Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

It links the central nervous system (CNS) with the body and external environment, detecting sensory stimuli and delivering them to the CNS.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the anterior thigh and weakness in extending the knee. Which nerve plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for both facial expressions and taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why capsaicin cream can relieve neuropathic pain?

Accepted Answer

Capsaicin opens ligand-gated ion channels in nociceptors, causing initial pain but desensitizing the receptors over time.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the structure of a mixed spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

It contains both sensory and motor axons bound together by connective tissue sheaths.

Question 6

A patient is unable to abduct their arm and has numbness over the deltoid region. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

It supplies motor signals to the diaphragm, driving ventilation.

Question 8

Which type of sensory receptor is responsible for detecting deep pressure and high-frequency vibration?

Accepted Answer

Lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles

Question 9

A patient with Bell’s palsy would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles on one side, affecting eye closure and facial expressions

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic division is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the fingertips have a higher two-point discrimination ability than the forearm?

Accepted Answer

Fingertips have smaller receptive fields and more sensory neurons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a monosynaptic reflex that helps maintain muscle length and posture?

Accepted Answer

Simple stretch reflex

Question 13

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation in a dermatomal pattern on the left leg. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Posterior root of a left lumbar spinal nerve

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the Golgi tendon reflex?

Accepted Answer

It causes a muscle to relax when tension becomes too great, protecting muscles and tendons from damage.

Question 15

Which of the following cranial nerves is purely sensory?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear (VIII)

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the path of a somatic sensory signal from the skin to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → posterior root → posterior root ganglion → CNS

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of lower motor neuron disorders?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis or weakness of a given muscle due to damage to spinal or cranial nerves

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why referred pain occurs?

Accepted Answer

Visceral and somatic sensory neurons converge on the same spinal nerve, causing the brain to misinterpret the origin of the pain.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of alpha (α) motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate skeletal muscle fibers to contract.

Question 20

A patient is unable to flex their wrist and has numbness in the anterior thumb and lateral two fingers. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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