Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of muscles on the right side of the body.

Question 3

Which brain region is primarily responsible for maintaining balance and coordinating voluntary movements?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the composition of gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, glial cells, and blood vessels

Question 6

A patient presents with an inability to comprehend spoken or written language, but can speak fluently, although the words are nonsensical. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke’s area

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells and is absent in some brain regions.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why damage to the premotor cortex can result in the loss of the ability to type, even though finger movement is still possible?

Accepted Answer

The premotor cortex helps plan and coordinate learned, skilled motor activities.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct (pyramidal) descending motor pathway?

Accepted Answer

Lateral corticospinal tract

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of white and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

In the cerebrum and cerebellum, gray matter forms a cortex overlying white matter.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It maintains cerebral cortical alertness and filters out repetitive stimuli.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Mediation of emotional responses and involvement in memory processing

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the choroid plexus?

Accepted Answer

It produces cerebrospinal fluid by filtering blood plasma.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Most dreaming occurs during this stage.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the dorsal column–medial lemniscal pathway?

Accepted Answer

Transmits discriminative touch and proprioceptive information to the somatosensory cortex.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why hydrocephalus is more dangerous in adults than in infants?

Accepted Answer

The adult skull is rigid and cannot expand, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage.

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely consequence of damage to the posterior association area of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Inability to recognize faces or localize oneself in space

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei?

Accepted Answer

They regulate the intensity of slow or stereotyped movements and inhibit unnecessary movements.

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The ventral horns contain somatic motor neurons.

Central Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Development

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