Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Hormone secretion

Question 2

A patient receives an epidural anesthetic during childbirth. Into which space is the anesthetic injected?

Accepted Answer

Epidural space

Question 3

Which meningeal layer is directly attached to the surface of the spinal cord and forms the denticulate ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

A cross-section of the spinal cord reveals a butterfly-shaped area. What is this region primarily composed of?

Accepted Answer

Neuron cell bodies and dendrites

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the order of neurons in an ascending sensory pathway from the body to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

First-order neuron → Second-order neuron → Third-order neuron

Question 6

Damage to the anterior (ventral) horn of the spinal cord would most likely result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Loss of motor function to skeletal muscles

Question 7

Which tract carries pain and temperature sensations to the brain and decussates at the level of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic tract

Question 8

A patient with a herniated disc compressing the L4 spinal nerve would most likely experience sensory loss in which dermatome?

Accepted Answer

Anterior thigh and medial leg

Question 9

Which nerve is most likely to be affected in a patient with 'wrist drop' after improper use of crutches?

Accepted Answer

Radial nerve

Question 10

Which of the following statements about spinal nerves is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are formed from the convergence of dorsal and ventral roots

Question 11

A patient is unable to adduct the thigh after a pelvic injury. Which nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Obturator nerve

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the muscle spindle?

Accepted Answer

Monitors muscle length and rate of change

Question 13

Which of the following is a monosynaptic reflex that helps maintain posture and is tested by tapping the patellar tendon?

Accepted Answer

Stretch (myotatic) reflex

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the sequence of a typical somatic reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Afferent neuron → Integrating center → Efferent neuron → Effector

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the crossed extension reflex?

Accepted Answer

It is contralateral and helps maintain balance by extending the opposite limb

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why three successive spinal nerves must be anesthetized to produce total loss of sensation in one dermatome?

Accepted Answer

Dermatomes overlap their edges by as much as 50%

Question 17

A patient with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) would most likely present with which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Muscular weakness and atrophy

Question 18

Which of the following tracts is responsible for carrying motor signals from the cerebral cortex for precise, finely coordinated limb movements?

Accepted Answer

Corticospinal tract

Question 19

Which of the following nerves arises from the cervical plexus and innervates the diaphragm?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the tendon reflex?

Accepted Answer

Prevents excessive muscle contraction and tendon damage

CH 13: The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Somatic Reflexes

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