Chapter 10 The Nervous System

Review questions Page: 135

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE
(Select the most appropriate option in each case).
1. The insulating sheath covering the axon is called
(a) plasmalemma (b) neurolemma
(c) dura mater (d) pia mater
Solution:-
(b) neurolemma
2. Which one of the following pairs of brain part and its function is not correctly matched?
(a) Cerebrum – memory
(b) Cerebellum – balance of body
(c) Medulla oblongata – controls activities of internal organs
(d) Pons – consciousness
Solution:-
(d) Pons – consciousness
3. A mixed nerve is one which
(a) Carries sensation from 2 or more different sense organs
(b) Contains both sensory and motor fibres
(c) Has a common root but branches into two or more nerves to different organs
(d) Has two or more roots from different parts of the brain
Solution:-
(b) Contains both sensory and motor fibres
4. Reflex action is controlled by
(a) brain (b) spinal cord
(c) autonomic (d) peripheral nervous system
Solution:-
(b) spinal cord
B. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Name the following:
(a) The fluid that is present inside and outside the brain.
Solution:-
The cerebrospinal fluid that is present inside and outside the brain.
(b) The junction between two nerve cells.
Solution:-
Synapse is the junction between two nerve cells.
(c) The part of the brain which is concerned with memory.
Solution:-
The cerebrum is the part of the brain which is concerned with memory.
(d) The part of the human brain which controls body temperature.
Solution:-
Hypothalamus is the part of the human brain which controls body temperature.
2. Note the relationship between the first two words and suggest the suitable word/words for the fourth place.
(a) Stimulus: Receptor:: Impulse:_________
Solution:-
Stimulus: Receptor:: Impulse: Effectors
(b) Cerebrum: Diencephalon:: Cerebellum:_______
Solution:-
Cerebrum: Diencephalon:: Cerebellum: Medulla oblongata
(c) Receptor: Sensory nerve:: Motor nerve:_______
Solution:-
Receptor: Sensory nerve:: Motor nerve: Effector
3. Complete the following statements by choosing the correct alternative from the choices given in brackets:
(a) The dorsal root ganglion of the spinal cord contains cell bodies of (motor/ sensory/ intermediate) neurons.
Solution:-
The dorsal root ganglion of the spinal cord contains cell bodies of sensory neurons.

(b) Cerebellum is the part of the brain which is responsible for

(i) Conducting reflexes in the body
(ii) Maintaining posture and equilibrium
(iii) Controlling thinking, memory and reasoning.
Solution:-
The cerebellum is the part of the brain which is responsible for maintaining posture and equilibrium.
C. SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Mention, the wherein human body are the following located and state their main functions:
(a) Corpus callosum
Solution:-
Corpus callosum is located in the brain. Its main function is to transfer information from one hemisphere to the
other.
(b) Central canal
Solution:-
The central canal is located in the center of the spinal cord. Which runs the entire length and is continuous with
the cavities of the brain. It is also filled with cerebrospinal fluid which acts as a shockproof cushion and forms a
medium for the exchange of food materials, waste products, and respiratory gases with neurons.
2. State whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
(a) The main component of the white matter of the brain is perikaryon.
Solution:-
False
(b) The arachnoid layer fits closely inside the pia mater.
Solution:-
False
(c) A double chain of ganglia, one on each side of the nerve cord belongs to the spinal cord.
Solution:-
True
(d) Dura mater is the outermost layer of the meninges.
Solution:-
True
3. Differentiate between the following pairs with reference to the aspects in brackets.
(a) Cerebrum and cerebellum (function)
Solution:-

Cerebrum Cerebellum
 The highly developed cortex enables us to think, reason out, The main function of the cerebellum
invent, plan and memorise. Overall, the cerebrum is the seat of is to maintain the balance of the body
intelligence, consciousness and will-power. It controls all and coordinate muscular activity.
voluntary actions.
(b) Sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system (overall effect on the body)
Solution:-

Sympathetic nervous system Parasympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system prepares The parasympathetic nervous system is more concerned
the body for violent action against abnormal with re-establishing normal conditions after the violent
conditions. act is over.
(c) Sensory nerve and motor nerve (direction of impulse carried)
Solution:-

Sensory nerve Motor nerve

It is the neuron in the spinal cord that receives nerve It carries impulse generated by the
impulse through its axon/terminal ending which is in association neuron in the CNS to the effector
contact with a receptor cell. organ (muscle and gland).
(d) Medulla oblongata and cerebellum (function)
Solution:-

