Question 1

Which of the following best describes the distribution of gray and white matter in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS has a central cavity surrounded by gray matter, with white matter external to gray matter.

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the left primary motor cortex. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of voluntary movements on the right side of the body.

Question 3

Which brain region is responsible for conscious awareness of balance and the position of the head in space?

Accepted Answer

Vestibular cortex

Question 4

The cerebral cortex is divided into functional areas. Which area is primarily responsible for planning movements and coordinating learned, patterned motor skills?

Accepted Answer

Premotor cortex

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the ventricles of the brain is correct?

Accepted Answer

The third ventricle is located in the diencephalon and connects to the fourth ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct.

Question 6

A tumor in the anterior association area of the cerebral cortex is most likely to result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Loss of judgment, attentiveness, and inhibitions

Question 7

Which lobe of the cerebral hemisphere is buried under portions of the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes?

Accepted Answer

Insular lobe

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why damage to the premotor cortex does not result in complete paralysis of the affected muscles?

Accepted Answer

Other premotor neurons can be reprogrammed to take over the skill of damaged neurons with practice.

Question 9

Which area of the cerebral cortex is primarily involved in understanding written and spoken language?

Accepted Answer

Posterior association area

Question 10

A patient is unable to consciously perceive the sensation of a full bladder. Which area of the cerebral cortex is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory area

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding lateralization of cortical functioning?

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is dominant for language in about 90% of humans.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

They help regulate voluntary motor activities and some aspects of cognition.

Question 13

Which structure separates the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal fissure

Question 14

A patient with a lesion in the posterior association area may exhibit which of the following behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Refusal to wash or dress the side of the body opposite to the lesion

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the limbic association area?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional impact and helping establish memories

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the primary somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

It receives general sensory information from the skin and proprioceptors and is capable of spatial discrimination.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Production of cerebrospinal fluid

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the cerebral cortex is considered the 'executive suite' of the brain?

Accepted Answer

It is the site of conscious mind, including awareness, sensory perception, voluntary motor initiation, communication, memory storage, and understanding.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

The insular lobe is buried under portions of the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the visual association area?

Accepted Answer

It uses past visual experiences to interpret visual stimuli such as color, form, or movement.

Study Guide: The Central Nervous System – Brain Anatomy

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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