Question 1

Which structure of the spinal cord is responsible for anchoring it to the coccyx and is a component of the coccygeal ligament?

Accepted Answer

Filum terminale

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the skin over the lateral thigh. Which nerve plexus and specific nerve are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus; lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Question 3

Which layer of the spinal meninges is directly adjacent to the spinal cord and contains extensions called denticulate ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

If a patient cannot flex their wrist or fingers, which nerve of the brachial plexus is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the organization of white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It is located outside the gray matter and consists of axons organized into tracts or columns.

Question 6

A patient has difficulty breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm. Which nerve and plexus are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve; cervical plexus

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the classification of reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Polysynaptic reflexes involve two or more synapses, often including interneurons.

Question 8

Which equation correctly represents the number of spinal nerve pairs in the human body?

Accepted Answer

$$8 + 12 + 5 + 5 + 1 = 31$$

Question 9

Which spinal cord feature is responsible for the enlargement seen in the regions that supply the upper and lower limbs?

Accepted Answer

Cervical and lumbosacral enlargements

Question 10

A patient loses motor function in the quadriceps muscle. Which nerve and plexus are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Femoral nerve; lumbar plexus

Question 11

Which of the following statements about dermatomes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Dermatomes are areas of skin supplied by sensory fibers of specific spinal nerves.

Question 12

Which connective tissue layer surrounds a bundle of axons (fascicle) in a peripheral nerve?

Accepted Answer

Perineurium

Question 13

Which nerve from the sacral plexus innervates the perineum, external anal sphincter, and urethral sphincter?

Accepted Answer

Pudendal nerve

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior (ventral) horns of the spinal cord gray matter?

Accepted Answer

They contain somatic motor nuclei.

Question 15

Which equation represents the total number of nerves in the brachial plexus if each major nerve (axillary, musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, radial) is counted once?

Accepted Answer

$$1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

It is a bundle of spinal nerve roots extending below the conus medullaris.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about the organization of sensory and motor tracts in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Sensory tracts are ascending and motor tracts are descending.

Question 18

A patient has lost sensation in the skin of the anteromedial thigh and external genitals. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Genitofemoral nerve

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the gray commissure in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It connects the right and left halves of the spinal cord.

Question 20

Which nerve plexus is responsible for innervating the muscles and skin of the upper limb?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus

Chapter 14: The Nervous System – Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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