Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

To connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the body and external environment, transmitting sensory and motor signals.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Musculocutaneous nerve

Question 3

Which division of the PNS is responsible for carrying information from sensory receptors to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Sensory (afferent) division

Question 4

The sympathetic nervous system is part of which division of the PNS, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic nervous system; fight or flight response

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why referred pain occurs?

Accepted Answer

Pain signals from internal organs are interpreted as originating from the skin due to convergence of visceral and somatic sensory pathways in the spinal cord.

Question 6

Which equation best represents the relationship between stimulus intensity and frequency of action potentials in sensory neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$f = k 	imes I$$

Question 7

A patient cannot flex their wrist and has numbness in the lateral palm. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Question 8

Which type of sensory receptor is most likely to be rapidly adapting and respond to vibration?

Accepted Answer

Lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE about the structure of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

It contains both sensory and motor fibers.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the Golgi tendon organ?

Accepted Answer

Monitors the tension generated by a muscle contraction.

Question 11

A patient has difficulty breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Promotes digestion and energy storage

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of lower motor neurons?

Accepted Answer

Directly innervate skeletal muscle fibers to produce movement

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding dermatomes?

Accepted Answer

They are regions of skin innervated by the sensory fibers of a single spinal nerve.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the difference between rapidly adapting and slowly adapting sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

Slowly adapting receptors respond to constant stimuli with continuous action potentials, while rapidly adapting receptors respond quickly but stop sending signals after a short time.

Question 16

Which of the following cranial nerves is classified as a mixed nerve, carrying both sensory and motor information?

Accepted Answer

CN V (Trigeminal)

Question 17

Which equation best represents the conduction velocity $$v of an $$action potential along a myelinated axon, given axon diameter $$d$$ and myelination factor $$m$$?

Accepted Answer

$$v = k 	imes d 	imes m$$

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Surrounds individual axons within a nerve, providing insulation and support.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about the stretch reflex?

Accepted Answer

It is a monosynaptic reflex that helps maintain muscle tone and posture.

Question 20

A patient has lost sensation in the medial thigh and cannot extend the knee. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Femoral nerve

Study Notes: Chapter 13 – The Peripheral Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards