Question 1

A football kicker uses his right leg to kick a ball. Which part of the brain initiates this voluntary, learned movement, and on which side of the brain does this occur?

Accepted Answer

The left primary motor cortex in the cerebrum initiates the movement.

Question 2

A kicker's head jerks toward a sudden, bright flash from a camera. Which part of the brain is responsible for this reflexive response?

Accepted Answer

The midbrain (specifically the superior colliculus) is responsible for this response.

Question 3

Why can damage to the medulla oblongata be fatal, while similar damage to the cerebrum might go unnoticed?

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate, while the cerebrum is responsible for higher functions that are not immediately life-sustaining.

Question 4

A police officer asks a suspected drunk driver to walk a straight line and touch his nose. Which part of the brain is being tested, and why?

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum is being tested because it coordinates balance and fine motor movements.

Question 5

Ms. Norris suffers injuries to the posterior of her head (behind the ears) in a car accident. Which lobes of the cerebrum are likely affected, and what symptoms might result?

Accepted Answer

The occipital and temporal lobes are likely affected, leading to visual and auditory processing deficits.

Question 6

Cerebral meningitis is a condition in which the meninges become inflamed. Why can this condition be life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation can increase intracranial pressure, impairing brain function and potentially leading to death.

Question 7

What would happen if the normal circulation or resorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were blocked?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus would develop, causing increased intracranial pressure and potential brain damage.

Question 8

How do a nerve and a neuron differ, and which would have a greater effect on motor and sensory function if damaged?

Accepted Answer

A nerve is a bundle of neurons; damage to a nerve affects multiple neurons and has a greater effect on function.

Question 9

Which cranial nerves would you assess for eye movement, and how would you test their function?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens); test by asking the patient to follow an object with their eyes in different directions.

Question 10

How would you assess the function of cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal) in a patient?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to stick out their tongue and move it side to side; observe for deviation or weakness.

Question 11

Which test would best assess the function of the two branches of cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear)?

Accepted Answer

Test hearing with a tuning fork (cochlear branch) and balance with a Romberg test (vestibular branch).

Question 12

Which cranial nerve is tested by assessing facial sensation and jaw movement, and how would you do this?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve V (trigeminal); test by touching the face and asking the patient to clench their jaw.

Question 13

A patient presents with sudden loss of vision and hearing after a head injury. Which lobes of the cerebrum are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Occipital and temporal lobes.

Question 14

If a patient has difficulty with balance and coordination after consuming alcohol, which brain structure is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum.

Question 15

Which equation best represents the relationship between intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume, and brain tissue volume?

Accepted Answer

$$ICP = \frac{CSF\ Volume + Brain\ Tissue\ Volume}{Cranial\ Cavity\ Volume}$$

Question 16

A patient with bacterial meningitis develops hydrocephalus. Which sequence of events best explains this complication?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation blocks CSF resorption, leading to increased CSF volume and intracranial pressure.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the pathway for a reflexive head movement toward a sudden light?

Accepted Answer

Visual input activates the superior colliculus in the midbrain, which sends motor signals to neck muscles.

Question 18

Which formula best represents the relationship between the number of neurons ($$n) in a $$nerve and the total effect of nerve damage ($$E$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$E = n 	imes Effect\ per\ neuron$$

Guided Study: Brain Structure, Function, and Nervous System (ANP 109 Topic 7)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards