In uncomfortable conditions, high academic load leads to adaptive changes in medical students. The functional status and level of functional capacities in students determines the effectiveness of adaptation and cognitive performance. Aim. The article aims to identify the features of the functional status of the central nervous system using the data of simple visual-motor reaction in medical students studying in the northern region. Materials and methods. 95 students were examined, 51 females and 44 males. The average age was 19.62 ± 1.57 years. The indicators of variational chronoreflexometry were determined through the data of simple visual-motor reaction. The level of functional capacities of the central nervous system, the stability of reactions, and the functional level of the system were calculated. The study was carried in accordance with the method proposed by M.P. Moroz (Express-diagnostics of the functional status and human performance). Results. It was established that in most cases the functional status of the central nervous system in medical students corresponded with reduced and slightly reduced mental performance. Simple visual-motor reaction time in male and female students was 280.47 ± 2.34 ms and 278.09 ± 2.92 ms, respectively. Significant differences were not revealed among the studied groups. Conclusion. The functional status of the central nervous system in medical students of the Middle Ob region is characterized by high neuropsychic tension, increased fatigue, decreased working capacity, weakened attention and concentration.