18 Multiple Choice Questions on CNS & PNS | Nervous System Structure & Functions

Enhance your knowledge of the nervous system with 18 MCQs on CNS & PNS, covering structure and functions. Perfect for competitive exams and academic learning!

1. What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

A) Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System
B) Autonomic Nervous System and Somatic Nervous System
C) Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System
D) Brain and Spinal Cord

✅ Answer: A) Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

🧠 Explanation: The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which includes all nerves outside the CNS.

2. What is the main function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

A) Transmitting nerve signals between the body and brain
B) Controlling involuntary actions only
C) Producing hormones for metabolic regulation
D) Filtering waste from the blood

✅ Answer: A) Transmitting nerve signals between the body and brain

🧠 Explanation: The CNS acts as the control center for processing information and coordinating responses by transmitting nerve impulses to and from different body parts.

3. Which of the following is NOT a part of the CNS?

A) Brain
B) Spinal cord
C) Cranial nerves
D) Cerebrum

✅ Answer: C) Cranial nerves

🧠 Explanation: Cranial nerves belong to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) as they connect the brain to different parts of the body outside the CNS.

4. What is the main function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

A) Processing thoughts and emotions
B) Relaying messages between the CNS and the rest of the body
C) Storing memories
D) Regulating blood sugar levels

✅ Answer: B) Relaying messages between the CNS and the rest of the body

🧠 Explanation: The PNS acts as a communication network that connects the CNS with sensory organs, muscles, and glands.

5. The autonomic nervous system is a subdivision of which part of the nervous system?

A) CNS
B) PNS
C) Somatic Nervous System
D) None of the above

✅ Answer: B) PNS

🧠 Explanation: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

6. The brain is protected by which of the following structures?

A) Skull
B) Meninges
C) Cerebrospinal fluid
D) All of the above

✅ Answer: D) All of the above

🧠 Explanation: The brain is protected by the skull, covered by meninges (three protective layers), and cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

7. The spinal cord is responsible for which primary function?

A) Producing red blood cells
B) Transmitting nerve impulses between the brain and the body
C) Regulating body temperature
D) Digesting food

✅ Answer: B) Transmitting nerve impulses between the brain and the body

🧠 Explanation: The spinal cord serves as a highway for signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also plays a role in reflex actions.

8. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Brainstem
D) Hypothalamus

✅ Answer: B) Cerebellum

🧠 Explanation: The cerebellum controls coordination, posture, and balance.

9. Which nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements?

A) Autonomic Nervous System
B) Sympathetic Nervous System
C) Somatic Nervous System
D) Parasympathetic Nervous System

✅ Answer: C) Somatic Nervous System

🧠 Explanation: The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) is part of the PNS and regulates voluntary movements by controlling skeletal muscles.

10. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for which of the following?

A) Rest and digest
B) Fight or flight response
C) Regulation of body temperature
D) Producing hormones

✅ Answer: B) Fight or flight response

🧠 Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.

11. What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

A) Increase heart rate
B) Slow down body functions and promote digestion
C) Control reflex actions
D) Transmit sensory signals

✅ Answer: B) Slow down body functions and promote digestion

🧠 Explanation: The parasympathetic nervous system counteracts the sympathetic nervous system by promoting relaxation and digestion.

12. Which part of the brain regulates temperature, hunger, and thirst?

A) Cerebellum
B) Medulla oblongata
C) Hypothalamus
D) Thalamus

✅ Answer: C) Hypothalamus

🧠 Explanation: The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis, including body temperature, hunger, and thirst.

13. The medulla oblongata controls which functions?

A) Thinking and memory
B) Balance and coordination
C) Heart rate and breathing
D) Vision and hearing

✅ Answer: C) Heart rate and breathing

🧠 Explanation: The medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.

14. What type of neuron carries signals from the CNS to muscles?

A) Sensory neurons
B) Interneurons
C) Motor neurons
D) None of the above

✅ Answer: C) Motor neurons

🧠 Explanation: Motor neurons transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles for movement.

15. Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain?

A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Corpus callosum
D) Medulla oblongata

✅ Answer: C) Corpus callosum

🧠 Explanation: The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects and allows communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

16. Which cells form the myelin sheath in the CNS?

A) Schwann cells
B) Oligodendrocytes
C) Astrocytes
D) Microglia

✅ Answer: B) Oligodendrocytes

🧠 Explanation: Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin sheath that insulates neurons in the CNS.

17. The PNS consists of how many pairs of spinal nerves?

A) 10
B) 12
C) 31
D) 46

✅ Answer: C) 31

🧠 Explanation: There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves in the PNS, which control motor and sensory functions.

18. The sensory division of the PNS is also called the:

A) Efferent division
B) Afferent division
C) Somatic division
D) Reflex division

✅ Answer: B) Afferent division

🧠 Explanation: The afferent division carries sensory information from the body to the CNS.