Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is the basic unit of the nervous system called?

1. Spinal cord

2. Neuron

3. Brain

4. Cerebrum

The correct answer is: Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system, allowing for communication between different parts of the body, processing sensory information, and coordinating responses. Each neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which sends signals), making them vital components of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast, the spinal cord, brain, and cerebrum, while essential structures within the nervous system, are not the fundamental units. The spinal cord is a major conduit for information traveling to and from the brain, the brain processes information and coordinates activity, and the cerebrum is involved in higher brain functions like thought and action. However, it is the neuron that serves as the basic building block that enables all of these functions within the nervous system.