Question 1

Which of the following best describes the sequence of neural events required for voluntary movement, as illustrated in the first diagram?

Accepted Answer

Idea → Program → Execution → Feedback

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the primary motor cortex. Which step in voluntary movement is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Programming of motor commands

Question 3

Which tract is primarily responsible for fine, discrete movements of the distal extremities, such as the fingers?

Accepted Answer

Pyramidal tract

Question 4

Damage to the cerebellum would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Intention tremor and clumsy, misdirected movements

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the ventromedial pathways is correct?

Accepted Answer

They originate in the brainstem and influence posture and balance.

Question 6

A patient with Parkinson’s disease has difficulty initiating movement and displays a shuffling gait. Which neural structure is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Basal nuclei (ganglia)

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why a person with cerebellar damage can still move but does so in a clumsy manner?

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum provides feedback to correct ongoing movements.

Question 8

Which pathway is most involved when you automatically turn your head toward a sudden sound?

Accepted Answer

Tectospinal tract

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the basal nuclei in motor control?

Accepted Answer

Providing feedback to the cortex for movement selection and inhibition of unwanted movements

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in voluntary motor control?

Accepted Answer

It relays feedback from the cerebellum and basal nuclei to the cortex.

Question 11

A patient with Huntington’s chorea exhibits exaggerated involuntary movements. What is the underlying neural mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Overactive output from the basal nuclei to the thalamus

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the rubrospinal tract?

Accepted Answer

It originates in the red nucleus and is less significant in humans compared to the pyramidal tract.

Question 13

Which brain region is primarily responsible for the formulation of the intention to move?

Accepted Answer

Prefrontal cortex and association areas

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between lateral and ventromedial pathways?

Accepted Answer

Lateral pathways control fine, distal movements; ventromedial pathways control posture and balance.

Question 15

Which structure is responsible for storing memories of motor activities and refining previously executed movements?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the execution of voluntary movement?

Accepted Answer

It is determined by the activity of efferent neurons innervating muscle cells.

Question 17

Which tract is most important for maintaining upright posture against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Pontine reticulospinal tract

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why feedback is essential during voluntary movement?

Accepted Answer

It allows the CNS to make adjustments and ensure smooth, accurate movement.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of the brainstem nuclei in motor control?

Accepted Answer

Initiating voluntary movement

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the flow of information to and from the cerebellum, as shown in the third diagram?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum receives input from cortex, basal nuclei, brainstem, spinal cord, and sensory systems, and sends output to the cortex via the thalamus.

Integrated CNS Function: Voluntary Motor Control

Study Guide - Practice Questions