Biology

Nervous System Physiology

1,959 Questions

Enhance your knowledge of human neurobiology through questions on nervous system physiology. The topics cover brain anatomy, sensory modalities, and the neural mechanisms controlling speech and language. This resource is ideal for students preparing for medical and general science exams.

Brain anatomy and regionsNeural mechanismsLanguage processingSensory functions

Nervous System Physiology Questions

Multiple choice zoology control and coordination in living organisms pineal gland pituitary gland and pineal gland pineal gland and thymus

Pineal body originates from

  1. Dorsal part of diencephalon

  2. Ventral part of diencephalon

  3. Ventral part of cerebellum

  4. Dorsal part of cerebellum
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The diencephalon is the region of the embryonic vertebrate neural tube that gives rise to posterior forebrain structures including the thalamus, hypothalamus, posterior portion of the pituitary gland, and pineal gland. The pineal gland arises as a dorsal outgrowth of the caudal portion of the diencephalon. In the adult animal, it lies in the midline of the roof of the third ventricle. 

Multiple choice zoology endocrine system and chemical co-ordination pineal gland pituitary gland and pineal gland pineal gland and thymus

Pineal body develops from

  1. Dorsal part of diencephalon

  2. Ventral part of diencephalon

  3. Ventral side of cerebellum

  4. Lateral side of cerebrum
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
Pineal gland is a small, rounded and reddish brown gland present at the dorsal side of forebrain. This gland secretes melatonin and serotonin hormones. It develops from the roof of a section of brain called diencephalon which is located behind third cerebral ventricle in the middle part of the brain i.e. on dorsal side of forebrain.
So, the correct answer is 'Dorsal part of diencephalon'.
Multiple choice biology sensory organs of humans - sense organs ear : the organ of hearing and equilibrium ear and its function ear

You are riding a bicycle and take a sudden turn around a sharp corner. The organs involved in the maintenance of balance is

  1. Medulla oblongata

  2. Semicircular canals

  3. Cerebrum

  4. Optic chiasma
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
Medulla oblongata is the part of hind brain and controls consciousness and arousal (the reticular formation) and its three vital reflex centres control the blood vessels diameter, heartbeat and breathing rate. This makes option A incorrect as medulla oblongata is not associated with sense of balance. The three semicircular canals lie at right angle to each other in vestibular apparatus of inner ear and are filled with endolymph; this arrangement senses the change in movement (acceleration or deceleration) or position. The mechanism includes movement of cupula in response to movement of endolymph within the canal causing the bending of cilia to generate the nerve impulse. This makes option B correct. Cerebrum is the part of fore brain and serves to receive sensory inputs, to bring about integration before commanding voluntary motor responses, to coordinate the activities of other part of brain, and to carry out higher thought processes for learning, memory, language and speech. This makes option C incorrect. Optic chiasma serves to send the data from right and left half of each retina to right and left visual area of cerebral cortex respectively
So, the correct answer is 'Semicircular canals'
Multiple choice biology sensory organs of humans - sense organs ear : the organ of hearing and equilibrium ear and its function ear

You are riding a bicycle and take a sudden turn around a sharp corner. The organ involved in the maintenance of balance is

  1. Medulla oblongata

  2. Semicircular canals

  3. Cerebrum

  4. Optic chiasm
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Semicircular canals are three tiny, fluid-filled tubes in our inner ear that helps us to keep our balance. When our head moves around, the liquid inside the semicircular canals sloshes around and moves the tiny hairs that line each canal.
Angular acceleration (e.g., rapid turning) of a person in any direction produces currents of fluid (endolymph) along the corresponding canal, which are detected by the fine projections from Sensory cells and communicated to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

The brain is responsible for

  1. Thinking

  2. Regulating the heart beat

  3. Balancing the body

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The cerebellum is the convoluted subdivision of brain stem and is associated with coordination of muscular movement, muscle tone and balance. Medulla oblongata controls consciousness and arousal (the reticular formation) and its cardiovascular reflex centre controls heartbeat. The cerebrum is the largest and uppermost division of brain. It is the centre for higher thought processes required for learning, memory, language and speech. The correct answer is D.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

Select the correct option:

Blood-brain barrier in adults has ........... junctions between cells.

