Question 1

Which of the following best describes the anatomical location where the spinal cord ends in adults?

Accepted Answer

Between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae

Question 2

Which layer of the spinal meninges is directly attached to the surface of the spinal cord and helps anchor it within the vertebral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 3

A patient presents with loss of sensation in a specific region of skin. Which term best describes the area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Dermatome

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of the spinal cord that can occur independently of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Processing spinal reflexes

Question 5

Which space within the spinal meninges is commonly accessed during a lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid space

Question 6

Which of the following statements about spinal gray matter is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Relay of information to and from the brain

Question 8

A nerve plexus is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A network formed from spinal nerves

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the principal nerve plexuses?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic

Question 10

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons in a typical spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Posterior root ganglion

Question 11

Which tract in the spinal cord is responsible for carrying motor commands from the brain to the body?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 12

If a patient has damage to the anterior horn of the spinal gray matter, which function is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor function

Question 13

Which equation correctly represents the length of the adult spinal cord in centimeters?

Accepted Answer

$43 \leq L \leq 46$

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the concept of decussation in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The crossing of nerve fibers from one side of the CNS to the other

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of damage to the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation and motor function in the lower limbs

Question 16

Which of the following structures is filled with cerebrospinal fluid and runs down the middle of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Central canal

Question 17

Which equation best represents the diameter range of the adult spinal cord in centimeters?

Accepted Answer

$0.65 \leq d \leq 1.25$

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the organization of spinal white matter?

Accepted Answer

It is organized into funiculi containing ascending and descending tracts.

Question 19

Which of the following nerves is NOT part of the brachial plexus?

Accepted Answer

Femoral

Question 20

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that disrupts the posterior columns. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information to the brain

Spinal Cord Organization and Function: Structure, Pathways, and Clinical Relevance 5

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