Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by filtering blood plasma.

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the postcentral gyrus of the cerebrum. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Processing of somatosensory information such as touch and proprioception.

Question 3

Which of the following pathways decussates (crosses over) in the medulla oblongata, resulting in the left brain controlling the right side of the body?

Accepted Answer

Pyramidal (corticospinal) tract

Question 4

A lesion in the hypothalamus would most likely disrupt which of the following homeostatic functions?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature, hunger, and water balance

Question 5

Which of the following correctly lists the order of the meninges from outermost to innermost?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 6

A patient has a blockage in the cerebral aqueduct. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of CSF in the lateral and third ventricles, leading to hydrocephalus

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of commissural fibers in the brain?

Accepted Answer

They connect corresponding gray areas of the two cerebral hemispheres.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between the volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced and absorbed in a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

$$ V_{produced} = V_{absorbed} $$

Question 9

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of the body and loss of fine touch and proprioception on the left. Which spinal cord lesion best explains these findings?

Accepted Answer

Hemisection (Brown-Séquard syndrome) of the left side of the spinal cord

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the white matter of the spinal cord is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains ascending, descending, and transverse tracts of myelinated axons.

Question 11

Which functional region of the cerebrum is responsible for understanding spoken and written language?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke's area

Question 12

A patient with damage to the corpus callosum would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired communication between the left and right cerebral hemispheres

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

From the lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cerebral cortex

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body?

Accepted Answer

Motor pathways decussate (cross over) in the medulla oblongata.

Question 16

A patient is unable to initiate voluntary movements but can still feel sensations. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Primary motor cortex

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of association fibers in the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

They connect different parts of the same cerebral hemisphere.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the total number of spinal nerves in a human?

Accepted Answer

$$ N_{spinal} = 8_{cervical} + 12_{thoracic} + 5_{lumbar} + 5_{sacral} + 1_{coccygeal} = 31 $$

Question 19

A patient with a tumor compressing the dorsal root of a spinal nerve would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensory input from the affected area

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the pia mater?

Accepted Answer

It is the innermost meningeal layer that adheres closely to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System: Brain and Spinal Cord – Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards