Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Accepted Answer

It selectively allows certain substances to pass from the bloodstream into the brain while blocking others.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of voluntary motor control on the right side of the body. Which brain region is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left precentral gyrus (primary motor cortex)

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating hunger, thirst, and body temperature

Question 4

During embryonic development, the neural tube forms by day 26. The lumen of the neural tube later becomes which adult structure?

Accepted Answer

Ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord

Question 5

Which of the following cranial nerves is purely sensory?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

Question 6

A lesion in the Wernicke area of the brain would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty understanding spoken and written language

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space

Question 8

Which lobe of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for processing auditory information?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 9

A patient with Parkinson’s disease has degeneration of neurons in which midbrain structure?

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of voluntary muscle contraction

Question 11

Which structure connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of voluntary movements and balance

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a brain wave type and its associated mental state?

Accepted Answer

Beta waves – mental activity and sensory stimulation

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Processing of emotions and memory

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the cerebral lateralization of function?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is specialized for spoken and written language.

Question 16

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces but can describe their features. Which brain region is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Inferior temporal lobe

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Dura mater → arachnoid mater → pia mater

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It is the main relay station for nearly all sensory input to the cerebral cortex.

Question 19

Which cranial nerve is responsible for most of the parasympathetic output to the thoracic and abdominal viscera?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Question 20

A patient with a lesion in the basal nuclei would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal initiation and control of voluntary movements

Study Guide: The Brain and Cranial Nerves (Anatomy & Physiology) CH14

Study Guide - Practice Questions