Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It is organized into ascending and descending columns, with tracts carrying sensory information up and motor commands down.

Question 2

A patient suffers a lesion that damages the dorsal root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches a spinal cord tract with its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal column-medial lemniscal tract – transmits fine touch and proprioceptive information

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the three layers of the spinal meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 5

Which statement about the dorsal root ganglion is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains cell bodies of sensory neurons.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Question 7

A patient cannot flex their elbow after a traumatic injury. Which plexus and nerve are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus; musculocutaneous nerve

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the difference between autonomic and somatic reflexes?

Accepted Answer

Somatic reflexes involve skeletal muscle effectors, while autonomic reflexes involve cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glands.

Question 9

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell, and what is its Roman numeral?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 10

Which of the following best defines a nerve plexus?

Accepted Answer

A network of interweaving spinal nerves that serve a particular region of the body

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of spinal cord grey matter?

Accepted Answer

The ventral (anterior) horn contains cell bodies of somatic motor neurons.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the general structure of a peripheral nerve?

Accepted Answer

A bundle of axons surrounded by connective tissue layers: endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium

Question 13

Which event occurs first in the process of sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Transduction of a stimulus by a sensory receptor

Question 14

Which of the following is a mixed cranial nerve and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal (V); sensory for face and motor for muscles of mastication

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It forms plexuses and innervates the anterior and lateral trunk and limbs.

Question 16

A patient steps on a sharp object and immediately withdraws their foot while the opposite leg extends to support their weight. Which reflexes are involved?

Accepted Answer

Flexor and crossed-extensor reflexes

Question 17

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves ($$N$$), the number of cervical ($$C$$), thoracic ($$T$$), lumbar ($$L$$), sacral ($$S$$), and coccygeal ($$Co) $$nerves?

Accepted Answer

$$N = C + T + L + S + Co$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a ganglion?

Accepted Answer

A cluster of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about the communicating ramus of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

It connects the spinal nerve to the sympathetic chain ganglia, carrying autonomic fibers.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a major nerve plexus and a peripheral nerve arising from it?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus – radial nerve

Step-by-Step Guidance for ANP College Exam: Spinal Cord & Peripheral Nervous System

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