Medulla oblongata Cerebellum

Its function is to control the activities of the The main function of the cerebellum is to maintain the
internal organs and other involuntary actions. balance of the body and coordinate muscular activity.
(e) Cerebrum and spinal cord (arrangement of cytons and exons of neurons)
Solution:-

Cerebrum Spinal cord

The highly developed cortex (grey The grey matter containing cytons lies in the medullary
matter) enables us to think, reason out, region i.e. inner side while the white matter containing
invent, plan and memorise. axons lies in the cortex i.e. the outer region.
4. Given below are two structures, write their special functional activity.
(a) Cerebellum and ____________.
Solution:-
The main function of the cerebellum is to maintain the balance of the body and coordinate muscular activity.

(b) Myelin sheath and _____________.

Solution:-
Myelin sheath acts as an insulation and prevents mixing of impulses in the adjacent axons.
5. State the functions of the following:
(a) Synapse
Solution:-
The function of the synapse is to transfer electric activity (information) from one cell to another. The transfer can
be from nerve to nerve (neuro-neuro), or nerve to muscle (neuro-myo).
(b) Association neuron
Solution:-
Association neurons carry impulses from the motor neuron to the Central Nervous System.
(c) Medullary sheath
Solution:-
A medullary sheath is a protective covering surrounding and insulating certain nerve fibres.
(d) Medulla oblongata
Solution:-
Its function is to control the activities of the internal organs and other involuntary actions.
(e) Cerebellum
Solution:-
The main function of the cerebellum is to maintain the balance of the body and coordinate muscular activity.
(f) Cerebrospinal fluid
Solution:-
Which acts as a shockproof cushion and forms a medium for the exchange of food materials, waste products, and
respiratory gases with neurons.
6. Explain the following terms:
(a) Motor nerve
Solution:-
It carries impulse generated by the association neuron in the CNS to the effector organ (muscle and gland).
(b) Autonomic nervous system
Solution:-
Autonomic nerves system is strongly influenced by emotion such as grief, anger, fear, sexual stimulation, etc.
High blood pressure, stomach ulcers and some other troubles may arise due to long-continued emotional stress.
(c) Conditioned reflex
Solution:-
A conditioned reflex is one which develops during lifetime due to experience or learning. For example, what you
experience simply at the sight or by the smell of a familiar tasty food resulting in the watering of your mouth. This
means that if you have not eaten that food earlier, the response would not occur.
(d) Association neuron
Solution:-
Association neurons carry impulses from the motor neuron to the Central Nervous System.
(e) Gray matter
Solution:-
The outer portion (cortex) of the cerebrum contains cell bodies of the neurons and, being greyish in colour, is
called the gray matter.
7. Rearrange the following in correct sequence pertaining to what is given within brackets at the end.
(a) Effector – Sensory neuron – Receptor – Motor neuron – Stimulus – Central nervous system – Response (Reflex
arc)
Solution:-
Stimulus – Receptor – Sensory neuron – Central nervous system – Motor neuron – Effector – Response
(b) Repolarization – Depolarisation – Resting (polarized) (during conduction of nerve impulse through a nerve
fibre)
Solution:-
Resting – Depolarization – Repolarization
(c) Axon endings – Nucleus – Dendrites – Axon – Perikaryon – Dendron (neuron structure)
Solution:-
Dendrites – Dendron – Perikaryon – Nucleus – Axon – Axon endings
(d) Diencephalon – Cerebellum – Medulla oblongata – Pons – Cerebrum – Mid brain (sequence of parts of human
brain)
Solution:-
Cerebrum – Diencephalon – Mid-brain – Cerebellum – Pons – Medulla oblongata
D. LONG ANSWER TYPE
1. (a) What is meant by reflex action?
Solution:-
It is an automatic/quick/immediate, involuntary action in the body brought about by a stimulus.
(b) State whether the following are simple reflexes, conditioned reflexes or neither of the two.
(i) Sneezing…………………..
Solution:-
Simple
(ii) Blushing……………..
Solution:-
Simple
(iii) Contraction of eye pupil…………
Solution:-
Simple
(iv) Lifting up a book
Solution:-
Conditioned

