Physiology II | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026 Edition
1. Which of the following best describes the primary difference between anatomy and physiology?
A) Anatomy studies the functions of body parts, while physiology studies their structures
B) Anatomy focuses on the structure of the body, while physiology looks at how the body parts function
together
C) Anatomy is concerned with microscopic structures, while physiology is concerned with macroscopic
structures
D) Anatomy and physiology are essentially the same field of study
Correct Answer: Anatomy focuses on the structure of the body, while physiology looks at how the body
parts function together
Rationale: Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and its parts, while physiology is the study
of how those parts function together. The physiology of the body depends on its anatomy, as structure
and function are inherently linked.
2. What is the function of the nervous system in integrating and controlling other body systems?
A) It produces hormones that regulate other systems through the bloodstream
B) It receives and processes information and sends out signals to muscles and glands to elicit an
appropriate response
C) It filters blood and removes waste products from the body
D) It provides structural support and protection for other body systems
Correct Answer: It receives and processes information and sends out signals to muscles and glands to
elicit an appropriate response
Rationale: The nervous system integrates and controls other body systems by receiving sensory input,
processing that information in the central nervous system, and then sending motor signals to muscles
and glands to produce a coordinated response.
,3. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of which two structures?
A) Brain and cranial nerves
B) Brain and spinal cord
C) Spinal cord and spinal nerves
D) Brain and peripheral nerves
Correct Answer: Brain and spinal cord
Rationale: The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is
protected by the skull, and the spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column.
4. What structure protects the brain?
A) Vertebral column
B) Meninges
C) Skull
D) Cerebrospinal fluid
Correct Answer: Skull
Rationale: The brain is protected by the bony skull (cranium). The spinal cord is protected by the
vertebral column (spine).
5. Collections of cell bodies inside the central nervous system are called:
A) Ganglia
B) Tracts
C) Nerves
D) Nuclei
Correct Answer: Nuclei
, Rationale: In the central nervous system, collections of neuron cell bodies are called nuclei. In the
peripheral nervous system, they are called ganglia.
6. The collection of nerve axons in the central nervous system is called a:
A) Nerve
B) Ganglion
C) Tract
D) Nucleus
Correct Answer: Tract
Rationale: A tract is a bundle of nerve axons in the central nervous system. In the peripheral nervous
system, a bundle of axons is called a nerve.
7. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Cranial nerves
B) Spinal nerves
C) Brainstem
D) Brain
Correct Answer: Brain
Rationale: The PNS comprises cranial nerves, spinal nerves, ganglia, and the brainstem (midbrain, pons,
and medulla). The brain is part of the central nervous system.
8. What is a collection of cell bodies found in the peripheral nervous system called?
A) Nucleus
B) Ganglion
C) Tract