BIOL251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab
2026 Module 6 Exam Review Questions and Answers
SECTION 1: NERVOUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1. Does the nervous system or the endocrine system react faster to external/internal
stimuli?
- Answer: The nervous system
- Rationale: The nervous system uses rapid electrical signals, allowing faster
responses than the endocrine system, which relies on slower chemical hormones .
2. The nervous system is divided into which two main subdivisions?
- Answer: The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
3. The CNS consists of which structures?
- Answer: The brain and spinal cord
4. The PNS consists of which structures?
- Answer: Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglia
5. The afferent division of the PNS carries signals in which direction?
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,- Answer: Toward the CNS
6. The efferent division of the PNS carries signals in which direction?
- Answer: Away from the CNS (to muscles and glands)
7. The somatic nervous system controls which type of muscle?
- Answer: Skeletal (voluntary) muscle
8. The autonomic nervous system controls which type of muscle/gland?
- Answer: Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands (involuntary)
9. What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
- Answer: Sympathetic and parasympathetic
SECTION 2: NEURONS & NEUROGLIA
10. What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
- Answer: The neuron
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, 11. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
- Answer: Dendrites
12. Which part of the neuron transmits signals away from the cell body?
- Answer: The axon
13. Which structure insulates the axon and speeds signal conduction?
- Answer: The myelin sheath
14. In the CNS, myelin is produced by which cells?
- Answer: Oligodendrocytes
15. In the PNS, myelin is produced by which cells?
- Answer: Schwann cells
16. What is the function of astrocytes?
- Answer: Support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate the
extracellular environment .
17. What is the function of microglia?
- Answer: Phagocytosis – they act as immune cells of the CNS .
3
2026 Module 6 Exam Review Questions and Answers
SECTION 1: NERVOUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1. Does the nervous system or the endocrine system react faster to external/internal
stimuli?
- Answer: The nervous system
- Rationale: The nervous system uses rapid electrical signals, allowing faster
responses than the endocrine system, which relies on slower chemical hormones .
2. The nervous system is divided into which two main subdivisions?
- Answer: The central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)
3. The CNS consists of which structures?
- Answer: The brain and spinal cord
4. The PNS consists of which structures?
- Answer: Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglia
5. The afferent division of the PNS carries signals in which direction?
1
,- Answer: Toward the CNS
6. The efferent division of the PNS carries signals in which direction?
- Answer: Away from the CNS (to muscles and glands)
7. The somatic nervous system controls which type of muscle?
- Answer: Skeletal (voluntary) muscle
8. The autonomic nervous system controls which type of muscle/gland?
- Answer: Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands (involuntary)
9. What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
- Answer: Sympathetic and parasympathetic
SECTION 2: NEURONS & NEUROGLIA
10. What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
- Answer: The neuron
2
, 11. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
- Answer: Dendrites
12. Which part of the neuron transmits signals away from the cell body?
- Answer: The axon
13. Which structure insulates the axon and speeds signal conduction?
- Answer: The myelin sheath
14. In the CNS, myelin is produced by which cells?
- Answer: Oligodendrocytes
15. In the PNS, myelin is produced by which cells?
- Answer: Schwann cells
16. What is the function of astrocytes?
- Answer: Support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate the
extracellular environment .
17. What is the function of microglia?
- Answer: Phagocytosis – they act as immune cells of the CNS .
3
