We have provided 60 MCQs on Peripheral Nervous System , Unit-4, 1st semester, Human Anatomy and physiology, B. Pharm.
We have covered following topics.
Classification of peripheral nervous system. Structure and functions of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Origin and functions of spinal and cranial nerves.
Table of Contents
MCQs on Peripheral Nervous System
Which of the following accurately describes the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
- A) It includes the brain and spinal cord.
- B) It regulates involuntary bodily functions.
- C) It consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
- D) It controls conscious thought and decision-making.
Correct Answer: C) It consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) can be further classified into two major divisions. What are these divisions?
- A) Motor and sensory nervous systems
- B) Central and peripheral nervous systems
- C) Autonomic and somatic nervous systems
- D) Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Correct Answer: C) Autonomic and somatic nervous systems
Which division of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) controls voluntary muscle movements and sensory perception?
- A) Autonomic nervous system
- B) Somatic nervous system
- C) Sympathetic nervous system
- D) Parasympathetic nervous system
Correct Answer: B) Somatic nervous system
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are subdivisions of which part of the peripheral nervous system?
- A) Motor nervous system
- B) Sensory nervous system
- C) Autonomic nervous system
- D) Somatic nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Autonomic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system is often associated with the “fight or flight” response. What physiological changes occur during sympathetic activation?
- A) Decreased heart rate and relaxed muscles
- B) Increased heart rate and dilated pupils
- C) Slowed digestion and constricted airways
- D) Reduced alertness and energy conservation
Correct Answer: B) Increased heart rate and dilated pupils
Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for transmitting signals in the sympathetic nervous system?
- A) Serotonin
- B) Dopamine
- C) Acetylcholine
- D) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
Correct Answer: D) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
The parasympathetic nervous system is often associated with “rest and digest” activities. What physiological changes occur during parasympathetic activation?
- A) Increased heart rate and alertness
- B) Slowed heart rate and increased digestive activity
- C) Dilated pupils and rapid breathing
- D) Muscle tension and reduced blood flow to the gut
Correct Answer: B) Slowed heart rate and increased digestive activity
Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for transmitting signals in the parasympathetic nervous system?
- A) Serotonin
- B) Dopamine
- C) Acetylcholine
- D) GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Correct Answer: C) Acetylcholine
The peripheral nervous system includes both spinal and cranial nerves. How many pairs of cranial nerves are there in humans?
- A) 12
- B) 31
- C) 24
- D) 8
Correct Answer: A) 12
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling eye movement and pupillary constriction?
- A) Optic nerve (CN II)
- B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
- C) Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
- D) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Correct Answer: D) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
The peripheral nervous system contains a series of spinal nerves that originate from the spinal cord. How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in humans?
- A) 12
- B) 31
- C) 24
- D) 8
Correct Answer: B) 31
What is the primary function of spinal nerves in the peripheral nervous system?
- A) Sensory input to the spinal cord
- B) Control of voluntary muscle movements
- C) Regulation of autonomic functions
- D) Control of eye movements
Correct Answer: A) Sensory input to the spinal cord
Which cranial nerve is responsible for both taste sensation on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and controlling facial muscles?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Facial nerve (CN VII)
- C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Correct Answer: B) Facial nerve (CN VII)
The sympathetic nervous system is often associated with emergency situations. Which of the following is a common response when the sympathetic system is activated?
- A) Decreased heart rate
- B) Constricted airways
- C) Enhanced digestion
- D) Dilation of the bronchi
Correct Answer: D) Dilation of the bronchi
The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body conserve energy and rest. What is a typical effect of parasympathetic activation on the heart rate?
- A) Increased heart rate
- B) Decreased heart rate
- C) No change in heart rate
- D) Irregular heart rate
Correct Answer: B) Decreased heart rate
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for “fight or flight” responses?
- A) Parasympathetic nervous system
- B) Somatic nervous system
- C) Sympathetic nervous system
- D) Central nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Sympathetic nervous system
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the tongue?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Facial nerve (CN VII)
- C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Correct Answer: D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
The somatic nervous system primarily controls:
- A) Voluntary muscle movements and sensory perception
- B) Involuntary bodily functions like heart rate
- C) Digestive processes
- D) Vision and hearing
Correct Answer: A) Voluntary muscle movements and sensory perception
Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
- C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- D) Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Correct Answer: B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems often have opposing effects on bodily functions. Which of the following is a common example of this opposition?
- A) Both systems increase heart rate simultaneously.
- B) Sympathetic dilates the pupils, while parasympathetic constricts them.
- C) Both systems promote digestion.
- D) Both systems relax bronchi in the lungs.
Correct Answer: B) Sympathetic dilates the pupils, while parasympathetic constricts them.
Which division of the peripheral nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate?
- A) Somatic nervous system
- B) Sympathetic nervous system
- C) Parasympathetic nervous system
- D) Autonomic nervous system
Correct Answer: D) Autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system helps maintain homeostasis by regulating various bodily functions. Which of the following is NOT primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system?
- A) Blood pressure
- B) Muscle coordination
- C) Glandular secretion
- D) Temperature regulation
Correct Answer: B) Muscle coordination
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems often have opposing effects on organ functions. Which of the following statements is accurate regarding these two systems?
- A) The sympathetic system promotes rest and relaxation.
- B) The parasympathetic system is responsible for “fight or flight” responses.
- C) They work together to produce the same physiological responses.
- D) They counterbalance each other to maintain homeostasis.
Correct Answer: D) They counterbalance each other to maintain homeostasis.
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles involved in swallowing and speech, as well as the sensation in the pharynx and posterior tongue?
- A) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- B) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
- C) Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
- D) Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Correct Answer: A) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions. Which of the following is NOT primarily controlled by the ANS?
- A) Blood pressure
- B) Digestion
- C) Voluntary muscle movement
- D) Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: C) Voluntary muscle movement
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for intense physical activity. Which of the following physiological changes is NOT associated with sympathetic activation?
- A) Dilation of airways
- B) Increased heart rate
- C) Decreased blood flow to muscles
- D) Release of glucose from the liver
Correct Answer: C) Decreased blood flow to muscles
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) plays a significant role in the parasympathetic nervous system. What is its primary function?
- A) Control of facial muscles
- B) Regulation of heart rate and digestion
- C) Sense of smell
- D) Control of eye movements
Correct Answer: B) Regulation of heart rate and digestion
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting sensory information from these movements back to the central nervous system?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Autonomic nervous system
- D) Sensory nervous system
Correct Answer: D) Sensory nervous system
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for “rest and digest” responses?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Somatic nervous system
- C) Parasympathetic nervous system
- D) Central nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Parasympathetic nervous system
The peripheral nervous system includes a network of spinal nerves. What is the primary function of these spinal nerves?
- A) Control of involuntary bodily functions
- B) Transmission of sensory information
- C) Regulation of voluntary muscle movements
- D) Coordination of eye movements
Correct Answer: B) Transmission of sensory information
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) serves multiple functions, including facial sensation and chewing. Which division of the peripheral nervous system does it primarily belong to?
- A) Somatic nervous system
- B) Autonomic nervous system
- C) Sympathetic nervous system
- D) Parasympathetic nervous system
Correct Answer: A) Somatic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system controls a wide range of involuntary functions, including the regulation of which bodily processes?
- A) Voluntary muscle movement and coordination
- B) Temperature and hormonal balance
- C) Heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion
- D) Vision and hearing
Correct Answer: C) Heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems both play roles in regulating heart rate. Which of the following accurately describes their effects on heart rate?
- A) The sympathetic system increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic system decreases it.
- B) The sympathetic system decreases heart rate, while the parasympathetic system increases it.
- C) Both systems have no effect on heart rate.
- D) Both systems increase heart rate.
Correct Answer: A) The sympathetic system increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic system decreases it.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for controlling many involuntary bodily functions. Which of the following is an ANS function related to digestion?
- A) Inhibition of salivary gland secretion
- B) Promotion of peristalsis in the digestive tract
- C) Suppression of insulin release
- D) Decreased gastric acid secretion
Correct Answer: B) Promotion of peristalsis in the digestive tract
The cranial nerve that plays a significant role in controlling the muscles of the pharynx and larynx, as well as conveying sensory information from these areas, is known as:
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- C) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- D) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Correct Answer: D) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. Which of the following activities is NOT associated with parasympathetic activation?
- A) Decreased heart rate
- B) Increased digestive activity
- C) Dilation of pupils
- D) Relaxation of bronchi
Correct Answer: C) Dilation of pupils
The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions often have opposing effects. Which of the following is NOT a pair of opposing effects between these divisions?
- A) Pupil constriction (parasympathetic) vs. pupil dilation (sympathetic)
- B) Increased heart rate (parasympathetic) vs. decreased heart rate (sympathetic)
- C) Bronchi dilation (parasympathetic) vs. bronchi constriction (sympathetic)
- D) Increased digestive activity (parasympathetic) vs. reduced digestive activity (sympathetic)
Correct Answer: B) Increased heart rate (parasympathetic) vs. decreased heart rate (sympathetic)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions, including heart rate. Which of the following cranial nerves plays a significant role in regulating heart rate as part of the ANS?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
- C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- D) Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Correct Answer: C) Vagus nerve (CN X)
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for physical activity and is often referred to as the “fight or flight” system. Which of the following responses is typical during sympathetic activation?
- A) Slowed heart rate
- B) Enhanced digestive activity
- C) Constriction of airways
- D) Dilation of blood vessels in muscles
Correct Answer: D) Dilation of blood vessels in muscles
The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system often have different effects on various organs and tissues. These divisions are part of a larger system called the:
- A) Central nervous system
- B) Somatic nervous system
- C) Enteric nervous system
- D) Autonomic nervous system
Correct Answer: D) Autonomic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response by releasing which neurotransmitter to increase heart rate and alertness?
- A) Serotonin
- B) Acetylcholine
- C) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
- D) Dopamine
Correct Answer: C) Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for maintaining rest and relaxation. Which cranial nerve is the main carrier of parasympathetic signals to organs and glands in the thoracic and abdominal cavities?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- C) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- D) Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Correct Answer: B) Vagus nerve (CN X)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) helps regulate the body’s internal environment. Which division of the ANS typically increases blood flow to the digestive organs and promotes activities like digestion and nutrient absorption?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Somatic nervous system
- D) Visceral nervous system
Correct Answer: B) Parasympathetic nervous system
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles involved in swallowing and elevating the larynx during swallowing?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- D) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Correct Answer: C) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate. Which division of the ANS primarily slows down the heart rate?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Somatic nervous system
- D) Enteric nervous system
Correct Answer: B) Parasympathetic nervous system
Which division of the peripheral nervous system primarily controls voluntary muscle movements and sensory perception?
- A) Somatic nervous system
- B) Autonomic nervous system
- C) Sympathetic nervous system
- D) Parasympathetic nervous system
Correct Answer: A) Somatic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has a significant impact on the functioning of the digestive system. Which division of the ANS is responsible for inhibiting digestive processes?
A) Sympathetic nervous system
B) Parasympathetic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Visceral nervous system
Correct Answer: A) Sympathetic nervous system
Cranial nerves are essential for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck. Which cranial nerve controls eye movements and pupil constriction?
- A) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
- B) Optic nerve (CN II)
- C) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
- D) Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Correct Answer: C) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the “fight or flight” response. What effect does it have on the respiratory system?
- A) Dilation of airways
- B) Constriction of airways
- C) No effect on airways
- D) Slowed heart rate
Correct Answer: A) Dilation of airways
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for maintaining a balanced state of homeostasis in the body?
- A) Somatic nervous system
- B) Sympathetic nervous system
- C) Parasympathetic nervous system
- D) Visceral nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Parasympathetic nervous system
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for promoting relaxation and resting states in the body?
- A) Somatic nervous system
- B) Sympathetic nervous system
- C) Parasympathetic nervous system
- D) Enteric nervous system
Correct Answer: C) Parasympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have specific effects on the digestive system. Which division promotes digestion and nutrient absorption, and which inhibits these processes?
- A) Sympathetic promotes; parasympathetic inhibits
- B) Parasympathetic promotes; sympathetic inhibits
- C) Both promote digestion
- D) Both inhibit digestion
Correct Answer: B) Parasympathetic promotes; sympathetic inhibits
The sympathetic nervous system is associated with the body’s “fight or flight” response. What physiological change occurs in the digestive system during sympathetic activation?
- A) Increased blood flow to the digestive organs
- B) Enhanced digestive enzyme production
- C) Reduced peristalsis and digestive activity
- D) Promotion of nutrient absorption
Correct Answer: C) Reduced peristalsis and digestive activity
Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling most of the muscles involved in facial expressions and transmitting taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Vagus nerve (CN X)
- C) Facial nerve (CN VII)
- D) Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Correct Answer: C) Facial nerve (CN VII)
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary bodily functions, including blood pressure regulation. Which division of the ANS primarily increases blood pressure?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Somatic nervous system
- D) Enteric nervous system
Correct Answer: A) Sympathetic nervous system
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements. Which part of the peripheral nervous system primarily carries motor signals from the central nervous system to muscles?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Autonomic nervous system
- D) Motor (efferent) nervous system
Correct Answer: D) Motor (efferent) nervous system
Cranial nerves have various functions related to sensory and motor functions of the head and neck. Which cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the pharynx and larynx, as well as transmitting sensory information from these regions?
- A) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- C) Accessory nerve (CN XI)
- D) Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
Correct Answer: B) Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action in response to stress. Which of the following is NOT a typical response during sympathetic activation?
- A) Increased heart rate
- B) Dilation of airways
- C) Constriction of blood vessels
- D) Release of glucose from the liver
Correct Answer: C) Constriction of blood vessels
The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. Which of the following is a common effect of parasympathetic activation on the digestive system?
- A) Inhibition of digestion
- B) Decreased peristalsis
- C) Promotion of nutrient absorption
- D) Reduced salivary gland secretion
Correct Answer: C) Promotion of nutrient absorption
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls a range of involuntary functions. Which division of the ANS is responsible for maintaining and regulating the activities of the gastrointestinal tract?
- A) Sympathetic nervous system
- B) Parasympathetic nervous system
- C) Somatic nervous system
- D) Visceral nervous system
Correct Answer: D) Visceral nervous system
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Semester- 1
- Human Anatomy & Physiology