Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The PNS links the central nervous system (CNS) to the body and external environment by detecting sensory stimuli and delivering information to the CNS, then transmitting motor output to muscles and glands.

Question 2

A patient presents with paralysis of the muscles of facial expression on one side of the face, inability to close the eye, and difficulty smiling. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 3

Which of the following spinal nerve structures contains only sensory axons?

Accepted Answer

Posterior root

Question 4

Which nerve is the major motor branch of the cervical plexus and is essential for breathing by innervating the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 5

A person suffers a deep cut to the posterior side of the arm and loses the ability to extend the wrist and fingers. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Radial nerve

Question 6

Which of the following cranial nerves is purely sensory and responsible for the sense of smell?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 7

Which type of sensory receptor is responsible for detecting changes in temperature?

Accepted Answer

Thermoreceptors

Question 8

A patient is unable to abduct their eye laterally. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Abducens nerve (VI)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a dermatome?

Accepted Answer

A region of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve

Question 10

Which nerve of the lumbar plexus innervates the anterior thigh muscles and skin over the anterior thigh and leg?

Accepted Answer

Femoral nerve

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the Babinski sign?

Accepted Answer

It is considered abnormal in adults and indicates an upper motor neuron disorder.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a monosynaptic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

It involves a single synapse between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron.

Question 13

A patient presents with loss of sensation over the medial aspect of the thigh and weakness in thigh adduction. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Obturator nerve

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why pain from a heart attack is often felt in the left arm?

Accepted Answer

Visceral sensory neurons from the heart travel along the same pathways as somatic sensory neurons from the left arm, leading to referred pain.

Question 15

Which of the following nerves is the largest and longest in the human body, and innervates the posterior thigh before dividing into two branches?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve

Question 16

Which cranial nerve is responsible for most of the parasympathetic output to the thoracic and abdominal organs?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (X)

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the radial nerve?

Accepted Answer

Innervates the triceps brachii and most extensor muscles of the forearm

Question 18

Which type of sensory receptor would be activated by a painful stimulus such as a pinprick?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptor

Question 19

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 20

A patient has difficulty flexing the wrist and fingers, and numbness over the anterior thumb and first two fingers. Which nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

The Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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