Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is a function of the nervous system?

1. It pumps blood throughout the body

2. It helps the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide

3. It senses and interprets information from outside the body

4. It helps the body digest food

The correct answer is: It senses and interprets information from outside the body

The function of the nervous system primarily involves sensing and interpreting information from the environment. This includes receiving stimuli from the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and processing that information to generate appropriate responses. The nervous system plays a crucial role in coordinating bodily functions and enabling individuals to interact with their surroundings effectively. The correct answer emphasizes the role of the nervous system in not only detecting external stimuli but also in processing this information and responding accordingly, whether it be through reflex actions or voluntary movements. This communication pathway is vital for survival as it allows the body to react swiftly to changes in the environment, thereby helping maintain homeostasis and ensuring safety. Other functions of the body mentioned, such as pumping blood or aiding in breathing and digestion, are essential but are primarily managed by different systems, namely the circulatory system for blood circulation, the respiratory system for gas exchange, and the digestive system for processing food.