(v) Knitting without looking

Solution:-
Conditioned
(vi) Sudden application of brakes of the cycle on sighting an obstacle in front
Solution:-
Conditioned
2. What are the advantages of having a nervous system?
Solution:-
(a) Nervous system helps our various body parts to communicate with each other.
(b) Nervous system Keeps us informed about the outside world through sense organs..
(c) It enables us to quickly detect a stimulus and then communicate and co-ordinate with external as well as
internal environment to make an appropriate response.
(d) It allows carrying information generated from one part of the body to others.
3. Why is the spinal cord and the brain referred to as the central nervous system?
Solution:-
The spinal cord and the brain referred to as the central nervous system because, the brain is protected by the
skull (the cranial cavity) and the spinal cord travels from the back of the brain, down the centre of the spine,
stopping in the lumbar region of the lower back. The central nervous system controls our thoughts, movements,
emotions, and desires. It also controls our breathing, heart rate, the release of some hormones, body temperature,
and much more.
4. What is the difference between reflex action and voluntary action?
Solution:-
 Reflex action Voluntary action

1. Initiated by some stimulus (touch, pain, pressure, heat, light) 1. Initiated by a willing
thought.

2. Mainly self-protective due to environment. 2. Fulfilment of a desired

goal.

3. Commands originate mostly in the spinal cord and autonomic nervous 3. Commands originate
system and a few in the brain as well. in brain.

4. Involve muscles and glands. 4. Involve only muscles.

5. Draw a labelled diagram of a myelinated neuron.
Solution:-

6. During a while watching a scary movie, mention the effects on the following organs by the autonomous nervous
system, in the table given below: (one has been done for you as an example).

Organ Sympathetic System Parasympathetic System

e.g. Lungs Dilates bronchi and bronchioles Constricts bronchi and bronchioles

1. Heart

2. Pupil of the eye

3. Salivary gland
Solution:-

Organ Sympathetic System Parasympathetic System

 e.g. Lungs Dilates bronchi and bronchioles Constricts bronchi and
bronchioles

1. Heart Accelerate heartbeat Retards heartbeat

2. Pupil of the Dilates Constricts

eye

3. Salivary Inhibits the secretion of saliva causing the drying Stimulates the release of saliva
gland of the mouth
E. STRUCTURED/APPLICATION/SKILL TYPE
1. Two hungry boys (A and B) enter a restaurant and find a table decorated as shown alongside:

Boy B starts salivating but not A. Explain the reason for this difference.
Solution:-
Salivation can occur as a natural reflex also. Salivation starts flowing down when you chew or eat food. But in the
above situation of salvation, the sight or the smell of food was enough for the response. There, your brain actually
remembered the taste of the food and worked in an unconscious way. Boy B started salivating because he must
have tasted that food previously unlike boy A.
2. Given below are a few situations. What effective change will occur in the organ/body part mentioned and which
part (sympathetic or parasympathetic) of the autonomic nervous system brings it about?

Situation Organ/body Change/action Part of autonomic

part nervous system involved

1. You have entered a dark Eye Pupil dilates Sympathetic

room

2. Your body is consuming Liver Glycogen is converted into Sympathetic

lot of glucose while running glucose in liver
a race
 3. You are chewing tasty Salivary Salivation increases Parasympathetic
food gland

4. You are running a race Adrenal Release of adrenaline and Sympathetic

gland noradrenaline increases

5. You are retiring to bed Heart Heart rate slows down Parasympathetic
for sleep

6. You are shivering in the Body hairs Hair raised Sympathetic

intense cold
Solution:-

Situation Organ/body Change/action Part of autonomic

part nervous system involved

1. You have entered a dark Eye Pupil dilates Sympathetic

room

2. Your body is consuming a Liver Glycogen is converted into Sympathetic

lot of glucose while running glucose in the liver
a race

3. You are chewing tasty Salivary Salivation increases Parasympathetic

food gland

4. You are running a race Adrenal Release of adrenaline and Sympathetic

gland noradrenaline increases

5. You are retiring to bed Heart Heart rate slows down Parasympathetic
for sleep

6. You are shivering in the Body hairs Hair raised Sympathetic

intense cold
3. Given below is the partially incomplete scheme of the components of peripheral nervous system. Fill up the
blanks numbered (1)-(12):

Solution:-
1. Central Nervous System
2. Autonomic
3. 12
4. Spinal
5. 31
6. Neck
7. Waist
8. Dilates
9. Constricts
10. Liver
11. Neck
12. Sacrun