Q1. What is the main function of the central nervous system in humans?
a) To produce hormones
b) To coordinate and control bodily functions
c) To transport nutrients
d) To provide structural support
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Correct Answer: b) To coordinate and control bodily functions
Explanation: The central nervous system (CNS), comprising the brain and spinal cord, is primarily responsible for coordinating and controlling bodily functions. It processes information received from the sensory organs and other parts of the body, interprets this information, and sends out appropriate responses. The CNS plays a crucial role in functions such as movement, thought, emotion, and homeostasis.
Q2. Which part of the human brain is responsible for maintaining balance and posture?
a) Cerebrum
b) Cerebellum
c) Brainstem
d) Hypothalamus
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Correct Answer: b) Cerebellum
Explanation: The cerebellum, a part of the hindbrain, is responsible for maintaining balance and posture in humans. It coordinates voluntary movements, such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech, resulting in smooth and balanced muscular activity. It is also involved in motor learning and fine-tuning movements.
Q3. What are neurons?
a) Bone cells
b) Muscle cells
c) Blood cells
d) Nerve cells
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Correct Answer: d) Nerve cells
Explanation: Neurons, or nerve cells, are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, responsible for carrying messages throughout the body as electrical signals. They consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Neurons communicate with each other through synapses using chemical or electrical signals, enabling the body to respond to stimuli and perform various functions.
Q4. What is the role of the hormone insulin in the human body?
a) Increasing blood glucose levels
b) Regulating the sleep cycle
c) Decreasing blood glucose levels
d) Controlling heart rate
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Correct Answer: c) Decreasing blood glucose levels
Explanation: Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels. It facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, reducing the concentration of glucose in the blood. Insulin’s action helps in storing glucose in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen and is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Q5. Which part of the human brain is involved in the regulation of temperature, hunger, and thirst?
a) Cerebrum
b) Cerebellum
c) Hypothalamus
d) Medulla oblongata
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Correct Answer: c) Hypothalamus
Explanation: The hypothalamus, a small region located at the base of the brain, is involved in the regulation of various autonomic functions including temperature, hunger, and thirst. It acts as a control center for many autonomic functions of the peripheral nervous system and plays a significant role in the endocrine system by secreting hormones that regulate physiological processes.
Q6. What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
a) Coordination of voluntary muscle movements
b) Regulation of involuntary bodily functions
c) Processing sensory information
d) Formation of memories
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Correct Answer: b) Regulation of involuntary bodily functions
Explanation: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. It operates subconsciously and controls functions of internal organs, glands, and smooth muscles, ensuring the smooth operation of internal processes without conscious effort.
Q7. What type of receptor cells are responsible for detecting light in the human eye?
a) Keratinocytes
b) Neutrophils
c) Rods and cones
d) Osteocytes
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Correct Answer: c) Rods and cones
Explanation: Rods and cones are the receptor cells in the human eye responsible for detecting light. Rods are more numerous and are sensitive to low-light conditions, aiding in night vision. Cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. Both types of cells convert light into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain for visual recognition.
Q8. Which gland in the human body is often referred to as the “master gland”?
a) Thyroid gland
b) Adrenal gland
c) Pancreas
d) Pituitary gland
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Correct Answer: d) Pituitary gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the “master gland” because it controls several other hormone glands in the body, including the thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the ovaries and testes. It is a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain and plays a critical role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing.
Q9. What is the role of neurotransmitters in the human nervous system?
a) Providing energy to neurons
b) Repairing damaged neural tissues
c) Transmitting signals between neurons
d) Creating new neural connections
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Correct Answer: c) Transmitting signals between neurons
Explanation: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another ‘target’ neuron, muscle, or gland. These substances play a key role in communication within the nervous system, affecting various physical and psychological functions including heart rate, sleep, appetite, mood, and fear.
Q10. What is the primary role of the spinal cord in the human nervous system?
a) Initiating reflex actions
b) Regulating blood flow
c) Controlling voluntary movements
d) Connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system
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Correct Answer: d) Connecting the brain to the peripheral nervous system
Explanation: The primary role of the spinal cord is to connect the brain to the peripheral nervous system. It serves as a conduit for signals between the brain and the rest of the body, enabling sensory information to be sent to the brain and motor control signals to be sent from the brain to the rest of the body. It also plays a role in reflex actions.