Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It provides two-way communication between the brain and body and serves as a major reflex center.

Question 2

A lumbar puncture is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Why is the needle inserted below the level of L1 or L2 vertebrae?

Accepted Answer

Because the spinal cord ends at L1 or L2, reducing the risk of damaging nervous tissue.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches the spinal meninges with their description?

Accepted Answer

Arachnoid mater: middle layer, web-like appearance

Question 4

Damage to the ventral roots or ventral horn cells of the spinal cord results in:

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function (paralysis)

Question 5

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx?

Accepted Answer

Filum terminale

Question 6

A patient presents with flaccid paralysis after a spinal cord injury. Which of the following best explains this condition?

Accepted Answer

Severe damage to ventral roots, resulting in no voluntary or involuntary control and muscle atrophy

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of gray matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter is divided into somatic sensory, visceral sensory, visceral motor, and somatic motor groups.

Question 8

Why do strokes on one side of the brain often cause sensory or motor effects on the opposite side of the body?

Accepted Answer

Because the spinal cord tracts crossover (decussate) from one side to the other.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

A collection of nerve roots at the inferior end of the vertebral canal

Question 10

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of spinal nerves and spinal cord segments?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{spinal\ nerves} = 31$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a major function of the spinal cord white matter?

Accepted Answer

It allows communication between different parts of the spinal cord and between the spinal cord and brain.

Question 12

A patient with a spinal cord transection between T1 and L1 would most likely experience:

Accepted Answer

Paraplegia

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the spinal cord is protected by multiple layers?

Accepted Answer

To prevent nervous tissue from abrasion and trauma

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Producing hormones for metabolism

Question 15

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) primarily affects which part of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Ventral horn motor neurons and fibers of the pyramidal tract

Question 16

Which of the following tracts carries sensory information to higher levels of the spinal cord or brain?

Accepted Answer

Ascending tracts

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It is filled with cerebrospinal fluid and runs the length of the cord.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of damage to the dorsal root (spinal) ganglia?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensory function

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the difference between flaccid and spastic paralysis?

Accepted Answer

Flaccid paralysis results in no voluntary or involuntary control and muscle atrophy, while spastic paralysis results in no voluntary control but reflex activity remains.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the number of spinal cord segments and paired spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{paired\ spinal\ nerves} = N_{segments}$$

The Spinal Cord: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance

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