Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay station, sorting and transmitting sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of voluntary movement on the right side of the body. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex)

Question 3

Which of the following structures is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Choroid plexus

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 5

A lesion in Broca’s area would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing coherent speech

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the brain is able to float within the cranial cavity?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid provides buoyancy and prevents the brain from crushing under its own weight.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Control of voluntary skeletal muscle contraction

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It is formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells and astrocyte feet.

Question 9

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 10

A patient is unable to recognize faces or localize themselves in space. Which association area is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Posterior association area

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It filters out repetitive or weak stimuli and keeps the cerebral cortex alert.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Calculating the best way to perform a movement and sending a blueprint to the motor cortex

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Controlling voluntary skeletal muscle contraction

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

They cover and protect the CNS, enclose venous sinuses, and contain CSF.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the three meningeal layers from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater → arachnoid mater → pia mater

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the epithalamus?

Accepted Answer

Secreting melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why damage to the medulla oblongata can be life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

It contains autonomic centers that regulate heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of transferring information from short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM)?

Accepted Answer

It is enhanced by emotional arousal, rehearsal, and association with existing memories.

Central Nervous System: The Brain – Structure, Function, and Protection

Study Guide - Practice Questions