Question 1

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx and prevents its upward movement within the vertebral canal?

Accepted Answer

Filum terminale

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation on one side of the body but retains proprioception. Which spinal cord tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Lateral spinothalamic tract

Question 3

During a lumbar puncture, the needle is inserted between which vertebrae to avoid damaging the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Between L3 and L4

Question 4

Which region of the spinal cord gray matter contains somatic motor neuron cell bodies that innervate skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Anterior gray horn

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the posterior spinocerebellar tract?

Accepted Answer

Carries proprioceptive information to the cerebellum

Question 6

Which nerve plexus is responsible for innervating the upper limb?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the anatomical differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic fibers arise from the thoracic and lumbar regions

Question 8

A patient has a lesion affecting the anterior root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of motor commands to skeletal muscle

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

A bundle of nerve roots extending below the conus medullaris

Question 10

Which tract is responsible for voluntary motor control of the limbs?

Accepted Answer

Lateral corticospinal tract

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pathway for a sensory signal from the skin to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Posterior root → spinal cord → ascending tract → thalamus

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Dilates pupils

Question 13

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons entering the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 14

A patient with damage to the lateral gray horn of the spinal cord would most likely experience problems with which function?

Accepted Answer

Visceral motor control

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior ramus of a spinal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Innervates the anterior and lateral trunk and limbs

Question 16

Which tract carries touch and pressure sensations from the upper body to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Fasciculus cuneatus

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of injury to the posterior columns of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Loss of proprioception and fine touch

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the organization of the spinal nerve as it emerges from the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Anterior and posterior rootlets merge to form roots, which then combine to form the spinal nerve

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Contracts the bladder

Question 20

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T12 would most likely have which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation and motor function below the waist

The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and the Autonomic Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards