Question 1

Which structure is responsible for connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, enabling coordinated function between them?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke affecting the precentral gyrus of the left hemisphere. Which of the following deficits is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor control on the right side of the body

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from its site of production to its absorption?

Accepted Answer

Produced by the choroid plexus, flows through ventricles, enters subarachnoid space, absorbed by arachnoid villi into dural venous sinuses

Question 4

Which of the following tracts is responsible for connecting corresponding gray areas of the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Commissural tracts

Question 5

A lesion in the pyramidal tract at the level of the medulla oblongata would most likely result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired voluntary motor control on the opposite side of the body

Question 6

Which meningeal layer is directly adherent to the surface of the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 7

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Which of the following best describes its function?

Accepted Answer

It sorts and channels all input to the cerebral cortex

Question 8

Which of the following equations best represents the reduction in brain weight due to CSF buoyancy?

Accepted Answer

If the brain weighs $$W$$, then the effective weight is $$W_{eff} = W 	imes 0.03$$

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Gray matter is deep and forms horns; white matter is superficial and forms columns (funiculi)

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the right hand. Which pathway is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Ascending sensory pathway from the right hand, crossing to the left hemisphere

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Visceral control center regulating homeostasis, emotion, temperature, hunger, thirst, and endocrine function

Question 12

Which structure is the origin of nerves serving the upper limbs?

Accepted Answer

Cervical enlargement

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a sensory impulse from the skin to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

1st order neuron (ganglion) → 2nd order neuron (posterior horn) → 3rd order neuron (thalamus) → cerebral cortex

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of voluntary movements and balance

Question 15

Which equation best represents the decussation of motor pathways in the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

If $$M_{L} is $$motor output from the left hemisphere, then $$M_{L}$$ controls the right side of the body: $$M_{L} ightarrow 	ext{Right body}$$

Question 16

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the diencephalon?

Accepted Answer

Pons

Question 17

Which functional region of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for speech production?

Accepted Answer

Broca’s area

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the central canal in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It allows CSF to flow through the spinal cord

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the formation of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

Spinal nerves are formed by the fusion of the posterior and anterior roots

Study Guide: The Central Nervous System (Chapter 12, ANP)

Study Guide - Practice Questions