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The nervous system: WJEC A‑Level Biology questions

Every WJEC A-Level Biology exam question on 3.8 The nervous system, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,223 questions

  1. Q5(a)(i)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(a)(i): Use Image 5.1 to name the effector and the part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) involved in this reflex. [1] Effector Part of CNS

  2. Q5(a)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(a)(ii): Name the types of neurones labelled A and B. [1] A B

  3. Q5(a)(iii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(a)(iii): Explain, in terms of the structures visible in Image 5.1, why this reflex is rapid and automatic. [2]

  4. Q5(b)(i)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(b)(i): Name the stage of the action potential shown in Image 5.2. [1]

  5. Q5(b)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(b)(ii): Describe how you would expect the needle on the microvoltmeter to move as this stage progresses. [1]

  6. Q5(b)(iii)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(b)(iii): Explain the roles of potassium ion channels and sodium ion channels in the generation of an action potential. [2]

  7. Q5(b)(iv)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(b)(iv): Explain the role of the sodium-potassium ion pump in returning the cell membrane of the neurone to its resting potential. [2]

  8. Q5(c)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 3

    4 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 3, question 5(c): Synapses between neurones and muscles are called neuromuscular junctions. When a nerve impulse reaches a neuromuscular junction, it triggers the release of acet

  9. Q4(a)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(a): Name the type of nervous system in Hydra and explain why its movements take a relatively long time. [2] In humans, nerve cells are differentiated to carry out s

  10. Q4(b)(i)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(b)(i): Name the structure labelled C in Images 4.2 and 4.3. [1]

  11. Q4(b)(ii)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(b)(ii): Name the type of vesicle labelled D in Image 4.3 and describe its function. [1]

  12. Q4(b)(iii)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(b)(iii): Some drugs are described as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The site of action of these drugs is labelled on Image 4.3. Suggest why these drugs cause over-stim

  13. Q4(c)(i)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(c)(i): Name the processes represented by letters X and Y in Graph 4.4. [1] X Y

  14. Q4(c)(ii)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(c)(ii): With reference to Graph 4.4, explain how voltage-gated sodium ion channels bring about process X. [2] The speed at which nerve impulses are conducted along nerv

  15. Q4(d)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 3

    4 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 3, question 4(d): Describe the relationship between internode length and conduction speed and use your knowledge of nerve impulse transmission to explain the results. [4]

  16. Q7

    Summer 2023 · Unit 3

    9 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 3, question 7: Image 7.1 shows the pathway from a tooth to an area of the brain which generates the sensation of pain. It also shows the site of action of two local anaestheti

  17. Q4(c)

    Summer 2022 · Unit 3

    5 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2022 Unit 3, question 4(c): Using all the relevant information from both Images 4.1 and 4.2 describe how the hormone molecules are released from the end of the neurosecretory cell. [5] Hae

  18. Q1(a)(i)

    Summer 2019 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2019 Unit 3, question 1(a)(i): How long did each action potential (time X) last? Give your answer to the nearest millisecond. [2] Time for one action potential = ms At the lowest pressure app

  19. Q1(a)(ii)

    Summer 2019 · Unit 3

    2 marks3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2019 Unit 3, question 1(a)(ii): Explain why the trace appeared this way for the lowest pressure. [2]

  20. Q1(b)(i)

    Summer 2019 · Unit 3

    1 mark3.8 The nervous system
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2019 Unit 3, question 1(b)(i): Name cell H. [1]
All 61 questions on The nervous system, as a list
  1. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Use Image 5.1 to name the effector and the part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) involved in this reflex. [1] Effector Part of CNS
  2. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): Name the types of neurones labelled A and B. [1] A B
  3. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(a)(iii) (2 marks): Explain, in terms of the structures visible in Image 5.1, why this reflex is rapid and automatic. [2]
  4. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(b)(i) (1 mark): Name the stage of the action potential shown in Image 5.2. [1]
  5. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(b)(ii) (1 mark): Describe how you would expect the needle on the microvoltmeter to move as this stage progresses. [1]
  6. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(b)(iii) (2 marks): Explain the roles of potassium ion channels and sodium ion channels in the generation of an action potential. [2]
  7. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(b)(iv) (2 marks): Explain the role of the sodium-potassium ion pump in returning the cell membrane of the neurone to its resting potential. [2]
  8. Summer 2025, Unit 3, Q5(c) (4 marks): Synapses between neurones and muscles are called neuromuscular junctions. When a nerve impulse reaches a neuromuscular junction, it triggers the release of acet
  9. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(a) (2 marks): Name the type of nervous system in Hydra and explain why its movements take a relatively long time. [2] In humans, nerve cells are differentiated to carry out s
  10. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): Name the structure labelled C in Images 4.2 and 4.3. [1]
  11. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Name the type of vesicle labelled D in Image 4.3 and describe its function. [1]
  12. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Some drugs are described as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The site of action of these drugs is labelled on Image 4.3. Suggest why these drugs cause over-stim
  13. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(c)(i) (1 mark): Name the processes represented by letters X and Y in Graph 4.4. [1] X Y
  14. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): With reference to Graph 4.4, explain how voltage-gated sodium ion channels bring about process X. [2] The speed at which nerve impulses are conducted along nerv
  15. Summer 2024, Unit 3, Q4(d) (4 marks): Describe the relationship between internode length and conduction speed and use your knowledge of nerve impulse transmission to explain the results. [4]
  16. Summer 2023, Unit 3, Q7 (9 marks): Image 7.1 shows the pathway from a tooth to an area of the brain which generates the sensation of pain. It also shows the site of action of two local anaestheti
  17. Summer 2022, Unit 3, Q4(c) (5 marks): Using all the relevant information from both Images 4.1 and 4.2 describe how the hormone molecules are released from the end of the neurosecretory cell. [5] Hae
  18. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): How long did each action potential (time X) last? Give your answer to the nearest millisecond. [2] Time for one action potential = ms At the lowest pressure app
  19. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the trace appeared this way for the lowest pressure. [2]
  20. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Name cell H. [1]
  21. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(b)(ii) (1 mark): Name the main class of biological molecule found in myelin. [1] The neurone appears like this when drawn as a side section. Nodes of Ranvier A B Cell H Drawing
  22. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(b)(iii) (3 marks): Calculate the time it would take an action potential to travel from point A to point B on an actual neurone. Give your answer in standard form in seconds. [3] T
  23. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(c)(i) (4 marks): Suggest what would happen to the rate of oxygen consumption for the demyelinated neurone. Explain your answer. [4]
  24. Summer 2019, Unit 3, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest two symptoms which could occur in someone who has demyelinated neurones. [2]
  25. Summer 2018, Unit 3, Q1(a)(i) (3 marks): Draw and label the position of a sensory neurone and a motor neurone and label the cell bodies. [3]
  26. Summer 2018, Unit 3, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): When a person touches a hot object with their finger they will move away from the heat. State the advantage to humans of having this type of response to an exte
  27. Summer 2018, Unit 3, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): State the name given to this type of nervous system. [1]
  28. Summer 2018, Unit 3, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the non-myelinated neurones of Cnidarians result in slower nerve impulses than in mammals. [2]
  29. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q7(b)(vii) (4 marks): Calcium is needed for the contraction of muscles. Explain how a lack of calcium could cause poor muscle contraction in patients. [4]
  30. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): State the order of lever which is shown in the diagram above. [1]
  31. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the force effort required to lift the 4 kg hand weight in a patient with TS where elbow to hand distance of 34 cm and elbow to biceps is 4 cm. Show yo
  32. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(a)(i) (3 marks): State the name and function of the lobes labelled A and B on the diagram above. [3] Name Function A B
