Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

To provide the central nervous system (CNS) with links to the outside world by transmitting sensory and motor information

Question 2

A patient is unable to feel pain in their left arm after a spinal cord injury. Which type of receptor and nerve fiber is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptors and somatic afferent fibers

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the regeneration of nerve fibers in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells play a critical role in forming a regeneration tube to guide axon growth

Question 4

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves and their regions?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{total} = N_{cervical} + N_{thoracic} + N_{lumbar} + N_{sacral} + N_{coccygeal}$$

Question 5

A person experiences left arm pain during a heart attack. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Referred pain due to visceral and somatic fibers traveling along the same nerves

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between pain threshold and pain tolerance?

Accepted Answer

Pain threshold is the point at which a stimulus is perceived as painful, while pain tolerance is the maximum level of pain a person can endure

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Controlling voluntary skeletal muscle movement

Question 8

Which structure contains neuron cell bodies associated with sensory neurons in the PNS?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglia

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why damage to a single spinal nerve does not usually result in paralysis of a limb muscle?

Accepted Answer

Nerve plexuses allow fibers from multiple spinal nerves to supply each muscle

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Chemoreceptor – taste

Question 11

A patient has lost the ability to sense the position of their limbs in space. Which receptor type is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a mixed nerve?

Accepted Answer

A nerve containing both afferent and efferent fibers

Question 13

Which branch of a spinal nerve innervates the posterior body trunk?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal ramus

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the somatic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events during PNS axon regeneration?

Accepted Answer

Axon fragments → Macrophages clean debris → Axon filaments grow through regeneration tube → New myelin sheath forms

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the rami communicantes?

Accepted Answer

They contain autonomic nerve fibers that join ventral rami in the thoracic region

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of Schwann cells in nerve regeneration?

Accepted Answer

They form a regeneration tube and secrete growth factors to guide axon regrowth

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the classification of nerves?

Accepted Answer

Spinal nerves are named for their point of issue from the spinal cord

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the autonomic nervous system's divisions?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division prepares the body to deal with stress, while the parasympathetic division promotes restorative functions

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Structure, Function, and Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions