Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between gray matter and white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Gray matter is more medial and contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons, while white matter is peripheral and contains myelinated axons.

Question 2

A patient suffers a spinal cord injury that damages the anterior (ventral) roots. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor control to somatic and visceral effectors in the affected area.

Question 3

Which of the following structures is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Choroid plexus

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why lipid-soluble substances such as $$\mathrm{CO_2$}$$ and $$\mathrm{O_2$}$$ can cross the blood-brain barrier, but most proteins cannot?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes create tight junctions between endothelial cells, allowing only lipid-soluble substances to diffuse directly through cell membranes.

Question 5

A patient presents with loss of voluntary motor control on the right side of the body following a stroke in the left cerebral hemisphere. Which pathway and anatomical phenomenon best explain this deficit?

Accepted Answer

The corticospinal pathway, with decussation (crossing) of upper motor neurons in the brainstem.

Question 6

Which of the following cranial nerves is purely sensory and directly attached to the cerebrum, making it unique among cranial nerves?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve (I)

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Adjusts postural muscles and fine-tunes conscious and unconscious movements by comparing sensory input with prior experience.

Question 8

A patient is unable to blink in response to bright light, but their stretch reflexes remain intact. Which type of reflex and processing center is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Cranial reflex processed in the brainstem

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from its production to its return to the venous system?

Accepted Answer

Produced by the choroid plexus, flows through the central canal, enters the subarachnoid space via the fourth ventricle, and is absorbed by arachnoid villi into venous circulation.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a nerve plexus and one of its notable nerves?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus – Median nerve

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

Relays and processes sensory information for the cerebrum and integrates emotional states.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the organization of the spinal meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 13

A patient steps on a sharp object and immediately withdraws their foot while the opposite leg extends to support their body. Which reflexes are involved in this response?

Accepted Answer

Withdrawal reflex and crossed-extensor reflex

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between a neuron and a nerve?

Accepted Answer

A neuron is a cell, while a nerve is a bundle of afferent and/or efferent axons bound together.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Coordinates nervous and endocrine activity, regulates body temperature, and controls emotions and behavioral drives.

Question 16

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for innervating the diaphragm and is essential for breathing?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve from the cervical plexus

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of second-order neurons in sensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

They are usually located in the spinal cord or brainstem, decussate to the opposite side, and relay information to the thalamus.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the size of a body part on the sensory homunculus is not proportional to its actual size?

Accepted Answer

It reflects the density of sensory neurons dedicated to that region.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of the corpus callosum?

Accepted Answer

It interconnects the two cerebral hemispheres via commissural fibers.

Question 20

A patient has difficulty with fine motor control of the fingers but gross movements of the arm remain intact. Which motor pathway is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lateral pathway

Anatomy & Physiology: Central Nervous System, Brain, and Sensory/Motor Pathways Study Guide

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