Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a nucleus and a ganglion in nervous system terminology?

Accepted Answer

A nucleus is a collection of neuron cell bodies in the CNS, while a ganglion is a collection of neuron cell bodies in the PNS.

Question 2

Which glial cell is responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary movement on the left side of the body

Question 4

Which brain region acts as the 'gateway' to the cerebral cortex, sorting, editing, and relaying ascending input?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of sleep-wake cycles

Question 6

Which structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres and is composed of commissural fibers?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 7

Damage to the posterior association area of the cerebral cortex may result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Contralateral neglect syndrome

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

Maintains arousal of the brain and filters incoming sensory signals

Question 9

Which of the following cranial nerves is primarily responsible for hearing and balance?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The cerebral cortex and cerebellum have an outer layer of gray matter called the cortex.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct equation for the calculation of the total number of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{total} = N_{cervical} + N_{thoracic} + N_{lumbar} + N_{sacral} + N_{coccygeal}$$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Initiate and monitor intensity of movements, inhibit unnecessary actions, and filter responses to cortex.

Question 13

Which of the following is a characteristic of neurons?

Accepted Answer

They have extreme longevity and require continuous supply of oxygen and glucose.

Question 14

Which of the following structures is responsible for producing melatonin and regulating sleep-wake cycles?

Accepted Answer

Pineal gland

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → central canal

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Processes input from cortex, brain stem, and sensory receptors to coordinate smooth, balanced movements.

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between the number of cranial nerves and their pairs?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{cranial	ext{ nerves}} = 12$$

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding hemispheric lateralization?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is dominant for language, math, and logic in most people.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Emotional impact and memory formation

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Provides a pathway for ascending and descending nerve impulses and connects spinal nerves to the CNS.

Anatomy and Organization of the Nervous System: CNS and PNS

Study Guide - Practice Questions