Nervous System Q&A: Neurons, Reflexes, and Brain
Anatomy - Prof. Mumo (2026/2027)
Human Nervous System Fundamentals | Key Domains: Neuron Structure & Function (Action
Potentials, Synapses), Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System, Brain Anatomy & Lobes, Spinal Cord &
Reflex Arcs, Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic/Parasympathetic), and Basic Sensory &
Motor Pathways | Expert-Aligned Structure | Comprehensive Q&A Format
Introduction
This structured Nervous System Q&A set for 2026/2027 provides a comprehensive review of
neuroscience fundamentals with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the structure and
function of neurons, the organization of the nervous system, and the anatomical basis of reflexes
and basic neural processing, essential for students of anatomy, physiology, and health sciences.
Q&A Structure:
• Comprehensive Question Bank: (75 QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers and anatomical/functional explanations must appear in bold and cyan blue,
accompanied by concise rationales explaining the neural process (e.g., depolarization during an
action potential), the function of a specific brain region (e.g., occipital lobe for vision), the
components of a reflex arc, the effect of autonomic stimulation (e.g., sympathetic "fight or flight"),
and why alternative options are anatomically incorrect or misrepresent nervous system physiology.
1. What is the primary function of a neuron?
A. To produce hormones
B. To contract and generate movement
C. To transmit electrical and chemical signals
D. To store nutrients
C. To transmit electrical and chemical signals
, Neurons are specialized cells that communicate via electrical impulses (action potentials) and
chemical messengers (neurotransmitters). Hormone production (A) is endocrine function;
contraction (B) is muscle; nutrient storage (D) is adipose or liver.
2. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Myelin sheath
D. Axon terminal
B. Dendrite
Dendrites are branched extensions that receive neurotransmitters from other neurons and convert
them into small electrical signals. The axon (A) conducts impulses away; axon terminals (D) release
neurotransmitters; myelin (C) insulates the axon.
3. During depolarization of a neuron, what ion rushes into the cell?
A. Potassium (K⁺)
B. Chloride (Cl⁻)
C. Sodium (Na⁺)
D. Calcium (Ca²⁺)
C. Sodium (Na⁺)
Depolarization occurs when voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open, allowing Na⁺ to flow into the neuron,
making the inside more positive. K⁺ (A) exits during repolarization. Cl⁻ (B) and Ca²⁺ (D) play roles in
inhibition and synaptic transmission, respectively, but not primary depolarization.
4. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of:
A. Brain and spinal cord
, B. Cranial and spinal nerves
C. Autonomic and somatic nerves
D. Ganglia and plexuses
A. Brain and spinal cord
The CNS includes only the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all
nerves (cranial/spinal), ganglia, and plexuses (B, C, D).
5. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for visual processing?
A. Frontal lobe
B. Parietal lobe
C. Temporal lobe
D. Occipital lobe
D. Occipital lobe
The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex. Frontal (A) governs decision-making and
motor control; parietal (B) processes touch and spatial awareness; temporal (C) handles hearing
and memory.
6. What is the role of the myelin sheath?
A. To produce neurotransmitters
B. To insulate the axon and speed up signal conduction
C. To receive signals from other neurons
D. To store calcium ions
B. To insulate the axon and speed up signal conduction
, Myelin, produced by oligodendrocytes (CNS) or Schwann cells (PNS), insulates axons and enables
saltatory conduction—jumping of the action potential between nodes of Ranvier—increasing
speed. It does not produce neurotransmitters (A), receive signals (C), or store calcium (D).
7. In a reflex arc, which component carries the signal from the receptor to the spinal cord?
A. Motor neuron
B. Interneuron
C. Sensory neuron
D. Effector
C. Sensory neuron
The sensory (afferent) neuron transmits the impulse from the receptor (e.g., skin) to the CNS (spinal
cord). The interneuron (B) processes it; motor neuron (A) carries the response to the effector (D),
such as a muscle.
8. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is active during "rest and digest"?
A. Sympathetic
B. Parasympathetic
C. Somatic
D. Enteric
B. Parasympathetic
The parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy, slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, and
promotes relaxation. Sympathetic (A) drives "fight or flight." Somatic (C) controls voluntary
muscles. Enteric (D) governs the gut but is modulated by parasympathetic input.
9. Neurotransmitters are released from the:
A. Dendrites
Anatomy - Prof. Mumo (2026/2027)
Human Nervous System Fundamentals | Key Domains: Neuron Structure & Function (Action
Potentials, Synapses), Central vs. Peripheral Nervous System, Brain Anatomy & Lobes, Spinal Cord &
Reflex Arcs, Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic/Parasympathetic), and Basic Sensory &
Motor Pathways | Expert-Aligned Structure | Comprehensive Q&A Format
Introduction
This structured Nervous System Q&A set for 2026/2027 provides a comprehensive review of
neuroscience fundamentals with correct answers and rationales. It emphasizes the structure and
function of neurons, the organization of the nervous system, and the anatomical basis of reflexes
and basic neural processing, essential for students of anatomy, physiology, and health sciences.
Q&A Structure:
• Comprehensive Question Bank: (75 QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers and anatomical/functional explanations must appear in bold and cyan blue,
accompanied by concise rationales explaining the neural process (e.g., depolarization during an
action potential), the function of a specific brain region (e.g., occipital lobe for vision), the
components of a reflex arc, the effect of autonomic stimulation (e.g., sympathetic "fight or flight"),
and why alternative options are anatomically incorrect or misrepresent nervous system physiology.
1. What is the primary function of a neuron?
A. To produce hormones
B. To contract and generate movement
C. To transmit electrical and chemical signals
D. To store nutrients
C. To transmit electrical and chemical signals
, Neurons are specialized cells that communicate via electrical impulses (action potentials) and
chemical messengers (neurotransmitters). Hormone production (A) is endocrine function;
contraction (B) is muscle; nutrient storage (D) is adipose or liver.
2. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Myelin sheath
D. Axon terminal
B. Dendrite
Dendrites are branched extensions that receive neurotransmitters from other neurons and convert
them into small electrical signals. The axon (A) conducts impulses away; axon terminals (D) release
neurotransmitters; myelin (C) insulates the axon.
3. During depolarization of a neuron, what ion rushes into the cell?
A. Potassium (K⁺)
B. Chloride (Cl⁻)
C. Sodium (Na⁺)
D. Calcium (Ca²⁺)
C. Sodium (Na⁺)
Depolarization occurs when voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open, allowing Na⁺ to flow into the neuron,
making the inside more positive. K⁺ (A) exits during repolarization. Cl⁻ (B) and Ca²⁺ (D) play roles in
inhibition and synaptic transmission, respectively, but not primary depolarization.
4. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of:
A. Brain and spinal cord
, B. Cranial and spinal nerves
C. Autonomic and somatic nerves
D. Ganglia and plexuses
A. Brain and spinal cord
The CNS includes only the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all
nerves (cranial/spinal), ganglia, and plexuses (B, C, D).
5. Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for visual processing?
A. Frontal lobe
B. Parietal lobe
C. Temporal lobe
D. Occipital lobe
D. Occipital lobe
The occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex. Frontal (A) governs decision-making and
motor control; parietal (B) processes touch and spatial awareness; temporal (C) handles hearing
and memory.
6. What is the role of the myelin sheath?
A. To produce neurotransmitters
B. To insulate the axon and speed up signal conduction
C. To receive signals from other neurons
D. To store calcium ions
B. To insulate the axon and speed up signal conduction
, Myelin, produced by oligodendrocytes (CNS) or Schwann cells (PNS), insulates axons and enables
saltatory conduction—jumping of the action potential between nodes of Ranvier—increasing
speed. It does not produce neurotransmitters (A), receive signals (C), or store calcium (D).
7. In a reflex arc, which component carries the signal from the receptor to the spinal cord?
A. Motor neuron
B. Interneuron
C. Sensory neuron
D. Effector
C. Sensory neuron
The sensory (afferent) neuron transmits the impulse from the receptor (e.g., skin) to the CNS (spinal
cord). The interneuron (B) processes it; motor neuron (A) carries the response to the effector (D),
such as a muscle.
8. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is active during "rest and digest"?
A. Sympathetic
B. Parasympathetic
C. Somatic
D. Enteric
B. Parasympathetic
The parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy, slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, and
promotes relaxation. Sympathetic (A) drives "fight or flight." Somatic (C) controls voluntary
muscles. Enteric (D) governs the gut but is modulated by parasympathetic input.
9. Neurotransmitters are released from the:
A. Dendrites
