This comprehensive set of MCQs on Nervous and Chemical Coordination is designed to cover all essential topics required for success in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). Focused on key subjects such as the structure and function of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, and the mechanisms of signaling in both systems, these MCQs are crafted to help aspiring medical and dental students build a strong foundation in the principles of coordination and communication within the body.
Who should practice Nervous & Chemical Coordination MCQs?
- Students preparing for the MDCAT who wish to deepen their understanding of how the nervous and endocrine systems interact and their relevance to human health and disease.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of neural pathways, reflexes, and hormonal regulation, which are crucial for various medical and dental disciplines.
- University students targeting high-yield topics like signal transduction, neuroanatomy, and the physiological roles of hormones.
- Anyone aiming to strengthen their foundational understanding of coordination mechanisms and their implications for health and disease.
- Candidates focused on developing critical thinking and analytical skills related to biological systems and their impact on human health.
1. The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the:
A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Neuron
D) Synapse
View AnswerC
2. Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?
A) Axon
B) Soma
C) Dendrites
D) Myelin sheath
View AnswerC
3. The gap between two neurons is called a:
A) Synapse
B) Neurotransmitter
C) Dendrite
D) Axon terminal
View AnswerA
4. The process of converting a nerve impulse into a chemical signal occurs at:
A) The axon
B) The synapse
C) The soma
D) The myelin sheath
View AnswerB
5. Which of the following neurotransmitters is known for its role in mood regulation?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Serotonin
D) GABA
View AnswerC
6. Which type of synapse involves direct electrical coupling between neurons?
A) Chemical synapse
B) Electrical synapse
C) Neuromuscular junction
D) Axodendritic synapse
View AnswerB
7. The transmission of a nerve impulse along a neuron is primarily facilitated by:
A) Neurotransmitters
B) Action potentials
C) Hormones
D) Reflex arcs
View AnswerB
8. What is the term for the brief period during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential?
A) Resting potential
B) Refractory period
C) Threshold potential
D) Depolarization
View AnswerB
9. The structure that insulates axons and speeds up nerve impulse transmission is called:
A) Dendrite
B) Myelin sheath
C) Synapse
D) Soma
View AnswerB
10. In a reflex arc, which type of neuron carries impulses from sensory receptors to the spinal cord?
A) Motor neuron
B) Interneuron
C) Sensory neuron
D) Efferent neuron
View AnswerC
11. The primary function of the endocrine system is to:
A) Transmit nerve impulses
B) Release hormones into the bloodstream
C) Conduct reflex actions
D) Process sensory information
View AnswerB
12. Which gland is known as the “master gland” of the endocrine system?
A) Thyroid gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Adrenal gland
D) Pancreas
View AnswerB
13. What is the primary role of hormones?
A) Regulate nerve impulses
B) Control reflexes
C) Facilitate communication between cells
D) Store genetic information
View AnswerC
14. A feedback mechanism that enhances or increases the output of a system is called:
A) Positive feedback
B) Negative feedback
C) Homeostasis
D) Reflex action
View AnswerA
15. Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback mechanism?
A) Blood clotting
B) Oxytocin during childbirth
C) Regulation of blood sugar levels
D) Lactation
View AnswerC
16. The region of the brain responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate and breathing is the:
A) Cerebellum
B) Brainstem
C) Cerebrum
D) Thalamus
View AnswerB
17. What is the primary role of the hypothalamus?
A) Coordination of voluntary movements
B) Regulation of homeostasis
C) Processing visual information
D) Control of reflexes
View AnswerB
18. Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for balance and coordination?
A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Brainstem
D) Thalamus
View AnswerB
19. The area of the spinal cord responsible for reflex actions is located in the:
A) Dorsal horn
B) Ventral horn
C) Gray matter
D) White matter
View AnswerC
20. The hormone insulin is produced by which gland?
A) Adrenal gland
B) Pancreas
C) Thyroid gland
D) Pituitary gland
View AnswerB
21. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the fight-or-flight response?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) GABA
View AnswerC
22. The basic unit of the nervous system that transmits signals is called a:
A) Synapse
B) Neuron
C) Hormone
D) Reflex arc
View AnswerB
23. Which type of neuron transmits signals from the spinal cord to muscles?
A) Sensory neuron
B) Motor neuron
C) Interneuron
D) Efferent neuron
View AnswerB
24. The junction between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber is called:
A) Synapse
B) Neuromuscular junction
C) Axon terminal
D) Dendrite
View AnswerB
25. What happens during depolarization of a neuron?
A) The membrane potential becomes more negative.
