Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the ventral (anterior) horn of the spinal cord gray matter?

Accepted Answer

It contains cell bodies of somatic motor neurons that send axons out via the ventral roots.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the dorsal root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely to be lost?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of sensory information from the periphery to the CNS

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

It contains ascending, descending, and transverse tracts of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why peripheral nervous system (PNS) axons can regenerate after injury, but central nervous system (CNS) axons usually cannot?

Accepted Answer

CNS axons lack Schwann cells to form regeneration tubes and are inhibited by scar tissue and growth-inhibiting proteins.

Question 5

A patient presents with loss of sensation and paralysis in the right arm but not the left. Which spinal cord structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The right dorsal and ventral roots at the cervical enlargement

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of spinal nerves and plexuses?

Accepted Answer

Ventral rami of spinal nerves (except T2–T12) form plexuses that innervate limbs and anterior trunk.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events in peripheral nerve axon regeneration after injury?

Accepted Answer

Axon fragments and myelin sheath degenerate → Macrophages clean debris and Schwann cells divide → Axon filaments grow through regeneration tube → New myelin sheath forms

Question 8

A patient is unable to contract the diaphragm and experiences difficulty breathing. Which spinal nerve roots are most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

C$$_3$$–C$$_5$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of spinal cord structure and its function?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horn – contains cell bodies of autonomic motor neurons (sympathetic division)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the functional classification of a reflex that causes withdrawal of a hand from a hot surface?

Accepted Answer

Somatic intrinsic (inborn) reflex

Question 11

A patient has lost cutaneous sensation over the lateral thigh and weakness in hip flexion. Which plexus and nerve are most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus and femoral nerve

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the arrangement of white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Descending tracts carry motor commands from the brain to lower levels of the spinal cord.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why damage to the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord can result in both sensory and motor deficits in the upper limbs?

Accepted Answer

Both sensory and motor neurons serving the upper limbs are concentrated in the cervical enlargement.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a component of the reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Question 15

A patient has a spinal cord lesion affecting the lateral horns in the thoracic region. Which function is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic autonomic output to visceral organs

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the central canal in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It contains cerebrospinal fluid and is continuous with the brain's ventricular system.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the intercostal nerves?

Accepted Answer

They are the ventral rami of T$$_2$$–T$$_{12}$$ and do not form plexuses.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why multiple spinal nerves can innervate a single muscle?

Accepted Answer

Fibers from different spinal nerves crisscross in plexuses before reaching peripheral targets.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a somatic spinal reflex?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal of the hand after touching a hot object

The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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