Nervous system and hormones

Written by Dr. Hira Salman (Biology)

MDCAT · Biology · 7 questions

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

Insulin is produced by the:
- A Beta cells of the pancreas
- B Alpha cells of the pancreas
- C Liver
- D Adrenal cortex
The approximate resting membrane potential of a neuron is:
- A +70 mV
- B 0 mV
- C -120 mV
- D -70 mV
Which part of the brain coordinates balance and smooth movement?
- A Cerebrum
- B Cerebellum
- C Medulla oblongata
- D Hypothalamus
The small gap between two neurons is called the:
- A Node of Ranvier
- B Synapse
- C Axon hillock
- D Dendrite
Which hormone mainly regulates the basal metabolic rate?
- A Adrenaline
- B Thyroxine
- C Insulin
- D Oestrogen
The fight or flight hormone released by the adrenal medulla is:
- A Adrenaline
- B Aldosterone
- C Glucagon
- D Cortisol
The myelin sheath on a neuron:
- A Speeds up conduction of the impulse
- B Makes the neuron shorter
- C Slows down the impulse
- D Stores neurotransmitters

Answer key

1. A, 2. D, 3. B, 4. B, 5. B, 6. A, 7. A

Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans make insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Alpha cells make glucagon.
The inside of a resting neuron is about 70 mV more negative than the outside, because of the sodium-potassium pump and leaky potassium channels.
The cerebellum fine-tunes movement, posture and balance.
At a synapse, a neurotransmitter crosses the gap to pass the signal to the next cell.
Thyroxine, from the thyroid gland, sets the speed of metabolism in most body cells.
Adrenaline raises heart rate and blood glucose to prepare the body for sudden action.
Myelin insulates the axon, so the impulse jumps from node to node (saltatory conduction), which is much faster.