2. Nervous System
The nervous system is composed of billions of highly specialized nerve cells, or
neurons, that constitute the brain and the nerve fibers that are found throughout the body. The
nervous system is subdivided into two major divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of all the neurons in the brain and spinal cord;
the PNS is made up of all the neurons forming the nerve fibers that connect the CNS to the body.
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate all bodily functions, process all incoming
neural messages, and send out commands to different parts of the body. The CNS sends and receives
neural messages through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that connects the brain to the PNS.
The trunk line itself is housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called the spinal column.
The spinal cord coordinates the activity of the left and right sides of the body and is responsible for
simple, fast action reflexes that do not involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal cord
has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its limb from a painful stimulus.
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with information from sensory receptors, such
as those found in the eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the body's organs and
muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a
branch of the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job 24 hours a day, regulating
bodily functions that you usually don't consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further subdivided into the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their tasks. The
sympathetic division governs responses to emergency situations; the parasympathetic division
monitors the routine operation of the body's internal functions. (adapted from Gerrig et al. 2002.
Psychology and Life. 58-60)
3. Nervous System
The nervous system is composed of billions of highly specialized nerve cells, or
neurons, that constitute the brain and the nerve fibers that are found throughout the body. The
nervous system is subdivided into two major divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of all the neurons in the brain and spinal cord;
the PNS is made up of all the neurons forming the nerve fibers that connect the CNS to the body.
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate all bodily functions, process all incoming
neural messages, and send out commands to different parts of the body. The CNS sends and receives
neural messages through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that connects the brain to the PNS.
The trunk line itself is housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called the spinal column.
The spinal cord coordinates the activity of the left and right sides of the body and is responsible for
simple, fast action reflexes that do not involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal cord
has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its limb from a painful stimulus.
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with information from sensory receptors, such
as those found in the eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the body's organs and
muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a
branch of the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job 24 hours a day, regulating
bodily functions that you usually don't consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further subdivided into the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their tasks. The
sympathetic division governs responses to emergency situations; the parasympathetic division
monitors the routine operation of the body's internal functions. (adapted from Gerrig et al. 2002.
Psychology and Life. 58-60)
4. First Step
Make a one sentence summary of
each paragraph in order to discover
overall main idea
5. Paragraph One
The nervous system is composed of billions of
highly specialized nerve cells, or neurons, that
constitute the brain and the nerve fibers that are
found throughout the body. The nervous system is
subdivided into two major divisions: the central
nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS). The CNS is composed of all the neurons
in the brain and spinal cord; the PNS is made up of
all the neurons forming the nerve fibers that connect
the CNS to the body.
6. Paragraph One
The nervous system is composed of billions of
highly specialized nerve cells, or neurons, that
constitute the brain and the nerve fibers that are
found throughout the body. The nervous system is
subdivided into two major divisions: the central
nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS). The CNS is composed of all the neurons
in the brain and spinal cord; the PNS is made up of
all the neurons forming the nerve fibers that connect
the CNS to the body.
7. Paragraph One
The nervous system is composed of billions
of highly specialized nerve cells, or neurons, that
constitute the brain and the nerve fibers that are
found throughout the body. The nervous system is
subdivided into two major divisions: the central
nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous
system (PNS). The CNS is composed of all the
neurons in the brain and spinal cord; the PNS is
made up of all the neurons forming the nerve
fibers that connect the CNS to the body.
The nervous system is divided into two parts: the CNS
and PNS.
8. Paragraph Two
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate
all bodily functions, process all incoming neural
messages, and send out commands to different parts of
the body. The CNS sends and receives neural messages
through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that
connects the brain to the PNS. The trunk line itself is
housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called
the spinal column. The spinal cord coordinates the
activity of the left and right sides of the body and is
responsible for simple, fast action reflexes that do not
involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its
limb from a painful stimulus.
9. Paragraph Two
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate
all bodily functions, process all incoming neural
messages, and send out commands to different parts of
the body. The CNS sends and receives neural messages
through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that
connects the brain to the PNS. The trunk line itself is
housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called
the spinal column. The spinal cord coordinates the
activity of the left and right sides of the body and is
responsible for simple, fast action reflexes that do not
involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its
limb from a painful stimulus.