  33. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(a)(ii) (2 marks): The brain can be studied in several ways. Outline the differences in the information provided by electroencephalography (EEG) and computerised tomography (CT).
  34. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(b)(i) (4 marks): Suggest why children who are not exposed to language during the critical period are likely to never develop speech. [4]
  35. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest how the fMRI images and graph would differ for a feral child. [1]
  36. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(b)(iii) (1 mark): State one factor which could be involved in causing this effect in feral children or those exposed to psychological trauma at an early age. [1]
  37. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(c)(i) (1 mark): Which area of the brain is involved in learning? [1]
  38. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(c)(ii) (4 marks): Use the information provided to conclude the learning patterns exhibited by each group of rats. Explain your conclusions. [4] Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
  39. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(c)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage change in the number of errors for group 2 between day 10 and day 13 [2] Percentage change = %
  40. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q8(c)(iv) (2 marks): State two factors which should have been controlled in this investigation. [2]
  41. Summer 2017, Unit 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Describe the function of sodium ion channels in a neurone membrane in response to a stimulus. [2]
  42. Summer 2017, Unit 3, Q2(b) (4 marks): Explain how lidocaine acts as a local anaesthetic. [4] The maximum allowable dose of lidocaine for a patient is 7 mg per kg of tissue (mg kg–1).
  43. Summer 2017, Unit 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): Use the equation below to calculate the maximum dose volume for a 60 kg patient if the concentration of lidocaine is 2%. [2] maximum dose maximum allowable mass
  44. Summer 2017, Unit 3, Q2(d) (3 marks): The marine cone shell, Conus magus, releases a chemical which blocks calcium ion channels on the pre-synaptic membrane of a synapse. This has a potential use as
  45. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the interaction between actin and myosin results in the contraction of muscle. Reference to the roles of troponin and tropomyosin are not required.
  46. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(b)(i) (1 mark): To determine the length of sarcomeres at different resting positions, myofibrils were viewed using a high-powered microscope. The muscle proteins were stained u
  47. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Use the graph to calculate the length of the actin fibre. [3] actin length =
  48. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(b)(iii) (2 marks): Physiologists conducting these experiments used tissue from the same organism. Suggest two other factors that would need to be controlled when carrying out the
  49. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(b)(iv) (2 marks): Suggest an explanation as to why no tension is generated at C on the graph. [2]
  50. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(c)(i) (1 mark): Explain why skeletal muscles are arranged in antagonistic muscle pairs. [1] Scientists studied patients with osteoarthritis and a control group without the cond
  51. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(c)(ii) (2 marks): With reference to the role of the quadriceps in movement of the lower leg, explain the differences between the osteoarthritis and control groups. [2] Body mass
  52. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q8(c)(iii) (5 marks): Explain the effect of a higher BMI on the results in the table and suggest why increased physical activity would reduce the impact and progression of osteoarthr
  53. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(a) (1 mark): Identify A, B and C on the diagram above. [1] A B C
  54. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain why a PET scan would be suitable for investigating activity levels within the brain whereas an MRI scan would not. [2]
  55. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(b)(ii) (5 marks): With reference to the image of the PET scan and your knowledge of brain regions involved in language, suggest and explain how the PET scan of a deaf person, act
  56. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest two medical details that would be needed when interpreting PET scans from patients with hearing problems. [2]
  57. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(b)(iv) (3 marks): Explain why PET scans of adults with total hearing loss have revealed activation of regions of the cortex related to hearing. [3]
  58. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(c)(i) (1 mark): State one advantage to male sticklebacks of defending their territory. [1] The table below shows the results of the investigation. Mean number Model colour of b
  59. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(c)(ii) (3 marks): State what is meant by a sign stimulus and based on this information, identify what it would be for the stickleback. Explain your answer. [3] Mean number 2 ∑(x
  60. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(c)(iii) (2 marks): Complete the table above by calculating the standard deviation for the silver belly stickleback using the formula below: [2] √ 2 Standard Deviation = ∑(x – x )
  61. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q9(c)(iv) (1 mark): The standard deviation for both models was high. Explain how this could affect your confidence in the conclusion. [1]

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