Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the dorsal root ganglion in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons transmitting information to the central nervous system.

Question 2

A patient suffers a lesion that destroys the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary movement of skeletal muscles

Question 3

Which meningeal layer is directly attached to the surface of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Which space is the needle inserted into?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid space

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction along the axon.

Question 6

A patient has lost sensation in the skin of their right arm but retains motor function. Which structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Right dorsal root

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct order of the meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater → Arachnoid mater → Pia mater

Question 8

Which region of the spinal cord gray matter contains cell bodies of autonomic motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horn

Question 9

If the axon hillock of a neuron is damaged, which process is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of action potentials

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of voluntary movement but intact sensation in the lower limbs. Which spinal cord structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Anterior (ventral) root

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the node of Ranvier?

Accepted Answer

It allows for saltatory conduction of action potentials.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the central canal of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It contains cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 13

A patient with multiple sclerosis has demyelination in the central nervous system. Which cell type is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why damage to the posterior gray horn would affect sensation but not motor function?

Accepted Answer

The posterior gray horn contains interneurons that receive sensory input.

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between conduction velocity ($$v$$), axon diameter ($$d$$), and myelination in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$v \propto d ($$velocity is proportional to diameter in myelinated axons)

Question 16

A patient is unable to feel pain or temperature on one side of the body below a spinal cord injury, but motor function is preserved. Which tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic tract

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They form the myelin sheath around peripheral axons.

Question 18

Which of the following structures is responsible for the separation of the dura mater from the vertebral bone?

Accepted Answer

Epidural space

Question 19

A patient with a spinal cord injury loses both motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Which structure is most likely completely severed?

Accepted Answer

Spinal nerve

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior median fissure in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It partially divides the spinal cord into right and left halves.

Nervous System – Anatomy and Histology: Spinal Cord and Nerve Structure

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