Structure & Function of the Nervous System (AQA GCSE Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8182

17 mins4 questions
14 marks

Read the following conversation.

Arun: Today, we learned that the central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Did you know that even though the brain is only 2% of the total body mass, it uses 20% of the oxygen that we breathe in?

Dad: I didn’t know that. What else did you learn?

Arun: We learnt that damage to the central nervous system can cause lots of different problems including difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Other signs of damage would be numbness and difficulties in moving the arms or legs.

Dad: It sounds like the central nervous system has some very important functions.

Briefly outline the basic functions of the central division of the human nervous system.

Refer to the conversation to support your answer.

26 marks

Describe and evaluate the James-Lange theory of emotion.

31 mark

Which one of the following statements about the human nervous system is correct? Shade one box only.

  • The autonomic nervous system is responsible for thinking

  • The central nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system

  • The peripheral nervous system consists only of relay neurons

  • The somatic nervous system consists of sensory and motor neurons

46 marks

Read the item and then answer the questions that follow.

Sam was walking home at night alone. Suddenly, he heard a sound behind him. His heart started to beat faster and he began to run to the bus stop. He then heard a voice shouting, ‘Wait for me Sam!’ Sam turned to see his friend Neil running along the street, trying to catch up with him. Sam stopped and his breathing slowed as he waited for Neil. ‘I am glad to see it’s you, Neil,’ said Sam.

Use your knowledge of the actions of both the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system to explain Sam’s experience.