Knowledge Check

Test Your Knowledge

Are you familiar with the human nervous system? This is your chance to put your knowledge to the ultimate test. Prove your brainpower by tackling the tricky questions in our quiz. Give it a go! No cheating, please!

Among other elements, the central nervous system encompasses…

A. the cerebrum, the spinal cord, and the sciatic nerve. B. the cerebrum, the trigeminal nerve, and the spinal cord. C. the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the spinal cord. D. the cerebellum, the spinal cord, and the sciatic nerve.

The autonomic nervous system controls…

A. the function of internal organs, e.g. breathing, digestion, and heartbeat. B. the computer in an electrical car. C. the motor skills. D. the sensory system.

The sympathetic nervous system is…

A. a really understanding person. B. part of the autonomic nervous system. C. part of the sciatic nerve. D. a cranial nerve responsible for facial expressions.

Paraplegia may result from damage to…

A. the bone marrow. B. the parasympathetic nervous system. C. the spinal cord. D. the spinal column.

“Liquor cerebrospinalis” is a term for…

A. a sweet, alcoholic beverage. B. one of the three cerebral membranes. C. the fluid, surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. D. a cerebral haemorrhage.

What is the average weight of the adult human spinal cord?

A. 35 grams B. 95 grams C. 215 grams D. 330 grams

Does a spinal cord injury always lead to paralysis?

A. No. B. Yes. C. Yes, but only when the intervertebral discs are damaged too. D. Yes, but only if the vertebral body suffers a comminuted fracture.

Who or what is referred to as “pia mater”?

A. The soft part of the placenta. B. A Hawaiian sweet potato. C. The scientific coordinator at Wings for Life. D. A soft meninx.

The Latin term for the spinal cord is…

A. medulla spinalis. B. cerebrum. C. cortex cerebri. D. adductor longus.

The term “tetraplegic” refers to…

A. a well-sealed milk carton. B. a person who suffered a high-level spinal cord injury. C. a philosopher of the late classical era. D. a neuroscientist.

What is a motor neuron?

A. A component of a neurotransmitter. B. An African motorbike taxi. C. A nerve cell within the motor nervous system. D. A type of smartphone.

>9 3–9 <3

More than 9 correct answers

My goodness, you must be a scientist or expert. Your almost infinite knowledge about the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system awes us. Hats off to you!

3 to 9 correct answers

A solid result! You know your body fairly well, maybe even very well. The next logical step is to expand your knowledge even further.

Less than 3 correct answers

Whew, how can we break this to you gently? Let’s put it this way, there is plenty of room for improvement. But hey, it is never too late to learn something new, right?

Answers:

Question 7: A; Question 8: D; Question 9: A; Question 10: B; Question 11: C Question 1: C; Question 2: A; Question 3: B; Question 4: C; Question 5: C; Question 6: A;