Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the spinal cord in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a relay center for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body, and coordinates reflexes.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly lists the three layers of the spinal meninges from outermost to innermost?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 3

A patient suffers a lesion that damages the ascending columns of the spinal cord white matter. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information to the brain

Question 4

Which of the following spinal cord tracts is responsible for carrying motor commands from the brain to the body?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 5

In the spinal cord, which horn contains the cell bodies of somatic motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

Ventral (anterior) horn

Question 6

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons entering the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 7

Which of the following best defines the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The PNS includes all neural structures outside the brain and spinal cord, such as nerves and ganglia.

Question 8

Which of the following correctly describes the general structure of a nerve?

Accepted Answer

A bundle of axons (nerve fibers) surrounded by connective tissue layers: endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium.

Question 9

Which statement about the rami of a spinal nerve is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ventral ramus forms plexuses that innervate the anterior and lateral trunk and limbs.

Question 10

Which of the following best defines a ganglion?

Accepted Answer

A cluster of neuron cell bodies located in the PNS.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a major nerve plexus in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic plexus

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 13

Which reflex is characterized by the contraction of a muscle in response to its passive stretching?

Accepted Answer

Stretch reflex

Question 14

Which cranial nerve (by name and Roman numeral) is responsible for vision and is classified as sensory only?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (II)

Question 15

A patient cannot move their tongue and has difficulty speaking. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglossal nerve (XII)

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between autonomic and somatic reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Somatic reflexes control skeletal muscles; autonomic reflexes control smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of events leading to sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor activation → Transmission to CNS → Integration → Perception

Question 18

Which of the following statements about mixed nerves is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mixed nerves contain both sensory and motor axons.

Question 19

A person steps on a sharp object and immediately withdraws their foot while extending the opposite leg to maintain balance. Which reflexes are involved?

Accepted Answer

Flexor and crossed-extensor reflexes

Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Study Guide for ANP College Students

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards