Science: The Nervous System and Brain Worksheet

Question 1

Name the two main divisions of the nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The two main divisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Question 2

What organs or structures make up the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.

Question 3

What is the job of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The peripheral nervous system carries messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. It helps the brain and spinal cord communicate with muscles, organs, and sense receptors.

Question 4

Explain what a neuron is and describe its basic job.

Accepted Answer

A neuron is a nerve cell. Its basic job is to receive and send electrical and chemical signals that carry information through the nervous system.

Question 5

A student touches a hot pan and quickly pulls away. Describe the path of information through the nervous system in this situation.

Accepted Answer

Receptors in the skin detect the heat and send a signal through sensory neurons to the spinal cord. The spinal cord quickly sends a response through motor neurons to the muscles, causing the hand to pull away. The brain also receives the information and recognizes the pain and heat.

Question 6

What is a reflex, and why is it useful for survival?

Accepted Answer

A reflex is a quick, automatic response to a stimulus. It is useful for survival because it helps the body react rapidly to danger before a person has time to think about it.

Question 7

Which part of the brain is mainly responsible for balance and coordination?

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum is mainly responsible for balance and coordination.

Question 8

Which part of the brain controls many involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

The brain stem controls many involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate.

Question 9

What is the function of the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

The cerebrum is involved in thinking, memory, learning, decision-making, interpreting senses, and voluntary movement.

Question 10

How do sensory neurons and motor neurons differ?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons carry information from sense receptors to the brain or spinal cord. Motor neurons carry commands from the brain or spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Question 11

Why is the spinal cord important to the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord is important because it carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It also helps control some reflex actions quickly.

Question 12

A soccer player gets hit on the head and has trouble remembering plays and concentrating. Based on brain function, explain why an injury like this can affect thinking and memory.

Accepted Answer

An injury to the brain can affect thinking and memory because the brain controls those functions. If areas involved in memory, attention, or decision-making are disrupted, the person may have trouble concentrating, learning, or recalling information.

Science: The Nervous System and Brain

Science: The Nervous System and Brain

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