Question 1

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information related to smell from the nasal mucosa to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of vision in one eye. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve (II)

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the muscles that allow for facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 4

A patient is unable to abduct their right eye (move it laterally). Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Abducens nerve (VI)

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

Major motor and sensory nerve of the diaphragm, important for breathing

Question 6

A person with sciatica may experience foot drop. Which nerve is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve

Question 7

Which of the following statements about spinal nerves is correct?

Accepted Answer

All spinal nerves are mixed nerves containing both sensory and motor fibers

Question 8

Which nerve is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome, leading to difficulty with pincer grasp?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a dermatome?

Accepted Answer

An area of skin innervated by cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve

Question 10

Which cranial nerve is responsible for taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue and also helps regulate blood pressure via baroreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

Question 11

A patient has difficulty swallowing and speaking. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglossal nerve (XII)

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the brachial plexus?

Accepted Answer

It gives rise to nerves that innervate the upper limb

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the vagus nerve (X)?

Accepted Answer

Carries parasympathetic fibers that help regulate activities of the heart, lungs, and abdominal viscera

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a component of a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 15

A patient is unable to shrug their shoulders or turn their head to the opposite side. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Accessory nerve (XI)

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why destruction of a single spinal nerve does not cause complete numbness in a dermatome?

Accepted Answer

Most dermatomes overlap, so multiple spinal nerves contribute to each area of skin

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction to initiate muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the components of a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic and autonomic (visceral) reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Somatic reflexes activate skeletal muscle, while autonomic reflexes activate smooth or cardiac muscle and glands

Question 20

A patient presents with loss of sensation and motor function in the deltoid region. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Divisions of the Nervous System: Cranial and Spinal Nerves, Plexuses, and Reflexes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards