GRADE 12

LIFE SCIENCES

INFORMAL TEST 8 (HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM)

MARKS: 60 TIME: 60 minutes

This question paper consists of 5 pages.

SECTION A
QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose
the answer and write only the letter (A to D) next to the question number (1.1.1 to 1.1.3)
in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 D.

1.1.1 Which ONE of the following is the correct path of sound transmission in the ear?

A Ossicles, pinna, tympanum, oval window, cochlea

B Pinna, tympanum, ossicles, round window, cochlea
C Tympanum, ossicles, pinna, round window, cochlea
D Pinna, tympanum, ossicles, oval window, cochlea

1.1.2 Damage to the dendrite of the motor neuron in a reflex arc would probably
prevent ...

A a receptor from receiving stimuli.

B synaptic contact with a sensory neuron.
C an impulse being transmitted to an effector organ.
D an impulse being transmitted to the central nervous system
(2 x 2) (4)

1.2 Give the correct biological term for each of the following descriptions. Write only
the term next to the question number (1.2.1 to 1.2.4) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.2.1 A disorder that occurs when one’s own immune system surrounds, attacks
and destroys the myelin sheath that envelops the axons

1.2.2 The nervous system which consists of cranial and spinal nerves

1.2.3 A branch of the autonomic nervous system that decreases the heartbeat back
to normal

1.2.4 Defect of the eye due to a clouding of the eye’s normal, clear, transparent
lens, affecting acuity of vision

1.2.5 The structure, within the cochlea, responsible for the conversion of a sound
stimulus into an impulse

1.2.6 A change in the internal or external environment that will be detected by a

receptor and converted into an impulse
(6 x 1) (6)

TOTAL SECTION A: 10
SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 Study the diagram below of the human brain.

2.1.1 Write the LETTER only of the part that:

(a) Connects the two hemispheres of the brain (1)

(b) Is the master gland (1)

(c) Helps a person to respond quickly to dangerous stimulus (1)

2.1.2 Explain the consequences if part D is damaged. (2)

2.1.3 Impulses are transmitted between the brain and the rest of the body by
neurons.

Explain ONE way in which the axon of a neuron is structurally suited to

perform its function. (2)
(7)

2.2 Tracy was walking in the bush when she suddenly heard a sound behind her.
She turned her head and saw a snake coming towards her.

2.2.1 Describe how she was able to hear the sound (6)

2.2.2 Describe how her eyes adjusted to see the snake coming towards her (4)
(10)
2.3 Study the diagram of a reflex arc below.

2.3.1 What is a reflex action? (2)

2.3.2 State the significance of the functional connection at D (2)

2.3.3 Explain the consequences for a reflex action if neuron C is damaged. (2)

2.3.4 Draw a labelled diagram to represent the structure of neuron A. (3)

2.3.5 Describe the sequence of events that took place in the diagram above. (6)
(15)

32

QUESTION 3

3.1 Study the diagram of the human ear below.

 3.1.1 Which part of the brain will receive impulses from part C? (1)

3.1.2 Describe how an increased production of mucus in the nose and throat
may lead to the bursting of part E. (3)

3.1.3 Explain why fusion of the structures at A may lead to hearing loss. (2)

3.1.4 Describe the role of the semi-circular canal in maintaining balance. (5)
(11)

3.2 The diagrams below show the response of the human eye to two different conditions.

3.2.1 Identify part C (1)

3.2.2 Identify the process in Diagram 2. (1)

3.2.3 Name the part of the eye that is responsible for the response in
Diagram 1. (1)

3.2.4 State the consequence to the person's vision if the process in Diagram 2
does not occur. (1)

2.3.5 Describe the change that took place in Diagram 1. (3)

(7)

18

TOTAL SECTION B: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 60