Practice understanding the main parts of the nervous system, how signals travel, and how the brain helps control body functions and behavior.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences and explain your thinking when needed.
How the brain, spinal cord, and nerves help the body respond
Biology - Grade 6-8
- 1
Name the two main divisions of the nervous system.
- 2
What organs or structures make up the central nervous system?
- 3
What is the job of the peripheral nervous system?
- 4
Explain what a neuron is and describe its basic job.
- 5
A student touches a hot pan and quickly pulls away. Describe the path of information through the nervous system in this situation.
- 6
What is a reflex, and why is it useful for survival?
- 7
Which part of the brain is mainly responsible for balance and coordination?
- 8
Which part of the brain controls many involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate?
- 9
What is the function of the cerebrum?
- 10
How do sensory neurons and motor neurons differ?
- 11
Why is the spinal cord important to the nervous system?
- 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.