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

Spinothalamic tract: carries sensory information about pain, temperature, and crude touch to the brain

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the three layers of the spinal meninges from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater, arachnoid mater, dura mater

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the dorsal root ganglion?

Accepted Answer

It contains cell bodies of sensory neurons.

Question 6

A patient presents with loss of sensation and voluntary movement in the right arm after a spinal cord injury. Which of the following best explains this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Both ascending sensory tracts and descending motor tracts in the right cervical spinal cord are damaged.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines a nerve plexus?

Accepted Answer

A network of interweaving spinal nerves that redistribute fibers to peripheral nerves

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in a somatic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 10

Which of the following best distinguishes between the dorsal and ventral rami of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal rami innervate the deep muscles and skin of the back; ventral rami innervate the anterior and lateral trunk and limbs.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the lateral horn of the spinal cord gray matter?

Accepted Answer

Contains cell bodies of autonomic (sympathetic) motor neurons

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a mixed nerve?

Accepted Answer

A nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the stretch reflex?

Accepted Answer

It is a monosynaptic reflex that helps maintain muscle tone.

Question 14

Which of the following cranial nerves is both sensory and motor (mixed)?

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal nerve (V)

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the communicating rami of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

They connect the spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk, allowing autonomic signals to pass.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct order of the spinal meninges and the spaces between them, from the spinal cord outward?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater → Subarachnoid space → Arachnoid mater → Subdural space → Dura mater → Epidural space

Question 17

A person 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 18

Which of the following best describes the process of sensation and perception?

Accepted Answer

Sensation is the detection of stimuli by receptors; perception is the conscious awareness and interpretation of those stimuli.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a major nerve plexus in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic plexus

Question 20

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves ($$N$$), the number of vertebrae ($$V$$), and the number of cervical nerves ($$C$$), given that there are 8 cervical nerves and 7 cervical vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

$$N = V + 1$$

Step-by-Step Guidance for Central and Peripheral Nervous System Study Questions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards