Question 1

Which structure marks the inferior end of the spinal cord, anchoring it to the coccyx?

Accepted Answer

Terminal filum

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of sensation in the anterior thigh and weakness in hip flexion. Which nerve plexus is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of the meninges from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater

Question 4

During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid is withdrawn from which space?

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid space

Question 5

Which region of the spinal cord contains the lateral horn, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic region; sympathetic autonomic function

Question 6

A lesion in the posterior (dorsal) horn of the spinal cord would most likely result in which deficit?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensory processing

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the pathway of a sensory signal from the periphery to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Sensory nerve → posterior root → posterior horn → ascending tracts → brain

Question 8

Which spinal nerve emerges between the seventh cervical vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra?

Accepted Answer

C8

Question 9

The sciatic nerve is formed from which nerve plexus?

Accepted Answer

Sacral plexus

Question 10

Which structure in the spinal cord cross-section is responsible for carrying both ascending sensory and descending motor tracts?

Accepted Answer

White matter columns

Question 11

A patient with a herniated disc at the level of L4-L5 is most likely to experience symptoms in which nerve plexus?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar plexus

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the cauda equina?

Accepted Answer

It is a bundle of spinal nerves extending below the conus medullaris.

Question 13

Which nerve is responsible for innervating the diaphragm and arises from the cervical plexus?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the anterior (ventral) horn of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Sends out motor signals to skeletal muscles

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct pairing of spinal nerve and its associated plexus?

Accepted Answer

Radial nerve – brachial plexus

Question 16

Which anatomical feature is found only in the thoracic, upper lumbar, and sacral regions of the spinal cord and is associated with the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Lateral horn

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the subarachnoid space?

Accepted Answer

Contains cerebrospinal fluid for cushioning the CNS

Question 18

Which structure connects the two sides of gray matter in the spinal cord and contains the central canal?

Accepted Answer

Gray commissure

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the organization of white matter in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Divided into columns containing ascending and descending tracts

Question 20

A patient is unable to move their big toe due to a spinal cord injury. The affected motor neuron likely originates from which region?

Accepted Answer

Sacral region

The Central Nervous System: Structure and Function of the Spinal Cord

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