Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Accepted Answer

It forms a selectively permeable membrane that allows glucose and fat-soluble molecules to enter the CNS, but blocks cells and many drugs.

Question 2

A patient presents with temporary facial paralysis. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected, and what is the condition called?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerve VII; Bell's Palsy

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of white and gray matter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

White matter consists of bundles of myelinated axons called tracts, connecting regions of gray matter.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the pathway of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation in the brain?

Accepted Answer

CSF is produced in the choroid plexuses, flows through the lateral ventricles, third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, fourth ventricle, and then enters the subarachnoid space.

Question 5

Which neuron type is most likely to be involved in transmitting pain signals from the skin to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar sensory neuron

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of heart rate, blood vessel diameter, and breathing

Question 7

A patient suffers a stroke that damages the left precentral gyrus. Which deficit is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Loss of voluntary movement on the right side of the body

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division has preganglionic neurons with cell bodies in the lateral horn of T1–L2.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They surround blood capillaries to form the blood-brain barrier and regulate interstitial fluid composition.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of blood through the brain's circulation, as shown in the Circle of Willis diagram?

Accepted Answer

Aorta → Internal carotid arteries → Cerebral arterial circle → Cerebral arteries → Cerebral capillaries

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the structure and function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The dorsal horn contains sensory neurons, while the ventral horn contains motor neurons.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of the ascending sensory pathway?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a chain of three neurons: first order (PNS), second order (CNS, decussates in medulla), and third order (CNS, thalamus to cortex).

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Regulation of emotions and emotional memory

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between myelinated and unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated axons conduct electrical signals faster due to the presence of myelin sheath gaps (nodes of Ranvier).

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the meninges of the brain and spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The dura mater of the brain has two layers, while the dura mater of the spinal cord has one layer.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the structure of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The axon hillock is the location where the axon meets the cell body.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The ventral root contains motor neurons, while the dorsal root contains sensory neurons.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It regulates alertness and attention by filtering stimuli and sending new/unusual signals to other brain areas.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system uses a single multipolar neuron from CNS to effector, while the autonomic nervous system uses two successive multipolar neurons.

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Organization

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