Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglia.

Question 2

During embryonic development, which primary brain vesicle gives rise to the adult structure known as the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

Prosencephalon

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

White matter surrounds a central core of gray matter in the spinal cord.

Question 4

Which brain region is responsible for relaying sensory information to the cerebral cortex and plays a role in learning and memory?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 5

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the left primary motor cortex. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of muscles on the right side of the body

Question 6

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the brain stem?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei (ganglia)?

Accepted Answer

They initiate and regulate the intensity of voluntary movements.

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the ventricles of the brain is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The lateral ventricles are separated by the septum pellucidum.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why damage to the right posterior association area of the cerebral cortex may cause a person to neglect the left side of their body?

Accepted Answer

The right posterior association area is responsible for awareness of self in space, and damage can cause loss of awareness of the contralateral side.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

It processes input from the cortex, brain stem, and sensory receptors to coordinate smooth, precise movements.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a cranial nerve and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII) – taste

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in emotional responses and memory formation.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining cerebral cortical alertness

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system during a 'fight-or-flight' response?

Accepted Answer

It increases heart rate and dilates bronchioles.

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter is released by all preganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It allows fat-soluble substances such as alcohol and nicotine to pass through.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal root of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

It contains sensory (afferent) fibers that conduct impulses from peripheral receptors to the spinal cord.

Question 20

Which of the following is a characteristic of a monosynaptic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

It involves a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Central Nervous System: Structure, Development, and Organization

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