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NEET Biology: Neuron and nerves Practice Questions

15 free multiple-choice questions on Neuron and nerves (Neural Control and Coordination) for NEET Biology, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.

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  1. Q1. The insulation layer covering the axon of a neuron is known as the myelin sheath. What is the main function of this sheath?

    • ATo regulate the synthesis of neurotransmitters
    • BTo increase the rate of nerve impulse conduction
    • CTo increase the permeability of the membrane
    • DTo store energy for the neuron
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — To increase the rate of nerve impulse conduction

    The myelin sheath acts as an insulating layer, which significantly increases the speed and efficiency of nerve impulse transmission (conduction).

  2. Q2. Nerve fibers that transmit signals from sensory receptors towards the spinal cord are classified as:

    • ASensory neurons
    • BMotor neurons
    • CAutonomic neurons
    • DInterneurons
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Sensory neurons

    Sensory neurons (afferent neurons) carry information from sensory organs to the central nervous system.

  3. Q3. The reflex arc involves which three main components in sequence?

    • ASensory Neuron, Synapse, Motor Neuron
    • BReceptor, Sensory Neuron, Motor Neuron
    • CReceptor, Effector, Sensory Neuron
    • DReceptor, Spinal Cord, Effector
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Receptor, Spinal Cord, Effector

    A reflex arc consists of a receptor (stimulus detection), a sensory neuron, an interneuron (in the spinal cord), and a motor neuron leading to the effector (muscle/gland).

  4. Q4. A reflex action, such as withdrawing a hand from a hot object, involves a pathway that includes the spinal cord. This pathway is known as the:

    • AReflex arc
    • BSensory input
    • CMotor pathway
    • DSensory pathway
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Reflex arc

    A reflex arc is the neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, involving receptor, sensory neuron, spinal cord, and motor neuron.

  5. Q5. What is the primary function of the synapse in neuronal communication?

    • ATo generate an action potential
    • BTo facilitate the transfer of chemical signals between neurons
    • CTo insulate the axon
    • DTo transmit impulses along the axon
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — To facilitate the transfer of chemical signals between neurons

    The synapse is the junction where a signal is transmitted from one neuron to the next, often involving chemical messengers (neurotransmitters).

  6. Q6. Which type of nerve fiber is responsible for carrying signals from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands?

    • ASensory-motor fibers
    • BMotor fibers
    • CSchwann fibers
    • DSensory fibers
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Motor fibers

    Motor fibers are responsible for transmitting signals out from the CNS to effectors like muscles and glands.

  7. Q7. Which type of neuron is responsible for transmitting signals from the sensory organs to the central nervous system?

    • AInterneuron
    • BMotor neuron
    • CBasal neuron
    • DSensory neuron
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Sensory neuron

    Sensory neurons (afferent neurons) are responsible for detecting stimuli from the environment and transmitting this information to the brain or spinal cord.

  8. Q8. Nerve fibers that carry impulses away from the central nervous system to effector organs are known as:

    • AEfferent fibers
    • BSensory fibers
    • CSensory receptive fibers
    • DAfferent fibers
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Efferent fibers

    Efferent fibers (motor neurons) carry signals from the CNS out to the muscles or glands, instructing them to respond to the stimulus.

  9. Q9. Nerves are collections of which types of cells?

    • ANeurons
    • BBone cells
    • CMuscle fibers
    • DConnective tissue cells
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Neurons

    Nerves are bundles of axons, which are extensions of nerve cells (neurons).

  10. Q10. Which component of the synapse is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

    • APostsynaptic membrane
    • BDendrite
    • CPresynaptic terminal
    • DSynaptic cleft
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Presynaptic terminal

    The neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal (presynaptic terminal) into the synaptic cleft when an electrical impulse arrives.

  11. Q11. The impulse of nerve transmission travels along which part of the neuron?

    • ASchwann cell
    • BSynapse
    • CDendrite
    • DAxon
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: D — Axon

    The electrical impulse (action potential) travels rapidly along the axon, which is the long, slender projection of the neuron.

  12. Q12. The long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body is called the:

    • AAxon
    • BDendrite
    • CMyelin sheath
    • DSynapse
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Axon

    The axon is the long extension of the neuron that transmits the impulse away from the cell body.

  13. Q13. The impulse transmitted along a nerve fiber is typically faster when the axon is covered by which layer?

    • ASchwann cells
    • BEndoneurium
    • CMyelin sheath
    • DNeuroglia
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C — Myelin sheath

    The myelin sheath acts as an electrical insulator, allowing the impulse to travel rapidly (saltatory conduction) along the axon.

  14. Q14. Nerve impulse transmission along the axon is significantly sped up by the presence of which insulating layer?

    • ANeurolemma
    • BMyelin sheath
    • CEndoneurium
    • DSchwann cells
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B — Myelin sheath

    The myelin sheath is a fatty insulating layer that reduces the resistance to current flow, allowing for faster transmission of the nerve impulse.

  15. Q15. The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell is called a:

    • ASynapse
    • BDendrite
    • CNode
    • DAxon
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: A — Synapse

    A synapse is the specialized junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another or from a neuron to an effector cell.

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