Q: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in a healthy adult is approximately 750 mL/min. If the cardiac output is 5,000 mL/min, what percentage of cardiac output does the brain receive?

$$\frac{750}{5000} \times 100 = 15\%$$

Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the brain has convolutions (gyri and sulci) on its surface?

Accepted Answer

To allow more neurons to occupy a restricted space, increasing surface area for higher processing.

Question 2

A patient presents with a ruptured aneurysm at the base of the brain, specifically in the Circle of Willis. What is the primary function of the Circle of Willis in cerebral circulation?

Accepted Answer

It provides a collateral pathway for blood flow if one major artery is blocked.

Question 3

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in a healthy adult is approximately 750 mL/min. If the cardiac output is 5,000 mL/min, what percentage of cardiac output does the brain receive?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{750}{5000} 	imes 100 = 15\%$$

Question 4

Which meningeal layer is responsible for anchoring the brain to the skull and forming partitions within the cranial cavity?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater

Question 5

A newborn is more susceptible to CNS toxicity from certain drugs. What is the physiological reason for this?

Accepted Answer

The newborn's blood-brain barrier is immature, allowing more substances to enter the CNS.

Question 6

Which of the following substances can freely cross the blood-brain barrier under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Question 7

If cerebral blood flow drops below 8 mL per 100 g of brain tissue per minute, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Tissue death due to ischemia

Question 8

Which brain region acts as the main homeostatic control center, regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 9

A patient suffers a stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery. Which of the following deficits is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Impairment of fine motor skills and receptive/expressive communication

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei (basal ganglia)?

Accepted Answer

They help initiate and control slow, coordinated muscle movements directed by the primary motor cortex.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Accepted Answer

Directly transmitting nerve impulses between neurons

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the cerebral cortex is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It enables perception, communication, memory, and voluntary movement.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

It filters out repetitive, familiar, or weak sensory signals, allowing only significant stimuli to reach consciousness.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the ventricular system?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of smooth, voluntary movements and balance

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the blood-brain barrier is absent in the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

To allow the hypothalamus to sample blood chemistry and regulate homeostasis.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

Transmit motor impulses to skeletal muscles

Question 18

A patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to hyperemia is at risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Compression and damage of delicate brain tissue

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of commissural fibers in the brain?

Accepted Answer

They connect corresponding regions of the two hemispheres, enabling coordinated function.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a relay station for sensory information traveling to the cerebral cortex.

The Brain: Structure, Circulation, and Protection (Module 7 – Part I, ANPH 8100)

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