Question 1

Which structure of the limbic system is primarily responsible for recognizing angry or fearful facial expressions and eliciting a fear response?

Accepted Answer

Amygdaloid body

Question 2

A patient with a lesion in Broca's area would most likely exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing speech despite understanding language

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

Sends impulses to the cerebral cortex to maintain consciousness and alertness

Question 4

Damage to which area would most likely result in a permanent coma due to loss of arousal of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Reticular activating system (RAS)

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the transfer of information from short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM)?

Accepted Answer

Emotional state, rehearsal, and association all enhance transfer to LTM

Question 6

A patient is able to speak fluently, but their words are nonsensical and they have difficulty understanding spoken and written language. Which brain area is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke's area

Question 7

Which type of brain wave is most commonly observed in a relaxed, awake adult with closed eyes?

Accepted Answer

Alpha waves

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Transmits discriminative touch and conscious proprioception

Question 9

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of the body below the neck. Which pathway is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left spinothalamic tract

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the reticulospinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Control of coarse limb movements and maintenance of posture

Question 11

Which meningeal layer is most closely associated with the surface of the brain, following every convolution?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 12

Which of the following statements about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

CSF reduces the weight of the brain by about 97%

Question 13

A patient is deprived of REM sleep for several nights. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Moodiness and depression

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the spinocerebellar tracts?

Accepted Answer

Convey information about muscle or tendon stretch to the cerebellum

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct (pyramidal) pathway responsible for fast and fine (skilled) movements?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus as related to the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Initiating voluntary motor movements

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the brain is not crushed under its own weight?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid provides buoyancy

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of memory consolidation?

Accepted Answer

Fitting new facts into categories already stored in the cerebral cortex

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of delta waves on an EEG?

Accepted Answer

4 Hz or less, high amplitude, seen in deep sleep

Question 20

A patient has difficulty maintaining balance and posture after a stroke. Which descending pathway is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Reticulospinal and vestibulospinal tracts

Central Nervous System: Structure and Function

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