NASM Chapter 5 Practice Test – The Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification exam. NASM Chapter 5 Practice Test. There are 25 MCQs with explanations in Chapter 5: The Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems. Download the free Quiz Quizlet PDF for CPT Certification based on the NASM 7th Edition CPT Study Guide.

Prepare for success with our NASM Chapter 5 practice test covering the Nervous, Skeletal, and Muscular Systems. Dive into detailed questions that help you master the anatomy and functions essential for fitness professionals. Enhance your understanding and boost your exam readiness today!

Q1. What is the primary function of the nervous system?

  • (A) To process nutrients
  • (B) To produce hormones
  • (C) To transmit information
  • (D) To filter blood
View Answer
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The primary function of the nervous system is to transmit information throughout the body, enabling sensory reception, motor function, and the control of bodily functions.

Q2. Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary movements?

  • (A) Autonomic nervous system
  • (B) Somatic nervous system
  • (C) Central nervous system
  • (D) Peripheral nervous system
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of the muscles.

Q3. What type of bone is primarily involved in protecting internal organs?

  • (A) Long bones
  • (B) Short bones
  • (C) Flat bones
  • (D) Irregular bones
View Answer
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Flat bones primarily function to protect internal organs and provide broad surfaces for muscle attachment.

Q4. Which joint type allows for the widest range of movement?

  • (A) Hinge
  • (B) Pivot
  • (C) Ball-and-socket
  • (D) Saddle
View Answer
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints allow for the widest range of movement, including rotational movement and movements in multiple planes.

Q5. What is the role of muscle spindles?

  • (A) To produce red blood cells
  • (B) To sense changes in muscle length
  • (C) To store nutrients
  • (D) To connect muscles to bones
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Muscle spindles are sensory receptors within the belly of a muscle that primarily detect changes in the length of the muscle and are involved in reflexes that maintain muscle tone.

Q6. Which system’s primary function includes the production of blood cells?

  • (A) Nervous system
  • (B) Muscular system
  • (C) Skeletal system
  • (D) Cardiovascular system
View Answer
Answer: (C)
Explanation: The skeletal system includes the production of blood cells, which occurs in the bone marrow.

Q7. What is the basic unit of the nervous system?

  • (A) The neuron
  • (B) The axon
  • (C) The dendrite
  • (D) The synapse
View Answer
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The neuron is the basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

Q8. What type of muscle fiber is known for quick and powerful contractions?

  • (A) Type I fibers
  • (B) Type II fibers
  • (C) Cardiac fibers
  • (D) Smooth muscle fibers
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Type II muscle fibers are adapted for quick and powerful contractions, making them suitable for activities that require strength and power.

Q9. What is a key characteristic of synovial joints?

  • (A) They are immovable
  • (B) They produce synovial fluid
  • (C) They do not connect bones
  • (D) They are found in the heart
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Synovial joints are characterized by the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint to facilitate smooth movement.

Q10. What function do Golgi tendon organs serve?

  • (A) Producing hormones
  • (B) Sensing changes in muscular tension
  • (C) Filtering blood
  • (D) Storing calcium
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Golgi tendon organs are sensory receptors that detect changes in muscle tension, helping to prevent muscle damage from excessive force.

Q11. How does the skeletal system contribute to movement?

  • (A) By storing energy
  • (B) By providing levers for muscles
  • (C) By transporting oxygen
  • (D) By digesting nutrients
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The skeletal system provides rigid structures (levers) that muscles pull on to create movement.

Q12. What is the primary role of the muscular system?

  • (A) To insulate the body
  • (B) To generate movement through contraction
  • (C) To synthesize vitamins
  • (D) To produce neurotransmitters
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The primary role of the muscular system is to generate movement through the contraction of muscles.

Q13. Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

  • (A) Axon
  • (B) Dendrites
  • (C) Nucleus
  • (D) Myelin sheath
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Dendrites are the structures on neurons that receive electrical messages from other cells.

Q14. What is the sliding filament theory?

  • (A) A theory explaining bone growth
  • (B) A theory explaining how muscles contract
  • (C) A theory explaining nerve transmission
  • (D) A theory explaining joint lubrication
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The sliding filament theory describes how muscle fibers contract by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments over each other to shorten the overall length of theQ14. What is the sliding filament theory?

  • (A) A theory explaining bone growth
  • (B) A theory explaining how muscles contract
  • (C) A theory explaining nerve transmission
  • (D) A theory explaining joint lubrication
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The sliding filament theory describes how muscle fibers contract by the sliding of actin and myosin filaments over each other to shorten the overall length of the muscle fibers, resulting in muscle contraction.

Q15. Which nervous system division is responsible for voluntary muscle movements?

  • (A) Autonomic nervous system
  • (B) Somatic nervous system
  • (C) Sympathetic nervous system
  • (D) Enteric nervous system
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The somatic nervous system is responsible for the control of voluntary muscle movements and the integration of sensory input.

Q16. What type of joint allows for rotation and includes the neck and forearm?

  • (A) Hinge
  • (B) Pivot
  • (C) Ball-and-socket
  • (D) Saddle
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Pivot joints allow for rotation around a single axis, and they are found in the neck and forearm.

Q17. What are the primary components of a neuron?

  • (A) Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosome
  • (B) Cell body, axon, dendrites
  • (C) Myelin sheath, synapse, neurotransmitters
  • (D) Glial cells, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: A neuron primarily consists of a cell body (soma), axon, and dendrites, which facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses.

Q18. How does exercise affect the muscular system?

  • (A) Decreases muscle mass and strength
  • (B) Increases muscle mass and strength
  • (C) Has no effect on muscle mass
  • (D) Only affects cardiac muscles
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Regular exercise leads to an increase in muscle mass and strength through the processes of muscle hypertrophy and neural adaptations.

Q19. Which bones are classified as part of the axial skeleton?

  • (A) Arms and legs
  • (B) Skull, rib cage, vertebral column
  • (C) Pelvis and clavicles
  • (D) Carpals and tarsals
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The axial skeleton includes the skull, rib cage, and vertebral column, which support and protect the organs of the head, neck, and trunk.

Q20. What is the function of ligaments?

  • (A) To connect muscles to bones
  • (B) To connect bones to bones
  • (C) To produce synovial fluid
  • (D) To contract and generate force
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability and support to joints.

Q21. What is the role of acetylcholine in muscle contraction?

  • (A) It breaks down glucose for energy
  • (B) It acts as a neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction
  • (C) It reduces the amount of calcium in muscles
  • (D) It decreases muscle tension
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is released at the neuromuscular junction, triggering muscle contraction by stimulating muscle fibers to contract.

Q22. What is the primary effect of resistance training on bones?

  • (A) Decreases bone density
  • (B) Increases bone density
  • (C) Makes bones more flexible
  • (D) Has no effect on bones
View Answer
Answer: (B)
Explanation: Resistance training increases bone density by stimulating bone formation, which helps in preventing osteoporosis and related conditions.

Q23. Which type of muscle fiber is best suited for endurance activities?

  • (A) Type I fibers
  • (B) Type II fibers
  • (C) Cardiac fibers
  • (D) Smooth muscle fibers
View Answer
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Type I muscle fibers, also known as slow-twitch fibers, are more fatigue-resistant and are best suited for prolonged endurance activities like long-distance running.

Q24. What describes the movement at synovial joints?

  • (A) Only flexion and extension
  • (B) Limited to non-rotational movements
  • (C) Includes rolling, sliding, and spinning
  • (D) Movement is not possible
View Answer
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Synovial joints allow for a variety of movements including rolling, sliding, and spinning, providing a wide range of motion.

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