Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the phrenic nerve, and what would be the likely consequence of its injury?

Accepted Answer

It innervates the diaphragm; injury would result in impaired breathing.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the lateral three and a half fingers and weakness in wrist flexion. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why referred pain occurs?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory neurons converge on the same spinal cord segments as somatic sensory neurons, leading to misinterpretation of pain location.

Question 4

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons entering the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Posterior root ganglion

Question 5

A person is unable to abduct their eye laterally. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Abducens nerve (VI)

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between the somatic and autonomic motor divisions?

Accepted Answer

The somatic motor division controls voluntary skeletal muscle, while the autonomic motor division controls involuntary smooth and cardiac muscle.

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the structure of a peripheral nerve?

Accepted Answer

Each fascicle is surrounded by perineurium.

Question 8

A patient has difficulty chewing and numbness in the face. Which cranial nerve is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal nerve (V)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of a rapidly adapting receptor?

Accepted Answer

It responds quickly to a stimulus but stops firing if the stimulus remains constant.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a monosynaptic reflex?

Accepted Answer

Simple stretch reflex (e.g., patellar reflex)

Question 11

A person steps on a sharp object and immediately withdraws their foot while extending the opposite leg to maintain balance. Which reflexes are involved?

Accepted Answer

Flexion (withdrawal) reflex and crossed-extension reflex

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It detects tension in tendons and helps prevent muscle damage from excessive force.

Question 13

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory and equilibrium information to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of a proprioceptor?

Accepted Answer

It detects the position and movement of the body and its parts.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The sensory (afferent) division transmits information from receptors to the central nervous system.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1)?

Accepted Answer

It receives and processes sensory information from the body.

Question 17

A patient has lost the ability to taste and has difficulty swallowing. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the epineurium?

Accepted Answer

It surrounds the entire peripheral nerve, providing structural support and protection.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct order of neurons in a typical sensory pathway from the periphery to the brain?

Accepted Answer

First-order sensory neuron → second-order sensory neuron → third-order sensory neuron

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why two-point discrimination is better in the fingertips than in the back?

Accepted Answer

Fingertips have smaller receptive fields and a higher density of sensory receptors.

Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Reflexes

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