Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the thalamus in the diencephalon?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate cortical areas.

Question 2

A patient presents with a loss of fine motor control in their right hand. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The left primary motor cortex in the precentral gyrus

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The BBB allows all water-soluble molecules to freely enter the brain.

Question 4

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing auditory information?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 5

A lesion in the posterior association area of the cerebral cortex would most likely result in which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty recognizing faces and understanding language

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the surface of the cerebrum is highly convoluted with gyri and sulci?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for more cortical neurons within the limited space of the skull

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Relay of sensory information to the cortex

Question 8

A patient with Parkinson’s disease has degeneration of neurons that project to the basal nuclei. What is the most likely clinical manifestation?

Accepted Answer

Impaired voluntary motor control

Question 9

Which of the following structures is responsible for connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of gray and white matter in the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

In the spinal cord, gray matter is located centrally and surrounded by white matter.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Coordinates body movements and maintains posture and balance

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Transmits electrical impulses between neurons

Question 13

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the precentral gyrus of the left hemisphere. Which of the following is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary motor control on the right side of the body

Question 14

Which of the following is found in the spinal meninges but NOT in the cranial meninges?

Accepted Answer

Epidural space

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct order of flow for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the ventricular system?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

Produces melatonin for sleep regulation

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Receives sensory information from the periphery

Question 18

Which of the following is the toughest and most protective layer of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why damage to the left primary visual cortex results in loss of vision in the right visual field?

Accepted Answer

Visual pathways cross at the optic chiasm, so each hemisphere processes the contralateral visual field.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of the choroid plexus?

Accepted Answer

Production of cerebrospinal fluid

Central Nervous System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions