Physiology Quizzes

Nervous System Overview Quiz

Vocabulary Mix & Match

  1. AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
  2. CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
  3. NERVOUS SYSTEM
  4. NEURON
  5. PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
  6. PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
  7. SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
  8. SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
  1. Controls the Relaxation Response and the Rest and Digest state
  2. Triggers the stress response
  3. A cell that is the “basic working unit” of the nervous system, communicating via electrical signals which are converted into neurotransmitters
  4. Governs the typically automatic functions, including breathing, heart rate and the endocrine (hormone) system
  5. The body’s “electrical wiring” consisting of the brain, spinal cord, neurons, nerves, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid and sensory receptors
  6. All the nerves that lie outside of the spinal cord and brain
  7. Controls conscious bodily activities such as moving the arm
  8. The brain and spinal cord

Questions

  1. What forms the nervous system?
  2. What is included in the central nervous system (CNS)?
  3. What are the functions of the nervous system?
  4. What is the peripheral nervous system and what does it do?
  5. What two systems make up the peripheral nervous system?
  6. What is the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?
  7. What two systems make up the autonomic nervous system (ANS)? 
  8. What is associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
  9. What is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?

The Vagus Nerve Quiz

  1. The vagus nerve is an element of which part of the nervous system?
  2. What is the vagus nerve and where is it located?
  3. What is another name for the vagus nerve? 
  4. Describe the role of the vagus nerve.
  5. What is meant by the term, “vagal tone?”
  6. What is associated with high vagal tone?
  7. What is associated with low vagal tone? 
  8. While there are implanted medical devices for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), we can’t directly stimulate the vagus nerve. How is it indirectly stimulated? 
  9. What practices raise vagal tone, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and contribute to feelings of contentment?

Stress & Relaxation Response Quiz

Vocabulary Mix & Match

  1. FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
  2. HYPERAROUSAL OR ACUTE STRESS RESPONSE
  1. RELAXATION RESPONSE
  1. Other names for Fight or Flight Response
  2. A physical state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional response to stress; the opposite of the Fight or Flight Response
  3. A physiological reaction that occurs when stress is perceived to be excessive or threatening

Questions

  1. What part of the nervous system is activated when experiencing stress?
  2. What happens when stress is perceived to be excessive or threatening?
  3. What happens when the stress response is activated?
  4. Give examples of positive triggers for the Stress Response.
  5. Under what conditions is the Fight or Flight Response activated and what happens?
  6. How is the Fight or Flight Response helpful? Under what circumstance is it harmful?
  7. What is the Relaxation Response?
  8. What practices have been shown to initiate the relaxation response?

Why Yoga Works Quiz

  1. Why is it important to learn to regulate the nervous system?
  2. What is the primary underlying reason that yoga helps to relieve stress?
  3. What are some examples of yoga techniques that trigger the Relaxation Response?
  4. What is the relationship between yoga, vagal tone, and relaxation?
  5. Describe four additional ways that yoga helps to relieve stress.
  6. What has research shown is the effect of Ujjayi Pranayama as it relates to stress?
  7. What is GABA and how is related to stress, fear and anxiety?
  8. What has research shown is the impact of yoga on GABA levels?

Respiratory Anatomy Introduction Quiz

Vocabulary Mix & Match

  1. ABDOMINAL CAVITY
  2. BREATHING
  3. DIAPHRAGM
  4. RESPIRATION
  5. THORACIC CAVITY
  1. The act of breathing
  2. The part of the trunk beginning at the lower rib cage and encompassing the space down into the pelvis; contains digestive organs; during breathing, changes shape but NOT volume
  3. A dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs; separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities
  4. A sealed-off container for the lungs and heart; during breathing, changes shape AND volume
  5. The movement of air into and out of the lungs

Questions

  1. What is breathing?
  2. What is the purpose of breathing?
  3. What is respiration?
  4. What causes breathing?
  5. What are the contents of the thoracic and abdominal cavities?
  6. How do the thoracic and abdominal cavities change during breathing?
  7. Why can’t lungs be moved directly at will?
  8. What is the principal muscle involved in breathing?
  9. Describe the diaphragm.
  10. Describe the movement of the diaphragm during relaxed breathing.
  11. What problems can a person have with their diaphragm and what is the effect?

Accessory Muscles & More Quiz

  1. What is the function of the nose in breathing?
  2. What is the nasal cycle? 
  3. What is each nostril connected to, and what do they trigger?
  4. What are the primary respiratory muscles?
  5. What is meant by accessory respiratory muscles? What is their purpose?
  6. Name the accessory muscles used for inspiration.
  7. List six muscles involved in exhalation.
  8. Why is the fill capacity of the upper lungs less than the lower?
  9. What is the role of the intercostals in breathing?

Physiology of Flexibility & Stretching Quiz

Vocabulary Mix & Match

  1. ACTIVE STRETCHING

  2. DYNAMIC STRETCHING

  3. FACILITATED STRETCHING

  4. FLEXIBILITY

  5. PASSIVE STRETCHING

  6. PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION (PNF)

  7. RESISTANCE STRETCHING

  8. STATIC STRETCHING

  9. STRETCHING

  10. TENSILE LOAD / TENSILE STRENGTH
  1. Stretch done with movement
  2. Stretch is done with contraction while lengthening (eccentric contraction)
  3. Affects the nervous system in a way that relaxes muscle fibers (Many other definitions included in lesson)
  4. Many non-yoga sources define it as using an outside force such as a partner; most yoga sources likely mean what Ray Long calls Passive Static Stretching, defined as relaxing into the stretch such as in a Restorative Pose
  5. Contracting the muscle in opposition to the targeted stretching muscle
  6. Stretch is performed with no outside force and no movement, and is held for some period of time
  7. One of many ways that stretching is defined; refers to the greatest pulling force that a material can withstand without breaking; “tensile” refers to pulling apart in contrast to “compressive” which refers to pushing together
  8. Another name for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
  9. The ability to move (without pain or restriction) through a joint’s range of motion
  10. A muscle group is passively stretched, then contracts isometrically against resistance while in the stretched position, and is then passively stretched again

Questions

  1. Flexibility may be limited by muscles that are shortened, tight or in a contracted state. Name four additional factors that may limit flexibility.
  2. When anesthetized, what happens to a person’s muscles? What is the significance regarding flexibility?
  3. What happens when personal ROM limits are reached?
  4. What are the three states that a muscle may exist in?
  5. What are the effects of stretching?
  6. Jules Mitchell defines stretching as a “tensile load.” What does that mean?
  7. In addition to the basic effects, what are the benefits of stretching?
  8. What is passive / passive static stretching? Give an example.
  9. What is active / active static stretching? Give an example.
  10. What is dynamic stretching?
  11. What is resistance stretching?
  12. How are facilitated stretching and PNF related?
  13. What is PNF?

Stretch-Related Reflexes Quiz 

Vocabulary Mix & Match

  1. STRETCH-RELATED REFLEXES
  2. SPINAL REFLEXES
  3. STRETCH REFLEX
  4. GOLGI TENDON REFLEX
  5. RECIPROCAL INHIBITION
  6. CLASP KNIFE REFLEX
  7. INVERSE STRETCH REFLEX
  8. MUSCLE SPINDLE STRETCH RECEPTOR
  9. MYOTATIC REFLEX
  10. SPINAL CORD REFLEX ARC
  1. Another name for the Golgi Tendon Reflex
  2. When tension on a tendon exceeds a certain amount, the muscle automatically releases, preventing the tendon from being torn
  3. Reflexes that bypass the brain, happening unconsciously
  4. Messages from proprioceptors cause a muscle to contract; designed to prevent muscle tearing from a forceful action or going beyond normal range
  5. Another name for the Stretch Reflex
  6. When an agonist muscle contracts, the antagonist relaxes
  7. Spinal reflexes that impact muscle length and tension: the Stretch Reflex, the Golgi Tendon Reflex and Reciprocal Inhibition
  8. Another name for the Golgi Tendon Reflex
  9. Another name for the Stretch Reflex
  10. Another name for the Stretch Reflex

