Question 1

Which adult brain structure is derived from the embryonic diencephalon?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus

Question 2

Which ventricle is associated with the diencephalon in the adult brain?

Accepted Answer

Third ventricle

Question 3

A patient presents with loss of voluntary movement on the right side of the body. Which region of the cerebral cortex is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Left precentral gyrus

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Regulate intensity of slow or stereotyped movements and inhibit unnecessary movement

Question 5

Which structure connects the third and fourth ventricles?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral aqueduct

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Control of voluntary skeletal muscle contraction

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is absent in the hypothalamus and vomiting center.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 9

A lesion in the left lateral sulcus would most likely affect which lobe?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from its site of production to its absorption?

Accepted Answer

Lateral ventricles → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid space → arachnoid villi → dural venous sinuses

Question 11

Which of the following fiber tracts connects the two cerebral hemispheres?

Accepted Answer

Commissural fibers

Question 12

Damage to the superior colliculi would most likely result in impairment of which function?

Accepted Answer

Visual reflexes

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Processing of emotions and memory formation

Question 15

Which structure acts as the main relay station for sensory information ascending to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 16

A patient with a tumor compressing the cerebral aqueduct would most likely develop which condition?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocephalus

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Gray matter surrounds the central cavity, white matter is external

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

It keeps the cerebral cortex conscious and alert

Question 19

Which of the following cranial nerves is NOT associated with the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Production of cerebrospinal fluid

The Central Nervous System: Structure and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions