Question 1

Which structure marks the inferior end of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Conus medullaris

Question 2

The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to approximately which vertebral level?

Accepted Answer

L1 or L2

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Major center for reflexes

Question 4

What is the primary composition of the white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated and nonmyelinated axons

Question 5

Which type of fiber in the spinal cord white matter allows communication between the two sides of the cord?

Accepted Answer

Commissural fibers

Question 6

A patient suffers an injury to the spinal cord between T1 and L1. What condition is most likely to result?

Accepted Answer

Paraplegia

Question 7

Which meningeal layer is the innermost and extends to the coccyx?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 8

Which region of the spinal cord is responsible for the emergence of nerves serving the upper limbs?

Accepted Answer

Cervical enlargement

Question 9

Which pathway carries general somatic sensory impulses to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Ascending pathway

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a major ascending pathway in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Reticulospinal pathway

Question 11

Damage to which part of the spinal cord would most likely result in loss of sensation but not motor function?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal horn

Question 12

Which structure is a long filament of connective tissue that attaches the spinal cord to the coccyx?

Accepted Answer

Filum terminale

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the organization of gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It is shaped like the letter 'H' and contains dorsal, ventral, and lateral horns.

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct motor pathway in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Pyramidal tract

Question 15

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is typically performed below which vertebral level to avoid damaging the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

L2

Question 16

Which congenital malformation results in the absence of vertebral lamina and can lead to exposure of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Spina bifida

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly represents the number of neurons in a typical ascending sensory pathway?

Accepted Answer

$$n = 3$$

Question 18

If a patient has paralysis of all four limbs due to a spinal cord injury, which region was most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cervical region

Question 19

Which of the following is a degenerative brain disease that leads to progressive dementia?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Question 20

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal cord segments ($$S) $$and the number of spinal nerves ($$N$$), given that each segment gives rise to one pair of nerves?

Accepted Answer

$$N = S$$

The Central Nervous System: Spinal Cord – Structure and Function

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