Questions

  1. The reflexes relevant in stretching are spinal reflexes. Why is that significant?
  2. What are the three spinal reflexes related to stretching?
  3. What are some other names for the Stretch Reflex?
  4. What is the muscular effect of the Stretch Reflex?
  5. What is the purpose of the Stretch Reflex and a common example?
  6. What learning can we apply from knowledge of the Stretch Reflex?
  7. What other names refer to the Golgi Tendon Reflex?
  8. What do Golgi tendon organs do?
  9. What is the muscular effect of the Golgi Tendon Reflex?
  10. What are two ways to stimulate the Golgi tendon organs?
  11. What is Reciprocal Inhibition?
  12. How can we use knowledge of the process of Reciprocal Inhibition to deepen a stretch?

Stretching Issues & Techniques Quiz

  1. Not every student needs to increase their range of motion. Expand on the importance of working with students to address their particular needs.
  2. Very flexible students may need to guard against pursuing “flexibility for its own sake.” How might these students redirect their focus during stretching?
  3. Name six signs that could indicate overstretching.
  4. What condition makes students more prone to overstretching?
  5. Jill Miller has been transparent about the issues resulting from her history of overstretching. What happened from overstretching and what was her diagnosis?
  6. What are some stretching practices that do NOT improve flexibility?
  7. Name two safe and effective strategies for improving flexibility.
  8. What specific stretching techniques may improve flexibility? 
  9. How is it possible that mindfulness contributes to effective stretching?
  10. Provide three key teachings related to mindfulness during stretching.
  11. Although doing a vinyasa or short static hold of a pose can warm up the body and make it easier to stretch, why isn’t this enough to improve flexibility?
  12. Why are long holds necessary for addressing postural tension and making flexibility gains?
  13. Describe progressive deepening techniques.
  14. What other expert recommendations — that are often naturally accomplished in a well-rounded asana practice — will contribute to effective stretching?
  15. In addition to stretching, myofascial release may be a necessary and effective practice. What are some examples of myofascial release techniques?
  16. Is myofascial release recommended before, during or after a regular practice?

How Yoga Supports Health & Physiology Quiz

  1. Describe four perspectives from which yoga can be described as supporting health.
  2. In what ways can yoga serve a preventative role?
  3. Give examples of how yoga provides symptomatic relief.
  4. How can yoga techniques be used along with other treatments?
  5. How does yoga help to address imbalances related to health conditions?
  6. Name bodily systems that are supported by yoga practices.
  7. In what ways does asana support muscular and skeletal health?
  8. Describe yoga’s impact on stress and stress-related diseases.
  9. How does yoga impact mental health?
  10. Explain the role of yoga in promoting emotional well-being.
  11. In what ways do yoga practices support digestive health in general?
  12. What more specific effects may yoga have on digestion?
  13. Which yoga practices may help to improve lung function?
  14. How can yoga impact the immune system?
  15. How does yoga affect the circulatory system?

Trauma Introduction

How Trauma Affects Physiology & More Quiz

  1. What is trauma?
  2. What may cause trauma?
  3. What is PTSD and how is that differentiated from trauma in general?
  4. How is PTSD different from a TBI (traumatic brain injury)?
  5. Describe specific ways in which people who have experienced trauma are affected. Include how trauma changes the way in which people experience themselves.
  6. Further describe the physical experience of trauma.
  7. According to research, how does trauma affect the brain and a person’s ability to express themselves?
  8. A person’s response to trauma is not cognitive. What happens instead?
  9. Describe issues associated with trauma disclosure.
  10. How can we be better listeners with those who disclose trauma?