Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

It selectively restricts passage of certain substances from the blood into the brain, allowing glucose and fat-soluble molecules to pass.

Question 2

A patient presents with an inability to abduct their right eye. Damage to which cranial nerve is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Abducens nerve (VI)

Question 3

Which meningeal layer is most closely associated with the surface of the brain, following its contours?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

It is produced by the choroid plexuses and acts as a cushion for the CNS.

Question 5

A lumbar puncture is typically performed below which vertebral level to avoid damaging the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

L2

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why fat-soluble drugs like alcohol can affect the brain?

Accepted Answer

They can diffuse across the blood-brain barrier due to their solubility.

Question 7

Which spinal cord structure contains the cell bodies of somatic motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

Ventral horn

Question 8

A patient with hydrocephalus has an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following is a likely consequence if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Compression of brain tissue and possible brain damage

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

Producing cerebrospinal fluid

Question 10

Which nerve is the major motor and sensory nerve of the diaphragm, and irritation of this nerve can cause hiccups?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 11

Which of the following statements about spinal nerves is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They are mixed nerves containing both sensory and motor fibers.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the organization of white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It is organized into dorsal, lateral, and ventral columns (funiculi).

Question 13

Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial expression and taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

They are part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the choroid plexus?

Accepted Answer

It produces cerebrospinal fluid and helps clean it.

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of most spinal tracts?

Accepted Answer

They are paired symmetrically and often decussate (cross over).

Question 17

A patient has lost sensation in a specific area of skin. This area is most likely innervated by the cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve. What is this area called?

Accepted Answer

Dermatome

Question 18

Which cranial nerve is the only one to extend beyond the head and neck region, innervating thoracic and abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (X)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why damage to a single spinal nerve does NOT usually result in complete paralysis of a limb muscle?

Accepted Answer

Each muscle in a limb receives nerve supply from several different spinal nerves due to plexuses.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the organization of a peripheral nerve?

Accepted Answer

The perineurium bundles axons into fascicles.

Anatomy and Protection of the Nervous System: CNS and PNS

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