Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the order of the spinal meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury at the level of T12. Which of the following best describes the likely result?

Accepted Answer

Paraplegia, with paralysis of the lower limbs

Question 3

The conus medullaris is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The inferior tip of the spinal cord, ending around vertebrae L1–L2

Question 4

Which nerve is responsible for innervating the diaphragm and is critical for breathing?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 5

A monosynaptic reflex arc, such as the patellar reflex, is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A direct connection between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

Contains nerve fibers that continue below the end of the spinal cord

Question 7

Which spinal cord region contains the greatest number of spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic

Question 8

The white matter of the spinal cord is primarily composed of:

Accepted Answer

Myelinated axons

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

They are named for the vertebral level from which they emerge

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the skin over the lateral forearm and weakness in elbow flexion. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a dermatome?

Accepted Answer

An area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve

Question 12

Which connective tissue layer directly surrounds each individual axon within a peripheral nerve?

Accepted Answer

Endoneurium

Question 13

The brachial plexus is responsible for innervating which region of the body?

Accepted Answer

Pectoral girdle and upper limbs

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the posterior (dorsal) root of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Carries sensory fibers toward the spinal cord

Question 15

A withdrawal reflex, such as pulling your hand away from a hot surface, is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A polysynaptic reflex

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior (ventral) ramus of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Innervates the anterior and lateral trunk and limbs

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The posterior horn contains sensory nuclei

Question 18

If the phrenic nerve is severed, what is the most immediate and life-threatening consequence?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of the diaphragm and respiratory failure

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the filum terminale?

Accepted Answer

Anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx

Question 20

Which of the following statements about spinal reflexes is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are fast, automatic responses to specific stimuli

Chapter 13 study guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions