Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the thalamus in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It acts as the main relay station for sensory information (except olfaction) to the cerebral cortex.

Question 2

A patient presents with an inability to initiate voluntary movement and a resting tremor. Which brain structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Basal nuclei, specifically the substantia nigra

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the blood brain barrier is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells of brain capillaries.

Question 4

Which pathway correctly describes the flow of sensory information for discriminative touch from the body to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

First-order neuron → posterior columns → medulla → second-order neuron → medial lemniscus → thalamus → third-order neuron → primary somatosensory cortex

Question 5

Damage to which area of the brain would most likely result in the inability to comprehend spoken or written language, while speech remains fluent but nonsensical?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke’s area

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why a patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of the cervical enlargement may lose function in the upper limbs?

Accepted Answer

The cervical enlargement contains nerve roots that serve the upper limbs.

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating body temperature and hunger

Question 8

A patient is unable to move or feel their lower limbs after an accident, but can still move their arms and breathe independently. Where is the most likely location of the spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Between the first and second lumbar vertebrae

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of the cerebellum in voluntary movement?

Accepted Answer

It monitors ongoing movement and corrects motor error.

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the organization of gray and white matter in the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

In the brain, gray matter is superficial and white matter is deep; in the spinal cord, gray matter is deep and white matter is superficial.

Question 11

A patient with damage to the right parietal association cortex is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Neglect of the left side of their visual field or body

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Integration of memory, learning, emotion, and behavior

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

CSF is produced by the choroid plexuses, circulates through the ventricles, enters the subarachnoid space, and is reabsorbed into the blood via arachnoid granulations.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the placebo effect in pain perception?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by the release of endorphins that decrease the sensitivity of neurons in the posterior horn to pain.

Question 15

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of REM sleep compared to non-REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep is characterized by muscle paralysis and brain waves that resemble those of an awake adult.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei in movement?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit involuntary movements and initiate voluntary ones.

Question 17

A patient is unable to feel or move their lower limbs after an accident, but can still move their arms and breathe independently. Where is the most likely location of the spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Between the first and second lumbar vertebrae

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of arousal, consciousness, and sleep/wake cycles

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the prefrontal cortex?

Accepted Answer

It integrates complex sensory and motor information to create awareness of self and execute morally appropriate behaviors.

Study Guide: The Central Nervous System (CNS) – Structure, Function, and Integration

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards