SCSA Human Biology Central and peripheral nervous system
5 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers · Avg. score: 100%
The following is a list of statements related to the effects of the autonomic nervous system:
I. increases rate and strength of contractions of the heart
II. increases sweat secretion
III. constricts pupils
IV. stimulates hormone secretion from the adrenal medulla
V. increases movement of the stomach and intestines.
Which of the following identifies the effects that are brought about by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
I, II, IV and V only
I, II, III and V only
I, II and IV only
III and V only
Blind people are taught to read Braille (raised marks that create patterns on paper). They do this by running their fingertips over the markings. The pathway the impulse travels from the fingers to the brain includes some of the following components:
I. touch receptors
II. connector neuron
III. motor neuron
IV. sensory neuron
V. thalamus to cerebrum
VI. thalamus to cerebellum.
The correct order of the components in the pathway is
IV - II - III - VI
I - IV - II - V
III - II - IV - V
I - II - V - VI
Two unrelated patients; X and Y, visited the same neurosurgeon. The patients had very similar names, and both had a form of brain damage. The neurosurgeon asked Patient X to complete a point-to-point movement test, where the index finger touches the nose and then touches the outstretched finger of the neurosurgeon. He was also asked to walk across the room while the neurosurgeon observed his stability. Patient X found this very strange, as these tests were not what he normally experienced. He has a benign growth below the hypothalamus, reducing levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. When Patient X questioned this, the neurosurgeon realised he had mixed up the two patients and mistakenly thought he was seeing Patient Y.
Using the information above, identify the part of the brain damaged in both patients (X and Y), describe the role of these parts in normal body functioning and describe the effects damage to these structures would have on both patients.
Describe how the hypothalamus and pituitary work together to achieve their main function.
Flynn was standing at second base during a game of baseball. The batter hit the ball straight at him. Without thinking, Flynn put his baseball glove up to stop the ball from hitting his face and his face flinched (involuntarily turned) away from the incoming ball.
Describe the components of the mechanism that produced the flinching response.
Explain how a nerve impulse travels along an axon and between neurons.
While the nervous and endocrine systems work together to co-ordinate the functions of the body systems, they differ in several ways. Contrast three ways in which these systems operate.
The autonomic nervous system helps to control homeostatic mechanisms. The effects of these can often be demonstrated consciously. For example, an athlete competing in an important race event noticed the following whilst standing waiting for the race to start; they had a 'funny feeling' in their stomach, they were sweating, the light seemed brighter than usual, and they felt their heart was going to explode.
Outline the neural pathway of the autonomic nervous system activated in the athlete and explain the reasons for these symptoms.