
The refractory period in a neuron serves to:
Increase action potential amplitude
Prevent backward propagation of the action potential
Release more neurotransmitter
Maintain the resting potential indefinitely
The refractory period, consisting of absolute and relative phases, ensures action potentials move in one direction along an axon and prevents immediate re-excitation. It is due to sodium channel inactivation and potassium channel activation. source
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
Protect synapses from damage
Increase conduction velocity of electrical impulses
Store ion channels
Produce neurotransmitters
Myelin sheaths formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS insulate axons and allow saltatory conduction. This dramatically increases the speed of action potential propagation. source
Which receptor type at the neuromuscular junction binds acetylcholine to produce muscle contraction?
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Beta-adrenergic receptor
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
NMDA receptor
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is an ionotropic receptor at the neuromuscular junction that opens in response to acetylcholine, allowing sodium influx and triggering muscle contraction. Muscarinic receptors are G protein - coupled and found in the autonomic ganglia and effector organs. source
What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?
Glutamate
Serotonin
GABA
Glycine
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system. It activates multiple receptor types, including AMPA and NMDA receptors, to depolarize neurons. GABA and glycine serve inhibitory roles. source
Which ascending pathway transmits fine touch and proprioceptive information to the brain?
Dorsal column - medial lemniscal pathway
Spinothalamic tract
Spinocerebellar tract
Corticospinal tract
The dorsal column - medial lemniscal pathway carries information about fine touch, vibration, and proprioception from the body to the brain. It ascends ipsilaterally in the spinal cord before decussating in the medulla. The spinothalamic tract transmits pain and temperature. source
Which part of the neuron is responsible for summing synaptic inputs and generating action potentials?
Soma
Axon hillock
Dendritic spine
Myelin sheath
The axon hillock is the region where graded potentials converge and the membrane reaches threshold to initiate an action potential. It has a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels. Dendritic spines and the soma receive inputs but do not trigger APs directly. source
During the falling phase of an action potential, which ion channel predominantly opens?
Ligand-gated sodium channels
Voltage-gated calcium channels
Chloride channels
Voltage-gated potassium channels
The falling (repolarization) phase is driven by opening of voltage-gated potassium channels, allowing K? to leave the cell. This outflow returns the membrane potential toward the resting level. Sodium channels are inactivated during this time. source
What is the name of the synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber?
Axodendritic synapse
Neuromuscular junction
Electrical synapse
Axosomatic synapse
The neuromuscular junction is a specialized chemical synapse where a motor neuron's axon terminal communicates with a muscle fiber to induce contraction via acetylcholine release. Axodendritic and axosomatic synapses occur between neurons. source
Which structure in the brain acts as the major relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex?
Hypothalamus
Thalamus
Basal ganglia
Medulla
The thalamus receives sensory signals (except olfaction) and relays them to appropriate cortical areas for processing. It also plays roles in motor control and consciousness. The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis, and the basal ganglia manage movement. source
Which scaffolding protein is critical for clustering voltage-gated sodium channels at the nodes of Ranvier?
Dystrophin
Neurofascin
Spectrin
Ankyrin G
Ankyrin G is a key scaffolding protein that anchors voltage-gated sodium channels at the node of Ranvier, ensuring rapid saltatory conduction. Neurofascin also contributes to nodal organization but ankyrin G is essential for channel clustering. source
In hippocampal long-term potentiation, which receptor subtype mediates calcium influx essential for synaptic strengthening?
NMDA receptor
GABA_A receptor
AMPA receptor
mGluR receptor
NMDA receptors are ligand- and voltage-gated channels that allow calcium entry when glutamate binds and the postsynaptic membrane is depolarized. This calcium influx triggers signaling cascades underlying long-term potentiation. AMPA receptors mediate most fast excitatory transmission. source
0
{"name":"What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?, Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions?, The central nervous system consists of which two structures?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Nervous System Structures -

    Pinpoint the major anatomical components such as the brain regions, spinal cord segments, and peripheral nerves to solidify your foundational knowledge.

  2. Explain Neuronal Function -

    Describe the structure of neurons and the processes of action potential generation and propagation to understand how electrical signals travel.

  3. Describe Synaptic Transmission -

    Illustrate how neurotransmitters cross synapses and influence post-synaptic responses, deepening insight into chemical communication pathways.

  4. Differentiate CNS and PNS Roles -

    Compare central versus peripheral nervous system functions, emphasizing how each division processes and relays sensory and motor information.

  5. Apply Knowledge in Quiz Format -

    Tackle a variety of question types to reinforce your understanding of nervous system anatomy and physiology and sharpen recall under timed conditions.

  6. Evaluate Your Mastery -

    Analyze your quiz results to identify strengths and knowledge gaps, guiding further study and improvement in anatomy and physiology.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Neuron Structure & Saltatory Conduction -

    Neurons feature dendrites for input, a soma that integrates signals, and a myelinated axon for rapid output; myelin sheaths force action potentials to jump between Nodes of Ranvier. This "leapfrog" process, called saltatory conduction, increases signal speed up to 100 m/s (Kandel et al., Principles of Neural Science). Use the mnemonic "My Electric Car" (Myelin, Excitation, Conduction) to recall these key parts.

  2. Action Potential Phases & Threshold -

    An action potential initiates when membrane potential reaches the threshold (~ - 55 mV), triggering Na+ influx (depolarization), followed by K+ efflux (repolarization) and a brief hyperpolarization (Hodgkin & Huxley, 1952). Remember "All-or-None" - subthreshold stimuli won't fire, and once threshold is hit, the response is maximal. A quick mnemonic: "D-R-H" (Depolarize, Repolarize, Hyperpolarize) helps you recall the sequence.

  3. Synaptic Transmission & Neurotransmitters -

    At chemical synapses, Ca2+ entry triggers vesicle fusion and release of neurotransmitters like glutamate (excitatory) or GABA (inhibitory) into the synaptic cleft (Purves et al., Neuroscience). The balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals shapes neural circuit output - think "GEI" (Glutamate Excites, Inhibits with GABA) as a quick recall. Quantify release with the concept of "quantal size," reflecting vesicle content per synaptic event.

  4. CNS Divisions & Functional Regions -

    The central nervous system splits into forebrain (cognition, emotion), midbrain (vision, hearing), hindbrain (balance, autonomic control), and the spinal cord (reflexes, motor pathways) (Bear et al., Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain). A handy phrase "Fuzzy Minds Hurdle Spines" (Forebrain, Midbrain, Hindbrain, Spinal cord) cements each division. In your next nervous system anatomy quiz anatomy and physiology practice, map these regions to their primary functions.

  5. Reflex Arcs & Spinal Pathways -

    Monosynaptic reflexes (e.g., patellar tendon reflex) involve a direct sensory-motor neuron link in the spinal cord, while polysynaptic reflexes include one or more interneurons (Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology). This arrangement allows rapid involuntary responses and basic pain withdrawal. Visualize the pathway: receptor → dorsal root → interneuron (if present) → ventral root → effector to master reflex concepts for your quiz on central nervous system functions.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Human Anatomy & Medicine Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker