Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a principal function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Hormone secretion

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the skin over the lateral forearm. Which spinal nerve plexus is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus

Question 3

Which meningeal layer is directly attached to the surface of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

The cauda equina is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A bundle of nerve roots extending from the lumbar enlargement and medullary cone

Question 5

Which of the following tracts carries sensory information about pain and temperature to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic tract

Question 6

A lesion in the anterior (ventral) root of a spinal nerve would most likely result in:

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the posterior root ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It contains cell bodies of sensory neurons

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE regarding dermatomes?

Accepted Answer

Dermatomes are regions of skin supplied by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between afferent and efferent fibers?

Accepted Answer

Afferent fibers carry sensory signals to the CNS; efferent fibers carry motor signals from the CNS

Question 10

A patient has a spinal cord injury at the level of T12. Which region of the body is most likely to lose sensation?

Accepted Answer

The skin over the lower abdomen and upper thigh

Question 11

Which of the following spinal tracts is responsible for fine control of limb movements?

Accepted Answer

Lateral corticospinal tract

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They are networks of nerves that serve the limbs and anterior body

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about the organization of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

The spinal nerve is a mixed nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of the meningeal layers from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 15

A patient with a lesion affecting the fasciculus gracilis would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Loss of fine touch and proprioception in the lower limbs

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior ramus of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

It innervates the anterior and lateral trunk and the limbs

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life example of a spinal reflex?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawing your hand quickly after touching a hot stove

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the spinocerebellar tracts?

Accepted Answer

They carry proprioceptive information to the cerebellum

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of white and gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

White matter contains myelinated axons organized into tracts

Question 20

A patient has difficulty with balance and posture after a spinal cord injury. Which tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Lateral vestibulospinal tract

Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves: Structure, Function, and Organization

Study Guide - Practice Questions