10. Paragraph Two
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate
all bodily functions, process all incoming neural
messages, and send out commands to different parts of
the body. The CNS sends and receives neural messages
through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that
connects the brain to the PNS. The trunk line itself is
housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called
the spinal column. The spinal cord coordinates the
activity of the left and right sides of the body and is
responsible for simple, fast action reflexes that do not
involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its
limb from a painful stimulus.
The job of the CNS (mainly the spinal cord)
11. Paragraph Three
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with
information from sensory receptors, such as those found in the
eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the
body's organs and muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two
sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a branch of
the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job
24 hours a day, regulating bodily functions that you usually don't
consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further
subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their
tasks. The sympathetic division governs responses to emergency
situations; the parasympathetic division monitors the routine
operation of the body's internal functions
12. Paragraph Three
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with
information from sensory receptors, such as those found in the
eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the
body's organs and muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two
sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a branch of
the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job
24 hours a day, regulating bodily functions that you usually don't
consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further
subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their
tasks. The sympathetic division governs responses to emergency
situations; the parasympathetic division monitors the routine
operation of the body's internal functions
13. Paragraph Three
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with
information from sensory receptors, such as those found in the
eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the
body's organs and muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two
sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a branch of
the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job
24 hours a day, regulating bodily functions that you usually don't
consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further
subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their
tasks. The sympathetic division governs responses to emergency
situations; the parasympathetic division monitors the routine
operation of the body's internal functions
The role of the PNS (mainly the autonomic nervous system)
14. Paragraph Summaries
1. The nervous system is divided into
two parts: the CNS and PNS.
2. The job of the CNS (mainly the spinal
cord)
3. The role of the PNS (mainly the
autonomic nervous system)
15. Which sentence best states the
main idea of this passage?
A. The central nervous system works 24 hours a day.
B. The spinal cord plays a critical role in the central
nervous system.
C. The central nervous system controls the functions of
the body.
D. The nervous system has two major parts: the central
nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
16. Which sentence best states the
main idea of this passage?
A. The central nervous system works 24 hours a day.
B. The spinal cord plays a critical role in the central
nervous system.
C. The central nervous system controls the functions of
the body.
D. The nervous system has two major parts: the central
nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
17. The author's primary purpose is
to
A. explain the development of the central nervous
system.
B. describe the functions of the different parts of the
nervous system.
C. emphasize the complexity of the central nervous
system.
D. persuade the reader that the central nervous system is
the most important system of the body.
MI: The nervous system has two major parts: the central
nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
18. The author's primary purpose is
to
A. explain the development of the central nervous
system.
B. describe the functions of the different parts of the
nervous system.
C. emphasize the complexity of the central nervous
system.
D. persuade the reader that the central nervous system is
the most important system of the body.
MI: The nervous system has two major parts: the central
nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
19. Overall, the author uses an
organizational pattern that
A. classifies the different divisions and sub-divisions of the central
nervous system.
B. gives examples of injuries that damage the central nervous
system.
C. provides a comparison of the two divisions of the central
nervous system.
D. offers reasons for the way the system nervous system functions
MI: The nervous system has two major parts: the central nervous
system and the peripheral nervous system.
P: describe the functions of the different parts of the nervous
system.
20. Overall, the author uses an
organizational pattern that
A. classifies the different divisions and sub-divisions of the central
nervous system.
B. gives examples of injuries that damage the central nervous
system.
C. provides a comparison of the two divisions of the central
nervous system.
D. offers reasons for the way the system nervous system functions
MI: The nervous system has two major parts: the central nervous
system and the peripheral nervous system.
P: describe the functions of the different parts of the nervous
system.
23. The tone of this passage is
A. subjective
B. sympathetic
C. informal
D. clinical
24. The tone of this passage is
A. subjective
B. sympathetic
C. informal
D. clinical
25. The tone of this passage is
A. subjective
B. sympathetic
C. informal
D. clinical
26. As used in line 15, the word
stimulus most nearly means
A. something that is caused by an emotion.
B. something that is caused by a situation.
C. something that is caused by an occasion.
D. something that causes a reaction.
27. Paragraph Two
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate
all bodily functions, process all incoming neural
messages, and send out commands to different parts of
the body. The CNS sends and receives neural messages
through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that
connects the brain to the PNS. The trunk line itself is
housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called
the spinal column. The spinal cord coordinates the activity
of the left and right sides of the body and is responsible
for simple, fast action reflexes that do not involve the
brain. For example, an organism whose spinal cord has
been severed from its brain can still withdraw its limb
from a painful stimulus.
28. As used in line 15, the word
stimulus most nearly means
A. something that is caused by an emotion.
B. something that is caused by a situation.
C. something that is caused by an occasion.
D. something that causes a reaction.
29. As used in line 20, the word
regulating most nearly means
A. stimulating
B. controlling
C. measuring
D. policing
30. Paragraph Three
It is the role of the PNS to provide the CNS with
information from sensory receptors, such as those found in the
eyes and ears, and to relay commands from the brain to the
body's organs and muscles. The PNS is actually composed of two
sets of nerve fibers. The autonomic nervous system, a branch of
the PNS, sustains basic life processes. This system is on the job
24 hours a day, regulating bodily functions that you usually don't
consciously control, such as respiration and digestion. To carry
out these functions, the autonomic nervous system is further
subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
system. These divisions work in opposition to accomplish their
tasks. The sympathetic division governs responses to emergency
situations; the parasympathetic division monitors the routine
operation of the body's internal functions
31. As used in line 20, the word
regulating most nearly means
This system is on the job 24 hours a day, bodily
functions that you usually don't consciously control, such as
respiration and digestion.
A. stimulating
B. controlling
C. measuring
D. policing
32. As used in line 20, the word
regulating most nearly means
This system is on the job 24 hours a day, bodily
functions that you usually don't consciously control, such as
respiration and digestion.
A. stimulating
B. controlling
C. measuring
D. policing
33. What is the relationship between the
parts of the following sentence?
"The nervous system is subdivided into two major
divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS).”
A. contrast
B. cause/effect
C. summary
D. classification
34. What is the relationship between the
parts of the following sentence?
"The nervous system is subdivided into two major
divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS).”
A. contrast
B. cause/effect
C. summary
D. classification
35. What is the relationship between the
parts of the following sentence?
"The nervous system is subdivided into two major
divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS).”
A. contrast
B. cause/effect
C. summary
D. classification
36. According to the passage, the
spinal cord
A. needs information from the brain to do its job.
B. coordinates the activity of the brain.
C. is the main trunk line that houses the peripheral
nervous system.
D. is responsible for coordinating activities that don't
involve the brain.
37. Paragraph Two
The job of the CNS is to integrate and coordinate
all bodily functions, process all incoming neural
messages, and send out commands to different parts of
the body. The CNS sends and receives neural messages
through the spinal cord, a trunk line of neurons that
connects the brain to the PNS. The trunk line itself is
housed in a hollow portion of the vertebral column, called
the spinal column. The spinal cord coordinates the
activity of the left and right sides of the body and is
responsible for simple, fast action reflexes that do not
involve the brain. For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can still withdraw its
limb from a painful stimulus.
38. According to the passage, the
spinal cord
A. needs information from the brain to do its job.
B. coordinates the activity of the brain.
C. is the main trunk line that houses the peripheral
nervous system.
D. is responsible for coordinating activities that don't
involve the brain.
39. "For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can
still withdraw its limb from a painful
stimulus.”
One conclusion that could be drawn from this sentence
in paragraph two is
A. A person needs the brain to send the signal to pull a
hand away from a hot stove.
B. A person's muscles always react on their own accord.
C. A person whose spinal cord has been severed cannot
move.
D. A person can pull a hand away from a hot stove
without being directed by the brain.
40. "For example, an organism whose spinal
cord has been severed from its brain can
still withdraw its limb from a painful
stimulus.”
One conclusion that could be drawn from this sentence
in paragraph two is
A. A person needs the brain to send the signal to pull a
hand away from a hot stove.
B. A person's muscles always react on their own accord.
C. A person whose spinal cord has been severed cannot
move.
D. A person can pull a hand away from a hot stove
without being directed by the brain.
