Question 1

Which structure marks the tapered end of the spinal cord, and what is its anatomical significance?

Accepted Answer

Conus medullaris; it is the point where the spinal cord ends, typically at the level of L1-L2.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of motor function but preserved sensation below the level of injury. Which tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 3

Which meningeal layer adheres directly to the brain and spinal cord, and which layer contains blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater; pia mater

Question 4

If blood accumulates in the subdural or subarachnoid space, what type of injury is this called?

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhage

Question 5

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves and vertebral levels?

Accepted Answer

There are $$31$$ pairs of spinal nerves: $$8$$ cervical, $$12$$ thoracic, $$5$$ lumbar, $$5$$ sacral, and $$1$$ coccygeal.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function and location of the dorsal root ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It houses sensory neuron cell bodies and is located in the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and where is it produced?

Accepted Answer

CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord; it is produced by the choroid plexus in the ventricles.

Question 8

A patient with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Progressive loss of motor function due to degeneration of motor neurons.

Question 9

Which nerve root does the phrenic nerve arise from, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

C3-C5; it innervates the diaphragm for breathing.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Sensation is the detection of stimuli; perception is the interpretation of those stimuli by the brain.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a special sense?

Accepted Answer

Pain

Question 12

Which equation best represents the difference in conduction velocity between myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated A fibers: $$v \approx 120 m/s$$; Unmyelinated C fibers: $$v \approx 2 m/s$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes referred pain, and provides a real-life example?

Accepted Answer

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of origin; for example, heart attack pain felt in the left arm.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of balance and posture.

Question 15

Which equation best represents the pathway of the spinothalamic tract?

Accepted Answer

First order neuron (spinal cord) $$\rightarrow$$ second order neuron (decussates in spinal cord) $$\rightarrow$$ third order neuron (thalamus) $$\rightarrow$$ cerebral cortex

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic: fight or flight, increases heart rate; Parasympathetic: rest and digest, decreases heart rate.

Question 17

Which neurotransmitters are used by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and where do they act?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic: acetylcholine (preganglionic), norepinephrine (postganglionic); Parasympathetic: acetylcholine (both pre- and postganglionic).

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference in the location of synapses in the sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic: synapses in paravertebral ganglia; Parasympathetic: synapses in terminal ganglia near or within target organs.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the precentral and postcentral gyri?

Accepted Answer

Precentral gyrus: primary motor cortex; Postcentral gyrus: primary somatosensory cortex.

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