Question 1

Which of the following best describes cephalization in the evolution of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary development of the rostral (anterior) portion of the CNS, resulting in increased neuron numbers and highest complexity in humans.

Question 2

During embryonic development, the neural tube gives rise to which of the following adult brain structures?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum

Question 3

Which statement accurately describes the distribution of gray and white matter in the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

In the brain, gray matter forms the cortex and nuclei, while white matter is deeper; in the spinal cord, gray matter is central and white matter surrounds it.

Question 4

A patient suffers a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that damages the primary motor cortex. Which deficit is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary movement in the contralateral side of the body

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 6

The motor homunculus illustrates that the face and hands occupy large areas of the primary motor cortex. What is the main reason for this?

Accepted Answer

They require precise and complex voluntary control for communication and manipulation of the environment.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Relay station for incoming sensory signals and motor signals between cortex and cerebellum

Question 8

Which type of cerebral white matter fiber connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Commissural fibers

Question 9

Damage to the substantia nigra in the midbrain is most closely associated with which neurological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease

Question 10

Which equation best represents the relationship between the frequency ($$f) $$and period ($$T) of $$brain waves measured by EEG?

Accepted Answer

$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$

Question 11

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the right hand and arm. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Left primary somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus)

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep/wake cycles

Question 13

Which structure is responsible for indirect coordination of movement, including starting and stopping actions?

Accepted Answer

Basal nuclei (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus)

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the sensory homunculus has large regions devoted to the lips and fingertips?

Accepted Answer

They have the greatest sensitivity and discrimination due to a high density of sensory receptors.

Question 15

Which pathway is responsible for conscious proprioceptive information from the body to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the lateralization of cortical function?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is dominant for language, math, and logic in about 90% of people.

Question 17

Which equation correctly represents the calculation of the total mass of the cerebral cortex if the brain's total mass is $$M$$ and the cortex is 40% of the mass?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Cortex mass} = 0.4 	imes M$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of motor activity, sequence, and timing of skeletal muscles

Question 19

Which area of the cerebral cortex is primarily involved in planning movements that require coordination of multiple muscle groups?

Accepted Answer

Premotor cortex

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the general path of incoming sensory information in the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptors → Primary sensory area → Sensory association area → Multimodal association areas

Central Nervous System: Structure, Development, and Functional Organization

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