GRE Subject Test: Biology : Understanding Nervous System Functions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology
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Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Nervous System
The relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle is stimulated by what type of neuron?
Parasympathetic motor neurons
Somatic motor neurons
Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons
Sympathetic postganglionic neurons
Sympathetic preganglionic neurons
Sympathetic postganglionic neurons
Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle is an involuntary process, which is accomplished by the autonomic system rather than the somatic. It is also a part of the "fight or flight" response, which relates to the sympathetic system. Postganglionic neurons directly stimulate target tissues, while preganglionic neurons stimulate postganglionic neurons.
Example Question #1 : Nervous System
What is the name of the support cell in the nervous system responsible for circulating cerebrospinal fluid?
Astrocytes
Schwann cells
Ependymal cells
Microglia
Ependymal cells
The nervous system has a variety of support cells in addition to neurons. These support cells are collectively called the neuroglia.
Microglia are used to remove debris from the nervous system, astrocytes provide support to neurons, and Schwann cells are used to myelinate the axons in the peripheral nervous system. It is the role of ependymal cells to synthesize and circulate cerebrospinal fluid using their cilia.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Nervous System Functions
Which portion of the brain is responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate?
Cerebrum
Brain stem
Hypothalamus
Cerebellum
Brain stem
The cerebellum is found in the posterior portion of the brain and controls balance and coordination. The cerebrum controls upper level cognition, such as conscious thought, and memory. The hypothalamus is a crucial endocrine structure and helps regulate hormone secretion from the pituitary and body homeostasis. The brain stem controls the most basic duties of the body, which include breathing rate, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Example Question #3 : Nervous System
Which portion of the nervous system is responsible for increasing digestive and excretory activity in the body?
Somatic nervous system
Central nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Digestion and excretion are not consciously controlled, which means that they fall under the control of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is involved in "fight or flight" activities, while the parasympathetic nervous system controls "rest and digest" activities. As a result, digestive and excretory activity is increased by the parasympathetic nervous system.
The central nervous system contain components of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and controls a variety of nervous functions. Only the brain and spinal cord are considered part of the central nervous system. The somatic nervous system is under voluntary control, and is primarily linked to skeletal muscle.
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