Question 1

Which of the following structures is responsible for connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 2

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the precentral gyrus. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary motor control

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

The dorsal root ganglion contains the cell bodies of which type of neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the choroid plexus?

Accepted Answer

Produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 6

A lesion in the ventral horn of the spinal cord would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of skeletal muscles

Question 7

Which nerve is the primary motor and sensory nerve for the diaphragm, and what would be the consequence of its bilateral damage?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve; respiratory arrest

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the spinal cord is correct?

Accepted Answer

The cauda equina consists of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal.

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves and their regions?

Accepted Answer

$$8 + 12 + 5 + 5 + 1 = 31$$

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of sensation and motor function in the anterior thigh. Which nerve plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbosacral plexus

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why damage to a single spinal nerve does not usually result in complete paralysis of a limb muscle?

Accepted Answer

Fibers from different spinal nerves crisscross within nerve plexuses.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

Protect blood vessels and enclose venous sinuses

Question 13

Which region of the brain is primarily responsible for coordination of voluntary movements and balance?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Receives somatic and visceral sensory input

Question 15

A patient has a tumor compressing the ventral root of a spinal nerve. Which symptom would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary muscle movement

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Gray matter is superficial in the brain and deep in the spinal cord.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the lateral horn in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Contains somas of autonomic motor neurons

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricle $$\rightarrow$$ third ventricle $$\rightarrow$$ cerebral aqueduct $$\rightarrow$$ fourth ventricle

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the brachial plexus?

Accepted Answer

Innervates the upper limb

Question 20

A patient with a herniated disc compressing the dorsal ramus of a spinal nerve would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation and motor function in the posterior trunk

The Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions