OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

1. To connect receptors to the brain

2. To execute voluntary movements

3. To process information from the body

4. To transmit impulses to effectors

The correct answer is: To process information from the body

The Central Nervous System (CNS) primarily functions to process information from the body, which includes sensory input and responses. It consists of the brain and spinal cord, where sensory information is received, integrated, and interpreted to generate appropriate responses. This processing is essential for coordinating actions and making decisions based on stimuli from the environment. In addition to processing information, the CNS also plays a crucial role in higher cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and emotional responses. This integration of sensory input and the ability to respond appropriately is central to how organisms interact with their environment and maintain homeostasis. While the other options refer to aspects of the nervous system, they do not encompass the primary role of the CNS. Connecting receptors to the brain and transmitting impulses are indeed functions of the nervous system but are more specifically related to the peripheral nervous system and the pathways it uses to relay information. Executing voluntary movements is a product of the CNS's function but is not its primary role in information processing and response generation.