Spatial discrimination = Number\ of\ sensory\ receptors \times Area\ of\ cortex

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 myelinating axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 3

Damage to the primary motor cortex in the right hemisphere would most likely result in which of the following?

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

A patient presents with clumsy, poorly coordinated movements and loss of muscle tone. Which brain structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

It is formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells of capillaries.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It maintains arousal of the brain and filters incoming sensory signals.

Question 8

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the diencephalon?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature, hunger, and water balance

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Filtering out unnecessary or antagonistic movements and influencing sustained motor activity

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Commissural fibers

Question 12

Which area of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for voluntary motor control of skeletal muscles?

Accepted Answer

Primary motor cortex

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about the organization of gray and white matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 15

Which of the following is a correct equation for the spatial discrimination ability of the primary somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

Spatial discrimination = Number\ of\ sensory\ receptors 	imes Area\ of\ cortex

Question 16

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 17

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

Accepted Answer

Emotional responses and memory formation

Question 18

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the superior colliculi in the midbrain?

Accepted Answer

Visual reflex centers for tracking moving objects

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the decussation of pyramidal tracts in the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

It allows motor signals to cross to the opposite side of the body.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System: CNS and PNS Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions