Question 1

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of gray and white matter in the human brain?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter forms the core, surrounded by white matter, with additional gray matter in the cortex and nuclei.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of voluntary control of muscles, but retains irregular involuntary muscle stimulation. Which type of paralysis is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Spastic paralysis

Question 3

Which structure is responsible for connecting corresponding gray areas of the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Commissures

Question 4

During a sleep study, a patient’s EEG shows high-amplitude delta waves and relaxed skeletal muscles. Which stage of sleep is this?

Accepted Answer

Stage 4 NREM

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It is absent in the vomiting center and hypothalamus, allowing these areas to monitor blood chemistry.

Question 6

Which brain region is primarily responsible for regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 7

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is experiencing motor deficits due to degeneration of neurons in which structure?

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 8

Which of the following cranial nerves is unique in that it innervates structures outside the head and neck?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Processing emotions and converting new information into long-term memories

Question 10

A patient suffers a spinal cord transection at the cervical region. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Quadriplegia

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Provides precise timing and appropriate patterns of skeletal muscle contraction

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE about the transfer of memory from short-term to long-term storage?

Accepted Answer

Emotional state, rehearsal, and association with old memories enhance transfer

Question 13

Which equation correctly represents the frequency of brain waves measured by EEG?

Accepted Answer

$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$

Question 14

A patient is unable to speak but can understand language. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Broca’s area

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of the direct (pyramidal) motor pathway?

Accepted Answer

Regulates fast and fine (skilled) movements via corticospinal tracts

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the plantar reflex?

Accepted Answer

Downward flexion of the toes is the normal response; Babinski’s sign indicates corticospinal damage.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about pain is correct?

Accepted Answer

Pain threshold is the same for all people, but pain tolerance varies.

Question 18

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for depolarizing the postsynaptic cell during pain transmission?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the major nerve plexuses?

Accepted Answer

The phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, arises from the cervical plexus.

Question 20

A patient with a spinal cord injury at T10 would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Paraplegia

Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Disorders

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