Question 1

Which of the following best describes the functional organization of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The PNS is divided into sensory and motor divisions, each further subdivided into somatic and visceral components.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation and muscle weakness in the anterior thigh. Which nerve plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for both taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and motor control of facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 4

Which type of sensory receptor is most likely to detect a change in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptor (a type of mechanoreceptor)

Question 5

A person is unable to abduct their arm at the shoulder and has numbness over the deltoid region. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of proprioceptors?

Accepted Answer

They monitor the degree of stretch in muscles, tendons, and joints, providing information about body position and movement.

Question 7

A patient with a lesion in the dorsal root of a spinal nerve would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensory input from the affected region

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the vagus nerve (CN X)?

Accepted Answer

It is the only cranial nerve that extends into the abdomen and provides parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal viscera.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains Hilton's Law?

Accepted Answer

Any nerve that innervates a muscle producing movement at a joint also innervates the joint and the skin over it.

Question 10

A patient is unable to move their tongue and has difficulty with speech and swallowing. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Question 11

Which of the following sensory receptors is rapidly adapting and best suited for detecting fine, discriminative touch in hairless skin?

Accepted Answer

Tactile (Meissner's) corpuscles

Question 12

A person experiences loss of sensation in a dermatomal pattern over the lateral forearm. Which spinal nerve is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

C6

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between free nerve endings and encapsulated nerve endings?

Accepted Answer

Free nerve endings lack a connective tissue capsule, while encapsulated nerve endings are surrounded by a capsule that modifies the stimulus.

Question 14

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of vision?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (CN II)

Question 15

A patient presents with difficulty swallowing and loss of taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

Innervation of the diaphragm for breathing

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the sciatic nerve?

Accepted Answer

It is the largest nerve of the sacral plexus and supplies most of the lower limb.

Question 18

A patient with diabetes develops burning pain and loss of sensation in the feet. Which peripheral nervous system disorder is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy

Question 19

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerve pairs and their regional distribution?

Accepted Answer

$$8 \; (	ext{cervical}) + 12 \; (	ext{thoracic}) + 5 \; (	ext{lumbar}) + 5 \; (	ext{scaral}) + 1 \; (	ext{coccygeal}) = 31$$

Question 20

A patient is unable to flex their wrist and has numbness in the lateral palm and first three fingers. Which nerve is most likely injured?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Chapter 14: The Peripheral Nervous System – Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards