Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To link the central nervous system (CNS) to the body and external environment by detecting sensory stimuli and delivering information to the CNS

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the skin over the deltoid region and weakness in shoulder abduction. Which nerve of the brachial plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory information from the inner ear to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The spinal nerve is formed by the fusion of the anterior and posterior roots and is a mixed nerve

Question 5

A person suffers a lesion to the phrenic nerve. Which physiological process is most likely to be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Contraction of the diaphragm for breathing

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Monitors tension generated by muscle contraction and triggers muscle relaxation to prevent damage

Question 7

Which of the following is a characteristic of rapidly adapting sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

They respond rapidly with high intensity to stimuli but stop sending signals after a certain period

Question 8

A patient is unable to move their tongue properly. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglossal nerve (XII)

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why pain from a heart attack is often felt in the left arm?

Accepted Answer

Referred pain occurs because visceral and somatic sensory neurons from the heart and arm travel along the same spinal nerve pathways

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in a simple stretch reflex?

Accepted Answer

External force stretches muscle → muscle spindle detects stretch → sensory neuron transmits action potential to spinal cord → motor neuron stimulates muscle contraction

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the somatic motor division of the PNS?

Accepted Answer

It directly triggers skeletal muscle contractions for voluntary movement

Question 12

Which nerve is responsible for innervating most of the flexor muscles in the forearm and some intrinsic muscles of the hand?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about the organization of the brachial plexus?

Accepted Answer

The lateral cord is formed by the anterior divisions of the superior and middle trunks

Question 14

Which type of sensory receptor is responsible for detecting changes in temperature?

Accepted Answer

Thermoreceptors

Question 15

A patient has difficulty abducting their thigh and has numbness over the lateral aspect of the thigh. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of lower motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

They receive messages from upper motor neurons and directly stimulate skeletal muscle fibers to contract

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the vagus nerve (X)?

Accepted Answer

Carries parasympathetic fibers to thoracic and abdominal viscera

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Fingertips have more sensory neurons with smaller receptive fields

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the crossed-extension reflex?

Accepted Answer

It occurs simultaneously on the opposite side of the body to provide balance and postural support during withdrawal from a painful stimulus

Question 20

Which equation best represents the process of sensory transduction in a mechanoreceptor?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Stimulus} ightarrow 	ext{Opening of mechanically gated Na^+ channels} ightarrow 	ext{Na^+ influx} ightarrow 	ext{Receptor potential}$$

Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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