Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It processes, integrates, and relays nearly all sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation on the right side of the body after a left-sided stroke. Which principle explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Contralateral decussation of ascending sensory tracts.

Question 3

Which brain region is primarily responsible for the regulation of hunger, thirst, and body temperature?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 4

During embryonic development, the neural tube forms by day 26. What does the lumen of the neural tube become in the adult brain?

Accepted Answer

The ventricles and central canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Coordination of balance, posture, and fine motor movements

Question 6

A patient with damage to Broca’s area would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Slow, non-fluent speech with difficulty choosing words

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the blood-brain barrier is a challenge for drug delivery to the brain?

Accepted Answer

It is highly permeable to water, glucose, and lipid-soluble materials, but restricts many drugs due to tight junctions between endothelial cells.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Choroid plexus → ventricles → subarachnoid space → arachnoid granulations

Question 9

A patient with Parkinson’s disease is experiencing tremors and stiffness. Which brain structure is most directly involved in the pathophysiology of this disease?

Accepted Answer

Substantia nigra

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Gray matter forms the outer cortex and inner nuclei; white matter is deeper and contains myelinated axons.

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Processing of emotions, motivation, and memory

Question 12

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces but can identify objects. Which brain region is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

Accepted Answer

It regulates sleep and conscious attention by modulating sensory input to the cortex.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the differences between the nervous and endocrine systems is correct?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system has a rapid, short-lived response, while the endocrine system has a slower, longer-lasting response.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains the concept of neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

The brain's capacity to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life in response to learning and experience.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a brain lobe and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Parietal lobe – somatic sensation and sensory integration

Question 17

A patient with a lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere is most likely to experience which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty with 3-D spatial perception and recognition of faces

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the basal nuclei?

Accepted Answer

They are involved in motor control and inhibition of tremors.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct description of the pathway for voluntary movement from decision to execution?

Accepted Answer

Decision in the cerebral cortex → relay through basal nuclei and cerebellum → execution by upper and lower motor neurons

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a positive Babinski sign in an adult is clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

It suggests injury to the brain or spinal nerves, specifically an upper motor neuron disorder.

Central Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration in Human Anatomy & Physiology

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