Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal root ganglion in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons that transmit information to the CNS.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of the body below the level of T10, but touch and proprioception are intact. Which spinal tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left spinothalamic tract

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (II)

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the cornea can be transplanted without risk of immune rejection?

Accepted Answer

The cornea is avascular and lacks blood vessels.

Question 5

A patient has difficulty with balance and equilibrium after an inner ear infection. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Vestibular apparatus (semicircular canals and vestibule)

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between stimulus intensity and action potential frequency in a sensory neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$f = k 	imes I$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)?

Accepted Answer

Provides parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal viscera

Question 8

A patient is unable to abduct their eye laterally. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Abducens nerve (VI)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates 'fight or flight' responses such as increased heart rate and pupil dilation

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct order of structures that light passes through in the eye before reaching the photoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Cornea → aqueous humor → lens → vitreous humor → retina

Question 11

A patient has lost the ability to feel vibration and fine touch on the left side of the body below the waist. Which spinal tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left dorsal column-medial lemniscal tract

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus in sensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

It relays sensory information to the appropriate area of the cerebral cortex.

Question 13

Which of the following cranial nerves is purely sensory?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the process of sensory adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptors decrease their response to a constant stimulus over time.

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents Ohm's Law as it applies to the flow of ions across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$I = V \div R$$

Question 16

A patient presents with ptosis (drooping eyelid), dilated pupil, and inability to move the eye upward. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oculomotor nerve (III)

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the semicircular canals in the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

Detects rotational (angular) acceleration of the head

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It has long preganglionic and short postganglionic fibers.

Question 19

A patient is unable to taste sweet or salty substances on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway?

Accepted Answer

Transmits fine touch, vibration, and proprioception to the brain

Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Special Senses: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards