Structure of the mammalian nervous systemEdexcel A-Level Biology B: Flashcards

Exam questions on Structure of the mammalian nervous system

1. A neurologist is teaching trainee nurses about the regions of the brain, using a patient who suffered brain damage in a road accident. The patient can still speak, and can decide to move his arm, but he staggers when walking and cannot touch his nose smoothly with a finger.
   Explain why severe damage to the medulla oblongata would be life-threatening.2 marks
2. A student examines a transverse section through a mammalian spinal cord. A central H-shaped region of tissue contains many neurone cell bodies. It is surrounded by an outer region of paler tissue made of myelinated axons running up and down the cord. A narrow fluid-filled canal runs through the centre. Nerves join the cord at two roots, and the root nearer the back has a swelling (a ganglion) on it.
   Compare the roles of the dorsal root and the ventral root of a spinal nerve.2 marks
3. A man runs a marathon on a hot day. His heart rate rises from 70 to 160 beats per minute during the race, and his core body temperature rises from 37.0 °C to 38.5 °C. He sweats heavily and loses a large volume of water.
   Explain how the hypothalamus helps the runner during the race.3 marks