Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It innervates the diaphragm, enabling breathing movements.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation and movement in the lateral forearm. Which nerve of the brachial plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Optic (II)

Question 4

Damage to which cranial nerve would most likely result in difficulty swallowing and loss of taste in the posterior third of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal (IX)

Question 5

Which type of sensory receptor responds to changes in temperature?

Accepted Answer

Thermoreceptors

Question 6

A patient cannot abduct their eye laterally. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Abducens (VI)

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the vagus nerve (X)?

Accepted Answer

It is the only cranial nerve to extend beyond the head and neck into the thorax and abdomen.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the rate of axon regeneration in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

$$r = 1.5 	ext{ mm/day}$$

Question 9

Which of the following sensory receptors is most likely to respond to tissue damage and produce the sensation of pain?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptors

Question 10

A patient with sciatica experiences stabbing pain and cannot flex their leg. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between exteroceptors and interoceptors?

Accepted Answer

Exteroceptors respond to stimuli from outside the body; interoceptors respond to stimuli from inside the body.

Question 12

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory (I)

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the trigeminal nerve (V)?

Accepted Answer

Transmits sensory information from the face and controls chewing muscles

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a main aspect of sensory perception?

Accepted Answer

Motor coordination

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the adaptation of tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They show little or no adaptation and continue to generate action potentials as long as a stimulus is applied.

Question 16

Which nerve of the lumbar plexus innervates the adductor muscles of the thigh?

Accepted Answer

Obturator nerve

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about mixed nerves?

Accepted Answer

They contain both somatic afferent and somatic efferent fibers, as well as visceral afferent and visceral efferent fibers.

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the number of pairs of spinal nerves in the human body?

Accepted Answer

$$n = 31$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the facial nerve (VII)?

Accepted Answer

Controls facial expression and taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

Question 20

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the skin over the deltoid and inability to abduct the arm. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve

Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Major Nerves

Study Guide - Practice Questions