Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as the main relay station for information coming into the cortex, sorting, editing, and relaying ascending input.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of voluntary control of muscles, but reflex activity remains. Which type of paralysis is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Spastic paralysis

Question 3

Which brain region is primarily responsible for conscious awareness, sensory perception, voluntary motor initiation, and memory storage?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Question 4

Damage to which area would most likely result in the inability to comprehend spoken and written language, while speech remains fluent but nonsensical?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke’s area

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is most likely to have degeneration of neurons in which brain region?

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the cerebral hemispheres are able to communicate almost instantaneously?

Accepted Answer

The presence of commissural fibers, such as the corpus callosum, connecting the two hemispheres

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It allows lipid-soluble substances and blood gases to pass freely through the cell membrane via simple diffusion.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It processes input from the cortex, brain stem, and sensory receptors to provide precise, coordinated movements and balance.

Question 10

A patient is unable to recognize faces or localize themselves in space, but has no motor deficits. Which area is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Posterior association area

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → Interventricular foramen → Third ventricle → Cerebral aqueduct → Fourth ventricle

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between gray matter and white matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter consists of neuron cell bodies and nonmyelinated neurons, while white matter consists mainly of myelinated axons.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in emotional responses, memory formation, and linking emotion to sensory input.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of a lesion in Broca’s area?

Accepted Answer

The patient understands words but cannot speak fluently.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the direct (pyramidal) motor pathways?

Accepted Answer

They regulate fast and fine (skilled) movements by transmitting impulses from pyramidal neurons in the precentral gyri.

Question 16

Which of the following is a likely consequence of a blockage in the cerebral aqueduct?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus due to accumulation of CSF in the ventricles

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It sends impulses to the cerebral cortex to keep it conscious and alert, and filters out repetitive stimuli.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Most dreaming occurs, and there is temporary paralysis except for rapid eye movements.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the development of the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The neural tube forms from the ectoderm and gives rise to the brain and spinal cord.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a patient with a stroke affecting the left cerebral hemisphere may experience paralysis on the right side of the body?

Accepted Answer

Each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is concerned with the contralateral (opposite) side of the body.

Central Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Development

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