Question 1: Describe the main role of the central nervous system in the human body.

Answer: The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, processes information received from the body and coordinates responses.

Question 2: Explain the difference between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

Answer: The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and reflexes, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Question 3: Identify two functions of the brain's cortex.

Answer: The cortex is involved in higher functions such as thinking, reasoning, and processing sensory information.

Question 4: Describe what happens in the nervous system when you touch a hot surface.

Answer: Sensory neurons detect the heat and send signals to the spinal cord, which then relays the message to the brain. The brain processes this information and sends a response back to muscles to pull away.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch should show the brain at the top, the spinal cord running down the middle, and nerves branching out from the spinal cord to different parts of the body. Labels should clearly identify each part.

Question 6: Explain the role of the peripheral nervous system.

Answer: The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, transmitting sensory information to the brain and carrying out motor commands.

Question 7: What is a reflex, and how does it involve the nervous system?

Answer: A reflex is an automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus, processed quickly by the spinal cord without involving the brain, such as pulling your hand away from a hot surface.

Question 8: Describe how the autonomic nervous system helps regulate your heartbeat and breathing during rest and exercise.

Answer: During rest, the autonomic nervous system maintains a slow, steady heartbeat and regular breathing; during exercise, it increases heart rate and breathing rate to supply more oxygen to muscles.

Question 9: Identify two ways in which the nervous system helps maintain homeostasis in the body.

Answer: The nervous system regulates body temperature and controls blood pressure to keep internal conditions stable.