  1. Tight

  2. Adhering

  3. Gap

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The blood-brain barrier is a dynamic conduit for transport taking place between brain and blood. The blood vessels and brain are lined with endothelial cells that are wedged tightly together, creating a nearly impermeable boundary.

the blood-brain barrier helps block harmful substances from entering the brain.
So the correct option is 'Tight'.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

Brain is the main .......... centre of the body.

  1. Peripheral

  2. Nervous

  3. Chemical

  4. Physical
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The brain serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrates and most invertebrate animals. Only a few invertebrates, such as sponges,  jellyfish, adult sea squirts and starfish do not have a brain.In such organisms, a diffuse neural tissue is present. It is located in the head, usually close to the primary sensory organs for such senses as vision, hearing, balance, taste and smell. The brain is the most complex organ in a vertebrate's body. 

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

The cavities of brain are lined by

  1. Cuboidal cells

  2. Polygonal cells

  3. Ependymal cells

  4. Simple squamous cells
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Ependymal cells are the cube-shaped epithelial cells that forms the epithelial lining of the cavities in brain and central canal of spinal cord. These cells are formed from a layer of embryonic tissue known as neuroectoderm and secrete cerebrospinal fluid for mechanical protection.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

Human brain is covered by

  1. Two meninges

  2. Three meninges

  3. Five meninges

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Meninges are the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system. 

In mammals, the meninges consist of three layers - dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater. The primary function of the meninges and of the cerebrospinal fluid is to protect the central nervous system.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

Which of the following is the bony cover box in the skull that protects the brain?

  1. Hindbrain

  2. Midbrain

  3. Cranium

  4. Forebrain
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The bony structure in the head of most vertebrates (in particular, craniates) that supports the structures of the face is called as the skull. It forms a protective cavity for the brain. The cranium and the mandible are the two parts of the skull. The skull forms the anterior most portion of the skeleton and is a product of encephalization, housing the brain, many sensory structures (eyes, ears, nasal cavity) and the feeding system.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

The centre for the control of all the activities of an animal is the

  1. Heart

  2. Brain

  3. Liver

  4. Stomach
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The brain is the control center of the body. It consists of three main components- forebrain, brainstem, hindbrain. The brain is important in the human body, because it allows a person to think, feel and store memories, and it controls and coordinates the body's actions and reactions. The brain is an incredibly complex organ composed of many parts, including the cranium, the cerebrum, the brain stem and the cerebellum.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

What connects the two hemisphere of the brain?

  1. Grey matter

  2. Corpus callosum

  3. White matter

  4. Thalamus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

  • A deep furrow divides the cerebrum into two halves, known as the left and right hemispheres. 
  • The two hemispheres look mostly symmetrical yet it has been shown that each side functions slightly different than the other. 
  • Sometimes, the right hemisphere is associated with creativity and the left hemispheres are associated with logic abilities. 
  • The corpus callosum is a bundle of axons that connects these two hemispheres. 

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

.......... possess both sensory and motor functions. 

  1. Hypothalamus

  2. Thalamus

  3. Medulla

  4. Cerebrum
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

  • The thalamus is a part of the human brain situated between the cerebral cortex and midbrain. It has a number of functions. 
  • Some of its functions include the relaying of the sensory and motor functions to the cerebral cortex. It processes the sensory information as well as relay it. 

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Multiple choice biology life processes: control and coordination structure and function of brain human brain nervous and endocrine system in humans

The structure important for basic vital life functions such as breathing and heartbeat is______

  1. Brain stem

  2. Cerebrum

  3. Cerebellum

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

  • Underneath the limbic system in the brain stem. This structure is responsible for life functions such as breathing, blood pressure, etc.
  •  Scientists say that this is the "simplest" part of human brains because animals' entire brains (such as reptiles) resemble our brain stem. 
  • The brain stem is made of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. 

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.