Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of muscles on the right side of the body.

Question 3

Which structure separates the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal fissure

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the cerebral cortex is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of conscious mind, including awareness, sensory perception, and voluntary motor initiation.

Question 5

A patient is unable to recognize faces after a brain injury, but can still see objects and colors. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Visual association area

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the commissural fibers in cerebral white matter?

Accepted Answer

They connect gray matter of the two hemispheres.

Question 7

Damage to Broca's area in the left hemisphere would most likely result in which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty in producing speech (motor speech deficit)

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of gray and white matter in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

The cerebrum and cerebellum have an outer layer of gray matter called the cortex.

Question 10

A patient with a lesion in the posterior association area of the cerebral cortex may have difficulty with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing patterns and faces, and localizing themselves in space

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the primary somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

It receives general sensory information from skin and proprioceptors.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The third ventricle is connected to the fourth ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the limbic association area?

Accepted Answer

Provides emotional impact that makes a scene important and helps establish memories.

Question 14

A patient is unable to consciously perceive the sensation of a full bladder. Which area of the cerebral cortex is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory area

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the prefrontal cortex (anterior association area)?

Accepted Answer

It is involved in planning, reasoning, judgment, and personality.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about lateralization of cortical function is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is dominant for language in most people.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct match between a brain region and its function?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe – processing of visual information

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of projection fibers in the cerebral white matter?

Accepted Answer

They connect the cortex with lower brain centers or the spinal cord.

Question 19

A patient with apraxia, the inability to carry out skilled actions that could previously be performed, most likely has damage to which area?

Accepted Answer

Premotor cortex

Question 20

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the somatotopic maps (homunculi) in the primary motor and somatosensory cortices?

Accepted Answer

The facial region is larger than the upper back region because it requires more precise motor control and sensory input.

Central Nervous System: Structure, Organization, and Functional Areas

Study Guide - Practice Questions