HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

TOPIC TEST – HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM AMATHOLE EAST DISTRICT

GRADE 12 DATE : 24 APRIL 2025

TIME: 1 HOUR Marks: 50

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Write ALL the answers in the ANSWER BOOK.

3. Start the answers to EACH question at the top of a NEW page.

4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in

this question paper.

5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.

6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.

7. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to do so.

8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.

9. Do NOT use graph paper.

10. You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass,

where necessary.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

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 HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

Question 1
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question
number (1.1.1 to 1.1.5) in your ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.4 D.

1.1 A list of some compounds of the nervous system is provided below:

(i) Brain
(ii) Cranial nerves
(iii) Spinal nerves
(iv) Spinal cord

Which ONE of the following combinations applies to the central

nervous system?

A (i),(ii) ,(iii) and (iv)

B (i) and (iv) only
C (ii),(iii) and(iv) only
D (iii) and(iv) only

1.2 Which part of the neuron transmits impulses towards the cell body?

A Dendrites
B Myelin Sheath
C Axon
D Synapse

QUESTIONS 1.1.3 TO 1.1.5 ARE BASED ON THE DIAGRAM OF THE NEURON

BELOW.

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 HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

1.3 The axon is represented by structure …

A 1.
B 2.
C 3.
D 4.

1.4 Which labelled part affects the speed of impulse transmission?

A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4

1.5 The myelin sheath on a nerve cell …

A provides electrical insulation.

B transports impulses towards the cell body.
C receives impulses from the axon.
D converts stimuli into impulses.
(10)
(5x2)

Question 1.2
Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only
the term next to the question numbers.

DESCRIPTION TERM

1.2.1 The part of the brain that receives impulses from the maculae

1.2.2 The branch of the autonomic nervous system that restores an increased
heart rate back to normal

1.2.3 A part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions

1.2.4 A functional gap between two consecutive neurons

1.2.5 Collective name for the membranes that surround the brain and spinal
cord
1.2.6 The disease characterised by the degeneration of brain tissue, leading to
memory loss
(6x1) (6)

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 HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

Question 1.3

Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY, B

ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only, B
only, both A and B or none next to the question number.

Column I Column II
1.3.1 The functional connection between two consecutive A Receptor
neurons B Synapse
1.3.2. The part of a neuron that speeds up the A Myelin sheath
transmission of an impulse B Axon
1.3.3. A component of the nervous system that controls A Somatic nervous
voluntary actions system
B Central nervous
system
1.3.4. A disorder of the nervous system characterised by A Goitre
the degeneration of the cells B Alzheimer’s
disease
(4X2)
(8)

TOTAL 24 MARKS IN SECTION A

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 HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

SECTION B
Question 2

2.1 RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (HUMANS)

The diagram below shows the structure of a human brain.

2.1.1 Identify the parts labelled:

(a) B (1)

(b) C (1)

(c) E (1)

2.1.2 Give ONE function of the:

a) Part labelled A (1)
b) Fluid found in the part labelled F (1)

2.1.3 A haemorrhage (excessive bleeding due to rupture of blood vessels) at

the part labelled D may cause permanent dysfunction.

(a) Explain the cause of damage to the part labelled D. (3)

(b) State THREE possible consequences of the damage mentioned in

QUESTION 2.1.3 (a) to a patient. (3)

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HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM TOPIC TEST 2025 AMATHOE EAST

2.2 The diagram below represents a portion of the central nervous system.

Skin

Neuron

Neuron

Muscle

Neuron

2.2.1 Name the type of reaction that is shown in the diagram. (1)

2.2.2 State the significance of the reaction mentioned in QUESTION

2.2.1. (1)

2.2.3 How many synapses are shown in this diagram? (1)

2.2.4 Use a flow diagram to give the correct sequence of neurons

from the receptor to the effector. (2)

2.2.5 State TWO functions of the myelin sheath in neurons. (2)

2.2.6 Explain why no pain will be experienced if the spinal cord is

damaged above the area shown in the diagram. (2)

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3.3 Read the extract below.

Playing a musical instrument has been shown to increase

intelligence through improved communication between the left and
right hemispheres of the brain. This results in positive effects on
learning, memory, fine motor skills, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
which leads to better brain functioning.

Anne R. Stoklosa, 2016 Instruments of Knowledge: Music and the Brain. The
Review A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research

3.3.1 Name the:

a) Structural unit of the nervous system (1)

b) Path taken by an impulse from a receptor to an effector (1)

c) Structure that is responsible for the communication between

the left and right hemispheres (1)

3.3.2 Name ONE indicator from the extract above that implies increased
intelligence. (1)

3.3.3 According to the information in the extract, which region of the brain is
mainly developed by playing a musical instrument? (1)

3.3.4 Playing a musical instrument requires the use of multiple neural

pathways.

Explain the significance of a synapse between two consecutive neurons.

(1)
(6)

TOTAL 50 MARKS