Physiology II w/Lab | Portage Learning 200 Questions with
Answers & Expert Rationale 2026 Edition
SECTION A: Nervous System – Overview & Neurons
(Questions 1–25)
Question 1
The two main divisions of the nervous system are:
A) Somatic and autonomic
B) Central and peripheral
C) Sympathetic and parasympathetic
D) Sensory and motor
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The nervous system is divided into the central
nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system
(PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord; the PNS
includes all nerves outside the CNS.
Question 2
The functional division of the PNS that controls voluntary
movements is the:
A) Autonomic nervous system
B) Somatic nervous system
C) Sympathetic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The somatic nervous system controls
voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles. The
autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions.
,Question 3
The autonomic nervous system is divided into which two
branches?
A) Somatic and sensory
B) Sympathetic and parasympathetic
C) Central and peripheral
D) Motor and sensory
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is divided into
the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The
sympathetic division is responsible for "fight or flight" responses,
while the parasympathetic division is responsible for "rest and
digest" activities.
Question 4
A nerve is defined as:
A) A bundle of axons in the CNS
B) A bundle of axons in the PNS
C) A cluster of cell bodies in the CNS
D) A cluster of cell bodies in the PNS
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: A nerve is a bundle of axons in the peripheral
nervous system. A tract is a bundle of axons in the CNS. A
nucleus is a cluster of cell bodies in the CNS, and a ganglion is a
cluster of cell bodies in the PNS.
Question 5
A ganglion is defined as:
A) A bundle of axons in the CNS
B) A bundle of axons in the PNS
, C) A cluster of cell bodies in the PNS
D) A cluster of cell bodies in the CNS
Answer: C
Expert Rationale: A ganglion is a cluster of nerve cell bodies in
the peripheral nervous system. A nucleus is a cluster of cell
bodies in the CNS.
Question 6
The basic functional unit of the nervous system is the:
A) Neuroglia
B) Neuron
C) Axon
D) Dendrite
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The neuron is the basic functional unit of the
nervous system. Neurons transmit electrical and chemical signals
throughout the body. Neuroglia support and protect neurons but
do not transmit signals.
Question 7
The part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons is
the:
A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Cell body
D) Synaptic terminal
Answer: B
Expert Rationale: The dendrite is the part of the neuron that
receives signals from other neurons. Dendrites are branched
extensions that increase the surface area for receiving synaptic
input.