Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the function of the spinal cord in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

It acts as the major communication link between the brain and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), integrating incoming information and producing responses through reflex mechanisms.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury at the level of L1. Which of the following structures is most likely to be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Conus medullaris

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why spinal reflexes can still occur in a person with a severed spinal cord above the lumbar region?

Accepted Answer

Spinal reflexes are controlled in the spinal cord and do not require input from the brain.

Question 4

During a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), the needle is inserted into which space to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid space

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 6

A patient presents with a painful, blistering rash along a single dermatome. Which condition and anatomical structure are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Shingles; dorsal root ganglion

Question 7

Which spinal nerve plexus is responsible for innervating the diaphragm, and which nerve specifically provides this function?

Accepted Answer

Cervical plexus; phrenic nerve

Question 8

A patient is unable to flex their elbow and has lost sensation over the lateral forearm. Which nerve and plexus are most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve; brachial plexus

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between a nerve and a tract?

Accepted Answer

A nerve is a bundle of axons in the PNS, while a tract is a bundle of axons in the CNS.

Question 10

Which of the following spinal cord structures contains cell bodies of sensory neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 11

A patient has lost the ability to perform the patellar reflex. Which spinal cord segments and nerve are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

L2-L4; femoral nerve

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

It contains myelinated axons that serve as highways for nerve impulse propagation.

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, including 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal.

Question 14

A patient is unable to plantar flex their foot and has lost the Achilles (ankle jerk) reflex. Which nerve and spinal cord segments are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Tibial nerve; S1-S2

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a monosynaptic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

A reflex arc involving a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

It consists of nerve roots from the lumbar and sacral regions that extend beyond the conus medullaris.

Question 17

A patient presents with loss of sensation in a specific dermatome. Which of the following best explains how this information can be used clinically?

Accepted Answer

It helps localize the level of spinal cord or nerve root damage.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the Babinski sign in adults?

Accepted Answer

It is abnormal and indicates a lack of inhibition by descending motor fibers.

Question 19

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves ($N_{sn}$), the number of vertebrae in each region ($N_{cervical}$, $N_{thoracic}$, $N_{lumbar}$, $N_{sacral}$, $N_{coccygeal}$), and the total number of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

$N_{sn} = N_{cervical} + N_{thoracic} + N_{lumbar} + N_{sacral} + N_{coccygeal}$

Question 20

A patient is unable to abduct their arm at the shoulder and has numbness over the lateral shoulder. Which nerve and plexus are most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve; brachial plexus

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards