Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Executive area of the brain responsible for conscious mind, awareness, sensory perception, voluntary motor initiation, communication, and memory storage

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the primary motor cortex. Which of the following is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary control of skeletal muscles on the contralateral side of the body

Question 3

Which glial cell type is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the cerebral cortex is highly convoluted?

Accepted Answer

To increase the number of neurons and surface area for higher cognitive functions

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the lateralization of cortical function?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is dominant for language in about 90% of people

Question 6

A patient is unable to recognize faces but can describe objects and read. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Visual association area

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the prefrontal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Involved with intellect, cognition, recall, and personality

Question 8

Which of the following fiber types connects corresponding gray areas of the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Commissural fibers

Question 9

Damage to which area would most likely result in the inability to plan and execute complex movements, such as playing a musical instrument?

Accepted Answer

Premotor cortex

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the limbic association area?

Accepted Answer

Establishing memories and awareness of danger associated with particular situations

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the basal nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Initiation and regulation of voluntary motor movements

Question 12

A patient with damage to the posterior association area may experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Neglect of one side of the body (contralateral neglect)

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the distribution of gray and white matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

The brain stem has additional gray matter nuclei scattered within white matter

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the ventricles of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → fourth ventricle

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the primary somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

Receives and identifies information from skin and proprioceptors

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of neurons?

Accepted Answer

They have a high metabolic rate and require continuous supply of oxygen and glucose

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about the motor homunculus?

Accepted Answer

It shows that areas requiring precise control have larger cortical representation

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the vestibular (equilibrium) cortex?

Accepted Answer

Responsible for conscious awareness of balance and position of the head in space

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the multimodal association areas?

Accepted Answer

Giving meaning to information received, storing it in memory, tying it to previous experience, and deciding on actions

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of projection fibers in the cerebral white matter?

Accepted Answer

Connect the cortex with lower parts of the nervous system

Anatomy and Function of the Nervous System: Study Guide

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