B) Sodium ions enter the neuron.
C) Potassium ions leave the neuron.
D) The neuron becomes hyperpolarized.
View AnswerB
26. The structure that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft is the:
A) Dendrite
B) Axon terminal
C) Myelin sheath
D) Cell body
View AnswerB
27. Which type of feedback mechanism reduces the output of a system?
A) Positive feedback
B) Negative feedback
C) Homeostasis
D) Reflex action
View AnswerB
28. The hormone responsible for regulating metabolism is:
A) Insulin
B) Glucagon
C) Thyroxine
D) Cortisol
View AnswerC
29. The reflex arc consists of which components?
A) Receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, effector
B) Receptor, motor neuron, effector
C) Sensory neuron, interneuron, effector
D) Sensory neuron, motor neuron
View AnswerA
30. Which part of the brain is involved in higher cognitive functions, such as reasoning and problem-solving?
A) Cerebellum
B) Brainstem
C) Cerebrum
D) Thalamus
View AnswerC
31. The hormone that increases blood calcium levels is:
A) Calcitonin
B) Parathyroid hormone
C) Insulin
D) Glucagon
View AnswerB
32. Which neurotransmitter is associated with muscle contraction?
A) Norepinephrine
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Serotonin
View AnswerB
33. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
A) Rest and digest
B) Fight or flight
C) Homeostasis
D) Balance and coordination
View AnswerB
34. What type of cell responds to a hormone by changing its activity?
A) Target cell
B) Neuron
C) Sensory cell
D) Effector cell
View AnswerA
35. The cerebellum is primarily responsible for:
A) Memory and emotion
B) Coordination and balance
C) Language and speech
D) Vision and hearing
View AnswerB
36. Which structure in the brain regulates temperature, hunger, and thirst?
A) Cerebellum
B) Hypothalamus
C) Thalamus
D) Brainstem
View AnswerB
37. Which type of synapse releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?
A) Electrical synapse
B) Chemical synapse
C) Neuromuscular junction
D) Reflex arc
View AnswerB
38. The adrenal gland releases hormones that are involved in:
A) Growth
B) Stress response
C) Blood sugar regulation
D) Reproductive functions
View AnswerB
39. The reflex that causes the knee to jerk is known as the:
A) Patellar reflex
B) Withdrawal reflex
C) Stretch reflex
D) Deep tendon reflex
View AnswerA
40. The primary function of the thalamus is to:
A) Regulate body temperature
B) Relay sensory information to the cerebrum
C) Control autonomic functions
D) Manage emotional responses
View AnswerB
41. Hormones that promote growth and metabolism are produced by:
A) Thyroid gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Adrenal gland
D) Pancreas
View AnswerB
42. What initiates the action potential in a neuron?
A) Depolarization
B) Hyperpolarization
C) Refractory period
D) Resting potential
View AnswerA
43. The primary function of sensory neurons is to:
A) Transmit impulses to muscles
B) Carry signals from the brain to the body
C) Relay signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system
D) Process information
View AnswerC
44. Which of the following is NOT a type of neuron?
A) Motor neuron
B) Sensory neuron
C) Interneuron
D) Hormonal neuron
View AnswerD
45. Which neurotransmitter is known to play a key role in reward and pleasure?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Serotonin
