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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Nervous System Terminology Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free neurology medical terms quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jodie McalisterUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art brain and neuron cutouts on sky blue background with quiz title medical terminology nervous system

This quiz helps you practice nervous system medical terminology and check what you know. Answer short items on neurons, synapses, myelin, and more, with instant feedback. Want more practice? Try our nervous system anatomy quiz, challenge yourself with a brain and nerves quiz, or review broad terms with medical terminology practice questions.

What does the prefix "neuro-" refer to?
Nerve
Heart
Muscle
Bone
The prefix "neuro-" comes from the Greek word for nerve and is used in medical terminology to denote relationship to the nervous system. Terms like neurology, neuron, and neuropathy all use this prefix. Recognizing "neuro-" helps in understanding and categorizing diseases and functions of nerves.
What does the suffix "-algia" mean when added to a medical term?
Tumor
Pain
Study of
Inflammation
The suffix "-algia" denotes pain in medical terminology. It appears in terms such as neuralgia (nerve pain) and myalgia (muscle pain). Recognizing suffixes is crucial for decoding medical terms and identifying symptoms.
Which part of a neuron primarily receives incoming signals?
Axon
Nucleus
Myelin sheath
Dendrite
Dendrites are branched extensions of the neuron that receive electrochemical signals from other cells. They conduct electrical messages to the cell body for processing. This makes dendrites essential for neural communication.
Which cell type produces myelin in the peripheral nervous system?
Schwann cell
Oligodendrocyte
Astrocyte
Microglia
Schwann cells wrap around axons in the peripheral nervous system to form the myelin sheath, which insulates and speeds nerve impulse conduction. Oligodendrocytes perform a similar function in the central nervous system. Myelination is critical for rapid signal transmission.
The medulla oblongata is part of which brain region?
Cerebellum
Diencephalon
Cerebrum
Brainstem
The medulla oblongata is the lowest part of the brainstem, connecting the brain to the spinal cord. It regulates vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate. Lesions here can be life-threatening due to disruption of basic life-support functions.
Arrange the meninges in order from innermost to outermost:
Pia mater ? Dura mater ? Arachnoid mater
Pia mater ? Arachnoid mater ? Dura mater
Arachnoid mater ? Pia mater ? Dura mater
Dura mater ? Arachnoid mater ? Pia mater
The meninges are three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. From innermost to outermost they are pia mater, arachnoid mater, and dura mater. Understanding their order is important for procedures like lumbar punctures.
Which structure is part of the central nervous system?
Cranial nerve
Spinal cord
Sympathetic ganglion
Sciatic nerve
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral structures like cranial nerves and ganglia are part of the peripheral nervous system. Recognizing CNS components is key in neuroanatomy.
What are the gaps between segments of myelin sheaths along an axon called?
Synaptic clefts
Axon hillocks
Nodes of Ranvier
Internodes
Nodes of Ranvier are periodic gaps in the myelin sheath where the axonal membrane is exposed. These nodes enable rapid saltatory conduction of nerve impulses. They are critical for efficient signal propagation.
Efferent neurons carry impulses in which direction relative to the central nervous system?
Both toward and away from the CNS
Toward the CNS from sensors
Away from the CNS to effectors
Only within the CNS
Efferent neurons transmit motor commands from the CNS to muscles or glands (effectors). Afferent neurons carry sensory information toward the CNS. This distinction is fundamental in neurophysiology.
Which glial cell type helps form and maintain the blood - brain barrier?
Astrocyte
Schwann cell
Microglia
Oligodendrocyte
Astrocytes have end-feet that interact with endothelial cells of CNS capillaries, reinforcing tight junctions to form the blood - brain barrier. This barrier protects neural tissue from pathogens and toxins. Other glia have different support roles.
Which type of matter in the central nervous system contains neuronal cell bodies?
Ependymal layer
Gray matter
Myelinated axon bundles
White matter
Gray matter consists mainly of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. White matter is composed mostly of myelinated axons that form tracts for signal transmission. This distinction is visible in cross-sections of the brain and spinal cord.
The blood - brain barrier is primarily established by tight junctions between which cells?
Astrocytes
Pericytes
Endothelial cells
Microglia
Tight junctions between CNS capillary endothelial cells prevent paracellular passage of substances. Astrocytes support this barrier but the actual junctions are endothelial. This barrier aids in maintaining neural homeostasis.
What type of synapse uses neurotransmitter release to communicate between neurons?
Neuroglandular synapse
Chemical synapse
Electrical synapse
Ribbon synapse
Chemical synapses transmit signals via neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft, binding to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. Electrical synapses use gap junctions for direct ionic flow. Chemical synapses allow greater modulation and plasticity.
Myasthenia gravis is associated with autoantibodies against receptors for which neurotransmitter?
GABA
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Serotonin
Myasthenia gravis is caused by autoantibodies targeting acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, impairing synaptic transmission and causing muscle weakness. This distinguishes it from disorders of other neurotransmitter systems.
Which phase of the neuronal action potential is characterized by rapid sodium influx?
Depolarization
Resting membrane potential
Repolarization
Hyperpolarization
Depolarization is the rising phase of the action potential when voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na? influx. This shifts the membrane potential toward the sodium equilibrium potential. Subsequent closure of these channels and opening of K? channels leads to repolarization.
Saltatory conduction refers to action potentials jumping between which structures?
Nodes of Ranvier
Schwann cells
Myelin sheath internodes
Axon hillocks
Saltatory conduction occurs when action potentials jump from one Node of Ranvier to the next along a myelinated axon, speeding up nerve impulse transmission. The myelin internodes prevent ion leakage, making signal propagation more efficient. This mechanism is a key feature of vertebrate nervous systems.
A deficiency of which neurotransmitter in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease?
GABA
Dopamine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Parkinson's disease involves degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to decreased dopamine levels in the basal ganglia. Dopamine deficiency causes the characteristic motor symptoms. Treatments often focus on restoring dopamine signaling.
What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?
Connects the two cerebral hemispheres
Regulates autonomic functions
Coordinates motor balance
Processes visual information
The corpus callosum is a large bundle of commissural fibers connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing interhemispheric communication. It integrates sensory, motor, and cognitive information. Damage can impair bilateral coordination.
The medial lemniscus pathway carries which type of sensory information to the brain?
Pressure only
Pain and temperature
Proprioception and fine touch
Vibration only
The medial lemniscus carries afferent fibers conveying proprioception, vibration, and fine touch from the body to the thalamus. Pain and temperature are transmitted by the spinothalamic tract. Recognizing these pathways is crucial in neuroanatomy and clinical localization.
Wernicke's area is primarily responsible for which function?
Speech production
Language comprehension
Motor planning
Visual processing
Wernicke's area, located in the posterior superior temporal gyrus of the dominant hemisphere, is critical for understanding spoken and written language. Lesions here cause fluent aphasia with impaired comprehension. Broca's area, in contrast, is involved in speech production.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is associated with 'rest and digest' activities?
Somatic
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Enteric
The parasympathetic division promotes 'rest and digest' functions such as lowering heart rate and stimulating digestion. The sympathetic division mediates 'fight or flight' responses. Understanding these divisions is essential for pharmacology and physiology.
The Nernst equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for which of the following?
Membrane capacitance
The combined potential of all ions
A single ion species based on its concentration gradient
Action potential frequency
The Nernst equation calculates the equilibrium potential for a specific ion by considering its intracellular and extracellular concentrations, temperature, and charge. It does not account for multiple ions simultaneously. This fundamental principle underlies membrane electrophysiology.
Excitotoxic neuronal injury is primarily caused by excessive activation of which neurotransmitter receptor type?
Glutamate receptors
GABA receptors
Acetylcholine receptors
Dopamine receptors
Excitotoxicity arises when excessive glutamate overstimulates NMDA and AMPA receptors, causing calcium overload and cell death. This mechanism is implicated in stroke and neurodegeneration. Understanding it is critical in neuropharmacology.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Neuro Terminology -

    Grasp the definitions of essential medical terminology the nervous system, including terms like axon, dendrite, and synapse.

  2. Identify Nervous System Structures -

    Recognize and label major components of the central and peripheral nervous systems using accurate nervous system terminology.

  3. Differentiate Common Conditions -

    Distinguish between various neurological disorders and pathologies by applying neuro medical terminology.

  4. Apply Terms in Clinical Contexts -

    Use correct medical terms in hypothetical case scenarios to reinforce your understanding of anatomy of nervous system terms.

  5. Assess Your Knowledge -

    Evaluate your proficiency with a scored medical terms quiz, ensuring you can recall and use key concepts confidently.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Neuron Structure: Soma, Dendrites, Axon & Synapse -

    Neuronal anatomy underpins medical terminology the nervous system by defining key parts like soma (cell body), dendrites (input), axon (signal transmission), and synapses (junctions). A helpful mnemonic is "S.A.D.S." - Soma, Axon, Dendrite, Synapse - to recall the flow of electrical impulses. These terms are standardized in Gray's Anatomy and neuroanatomy texts for precise clinical communication.

  2. Central vs Peripheral Nervous System -

    The nervous system terminology often differentiates the Central Nervous System (CNS: brain and spinal cord) from the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS: all nerves outside the CNS). Remember "Afferent arrives, Efferent exits" to distinguish sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) pathways - a tip straight from university neurophysiology courses. Accurate use of these terms is crucial for clear diagnosis and documentation in clinical settings.

  3. Major Brain Regions & Functional Lobes -

    Anatomy of nervous system terms includes frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, each responsible for functions like decision-making, sensation, hearing, and vision. Use the rhyme "Feel Pain, Taste, Observe" to link Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital in order. These standard terms come from authoritative sources such as the NIH and neuroanatomy atlases.

  4. Common Neurotransmitter Nomenclature -

    Neuro medical terminology regularly references key neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and GABA, which modulate neural signaling. A simple study trick is the acronym "ADG" (Acetylcholine, Dopamine, GABA) to remember these major actors in synaptic transmission. Knowledge of their receptors, like nicotinic or GABAergic, is drawn from peer-reviewed neuroscience literature.

  5. Common Suffixes & Combining Forms -

    Decipher nervous system terminology using roots like "neuro-" (nerve), "encephal-" (brain), and suffixes such as "-itis" (inflammation), "-algia" (pain), or "-pathy" (disease). For example, encephalopathy means "brain disease" and neuralgia means "nerve pain." A handy tip from medical lexicon guides is to link the suffix to its definition by creating flashcards with root, suffix, and meaning side by side.

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