D) GABA
View AnswerB
46. The myelin sheath is formed by:
A) Schwann cells
B) Oligodendrocytes
C) Astrocytes
D) Microglia
View AnswerA
47. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
A) Stimulating digestion
B) Increasing heart rate
C) Promoting the fight-or-flight response
D) Enhancing blood flow to muscles
View AnswerA
48. What is the role of neurotransmitters in the synapse?
A) To transmit electrical impulses
B) To facilitate communication between neurons
C) To form myelin sheaths
D) To regulate hormone levels
View AnswerB
49. The part of the brain that regulates emotions and memory is the:
A) Cerebellum
B) Limbic system
C) Brainstem
D) Thalamus
View AnswerB
50. Which of the following is a primary function of the spinal cord?
A) Processing visual information
B) Transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body
C) Regulating blood pressure
D) Producing hormones
View AnswerB
51. The endocrine system communicates through:
A) Electrical impulses
B) Chemical signals (hormones)
C) Reflex actions
D) Synaptic transmissions
View AnswerB
52. The hormone epinephrine is primarily released during:
A) Sleep
B) Stress
C) Digestion
D) Growth
View Answer
B
53. Which type of receptor is responsible for detecting changes in temperature?
A) Mechanoreceptor
B) Photoreceptor
C) Chemoreceptor
D) Thermoreceptor
View AnswerD
54. The function of the cerebrum includes:
A) Involuntary functions
B) Higher cognitive processes
C) Balance and coordination
D) Hormonal regulation
View AnswerB
55. The withdrawal reflex is an example of:
A) A voluntary action
B) A complex reflex arc
C) An involuntary reflex
D) A negative feedback mechanism
View AnswerC
56. The hormone cortisol is associated with:
A) Growth
B) Stress response
C) Blood sugar regulation
D) Reproductive functions
View AnswerB
57. Which structure is NOT part of the central nervous system?
A) Brain
B) Spinal cord
C) Peripheral nerves
D) Nerves
View AnswerC
58. The chemical signal released from the presynaptic neuron is called a:
A) Receptor
B) Neurotransmitter
C) Hormone
D) Ion
View AnswerB
59. Which part of the neuron is responsible for sending impulses away from the cell body?
A) Dendrites
B) Axon
C) Synapse
D) Soma
View AnswerB
60. The brain structure primarily involved in visual processing is the:
A) Occipital lobe
B) Temporal lobe
C) Parietal lobe
D) Frontal lobe
View AnswerA
61. The action potential is generated when:
A) Potassium channels open
B) Sodium channels open
C) Chloride channels open
D) Calcium channels open
View AnswerB
62. What is the role of the pituitary gland?
A) To regulate metabolism
B) To control hormone secretion from other glands
C) To process sensory information
D) To coordinate reflex actions
View AnswerB
63. Which hormone is responsible for the “fight or flight” response?
A) Insulin
B) Estrogen
C) Cortisol
D) Adrenaline
View AnswerD
64. What type of feedback occurs during childbirth?
A) Positive feedback
B) Negative feedback
C) Homeostatic feedback
D) Reflex feedback
View AnswerA
65. The electrical activity of neurons can be measured by:
A) MRI
B) EEG
C) CT scan
D) PET scan
View AnswerB
66. Which structure in the brain is responsible for coordinating movement and balance?
A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Medulla oblongata
D) Thalamus
View AnswerB
67. Which of the following is a function of the brainstem?
A) Higher cognitive functions
B) Regulation of basic life functions
C) Memory processing
D) Coordination of voluntary movements
View AnswerB
68. The primary role of the somatic nervous system is to:
A) Control involuntary movements
B) Regulate homeostasis
C) Control voluntary movements
D) Transmit sensory information
View AnswerC
69. The cerebellum is located:
A) In the front of the brain
B) At the base of the brain
C) In the middle of the brain
D) At the top of the brain
View AnswerB
70. Which type of neurotransmitter inhibits nerve impulse transmission?
A) Excitatory neurotransmitter
B) Inhibitory neurotransmitter
C) Hormone
D) Synaptic vesicle
View AnswerB
71. The part of the neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body is called the:
A) Dendrite
B) Axon
C) Synapse
D) Soma
View AnswerB
72. The neurotransmitter GABA is primarily associated with:
A) Inhibition
B) Excitation
C) Pain perception
D) Reward
View AnswerA
73. Which type of neuron connects sensory neurons to motor neurons?
A) Motor neuron
B) Interneuron
C) Sensory neuron
D) Efferent neuron
View AnswerB
74. The hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels is:
A) Insulin
B) Glucagon
C) Thyroxine
D) Both A and B
View AnswerD
75. The primary function of the hypothalamus includes:
A) Regulating emotions
B) Controlling endocrine functions
C) Maintaining homeostasis
D) All of the above
View AnswerD
76. Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing auditory information?
A) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
View AnswerC
77. What is the term for the pathway that conveys reflex actions?
A) Reflex arc
B) Neural pathway
C) Synaptic pathway
D) Motor pathway
View AnswerA
78. The primary function of the adrenal cortex is to:
A) Regulate metabolism
B) Produce stress hormones
C) Control blood pressure
D) Regulate growth
View AnswerB
79. Which neurotransmitter is known for its role in attention and focus?
A) Serotonin
B) Dopamine
C) Acetylcholine
D) Norepinephrine
View AnswerD
80. Which structure in the brain acts as a relay station for sensory information?
A) Medulla oblongata
B) Cerebellum
C) Thalamus
D) Hypothalamus
View AnswerC
81. What type of neuron carries signals from the central nervous system to effectors?
A) Sensory neuron
B) Interneuron
C) Motor neuron
D) Afferent neuron
View AnswerC
82. The part of the neuron that integrates incoming signals is the:
A) Dendrites
B) Axon
C) Soma
D) Synapse
View AnswerC
83. Which of the following hormones is produced by the thyroid gland?
A) Adrenaline
B) Thyroxine
C) Insulin
D) Cortisol
View AnswerB
84. The primary role of myelin in neurons is to:
A) Protect the neuron
B) Speed up signal transmission
C) Provide energy to the neuron
D) Transmit electrical impulses
View AnswerB
85. The part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary functions is the:
A) Somatic nervous system
B) Autonomic nervous system
C) Central nervous system
D) Peripheral nervous system
View AnswerB
86. What type of reflex is characterized by an immediate response to a stimulus?
A) Delayed reflex
B) Conditioned reflex
C) Unconditioned reflex
D) Voluntary reflex
View AnswerC
87. The structure of the neuron that carries signals toward the cell body is called:
A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Soma
D) Synapse
View AnswerB
88. The neurotransmitter associated with sleep regulation and mood is:
A) Acetylcholine
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) Dopamine
View AnswerB
89. Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for reflex actions?
A) Dorsal root
B) Ventral root
C) Gray matter
D) White matter
View AnswerC
90. The communication between neurons at a synapse primarily involves:
A) Ions
B) Electrical signals
C) Hormones
D) Neurotransmitters
View AnswerD
91. The part of the brain that controls basic survival functions like heart rate and breathing is the:
A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Brainstem
D) Thalamus
View AnswerC
92. The axon terminal releases neurotransmitters in response to:
A) Action potentials
B) Resting potentials
C) Hyperpolarization
D) Threshold potentials
View AnswerA
93. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
A) Resting and digesting
B) Energy conservation
C) Preparing the body for action
D) Regulating body temperature
View AnswerC
94. What hormone is secreted in response to low blood sugar levels?
A) Insulin
B) Glucagon
C) Cortisol
D) Thyroxine
View AnswerB
95. The brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself is called:
A) Neuroplasticity
B) Reflexivity
C) Homeostasis
D) Synaptogenesis
View AnswerA
96. Which hormone regulates water balance in the body?
A) Insulin
B) Aldosterone
C) Vasopressin (ADH)
D) Cortisol
View AnswerC
97. The primary role of the limbic system is to:
A) Process sensory information
B) Regulate hormones
C) Control emotions and memory
D) Maintain homeostasis
View AnswerC
98. The organ responsible for producing adrenaline is the:
A) Thyroid gland
B) Pituitary gland
C) Adrenal gland
D) Pancreas
View AnswerC
99. The neurons that connect the brain and spinal cord are called:
A) Afferent neurons
B) Efferent neurons
C) Interneurons
D) Motor neurons
View AnswerC
100. The primary function of reflexes is to:
A) Slow down reaction time
B) Process complex information
C) Provide quick responses to stimuli
D) Regulate hormone levels
View AnswerC