MCQ Chapter 13: The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

Question 1

Connective tissue wrapping around fascicles in a nerve.

Dermatome
Quadriplegia
Meningitis
Perineurium

Answer 1

Perineurium

Question 2

An abnormal sensation such as burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling resulting from a disorder of a sensory nerve.

Anterior root
Brachial plexus
Muscle tone
Paresthesia

Answer 2

Paresthesia

Question 3

Inflammation and pain along the sciatic nerve; felt along the posterior aspect of the thigh extending down the inside of the leg.

Sciatica
Paresthesia
Epineurium
Reflex

Answer 3

Sciatica

Question 4

Fast response to a change (stimulus) in the internal or external environment that attempts to restore homeostasis.

Nerve block
Reflex
Central canal
Pia mater

Answer 4

Reflex

Question 5

A network formed by the anterior rami branches of spinal nerves L4 through S3.

Sacral plexus
Lumbar plexus
Spinal shock
Myelitis

Answer 5

Sacral plexus

Question 6

A network formed by nerve axons from the anterior rami of the first four cervical nerves and receiving gray communicating rami from the superior cervical ganglion.

Dura mater
Hemiplegia
Nerve block
Cervical plexus

Answer 6

Cervical plexus

Question 7

Paralysis of four limbs: two upper and two lower.

Quadriplegia
Sacral plexus
Neuritis
Tendon reflex

Answer 7

Quadriplegia

Question 8

A polysynaptic, ipsilateral reflex that protects tendons and their associated muscles from damage that might be brought about by excessive tension. The receptors involved are called tendon organs.

Reflex arc
Cervical plexus
Central canal
Tendon reflex

Answer 8

Tendon reflex

Question 9

A network of nerves, veins, or lymphatic vessels.

Muscle tone
Paresthesia
Plexus
Reflex

Answer 9

Plexus

Question 10

Loss of sensation in a region due to injection of a local anesthetic; an example is local dental anesthesia.

Sciatica
Nerve block
Pia mater
Meninges

Answer 10

Nerve block

Question 11

The innermost of the three meninges (coverings) of the brain and spinal cord.

Reflex
Sciatica
Tendon reflex
Pia mater

Answer 11

Pia mater

Question 12

The cutaneous area developed from one embryonic spinal cord segment and receiving most of its sensory innervation from one spinal nerve. An instrument for incising the skin or cutting thin transplants of skin.

Anterior root
Hemiplegia
Dermatome
Neuralgia

Answer 12

Dermatome

Question 13

Inflammation of one or several nerves that may result from irritation to the nerve produced by direct blows, bone fractures, contusions, or penetrating injuries. Additional causes include infections, vitamin deficiency (usually thiamine), and poisons such as carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, heavy metals, and some drugs.

Neuritis
Epineurium
Reflex
Sciatica

Answer 13

Neuritis

Question 14

The most basic conduction pathway through the nervous system, connecting a receptor and an effector and consisting of a receptor, a sensory neuron, an integrating center in the central nervous system, a motor neuron, and an effector.

Sacral plexus
Brachial plexus
Perineurium
Reflex arc

Answer 14

Reflex arc

Question 15

The structure composed of axons of motor (efferent) neurons that emerges from the anterior aspect of the spinal cord and extends laterally to join a posterior root, forming a spinal nerve.

Lumbar plexus
Meninges
Cervical plexus
Anterior root

Answer 15

Anterior root

Question 16

A tail-like array of roots of spinal nerves at the inferior end of the spinal cord.

Sacral plexus
Perineurium
Cauda equina
Sciatica

Answer 16

Cauda equina

Question 17

Paralysis of the upper limb, trunk, and lower limb on one side of the body.

Reflex arc
Hemiplegia
Nerve block
Epidural block

Answer 17

Hemiplegia

Question 18

The tapered portion of the spinal cord inferior to the lumbar enlargement.

Conus medullaris
Nerve
Dermatome
Lumbar plexus

Answer 18

Conus medullaris

Question 19

The outermost of the three meninges (coverings) of the brain and spinal cord.

Myelitis
Dura mater
Sacral plexus
Nerve block

Answer 19

Dura mater

Question 20

The superficial connective tissue covering around an entire nerve.

Perineurium
Sacral plexus
Cervical plexus
Epineurium

Answer 20

Epineurium

Question 21

Inflammation of the spinal cord.

Myelitis
Muscle tone
Plexus
Stimulus

Answer 21

Myelitis

Question 22

Non-nervous fibrous tissue of the spinal cord that extends inferiorly from the conus medullaris to the coccyx.

Stimulus
Dermatome
Filum terminale
Myelitis

Answer 22

Filum terminale

Question 23

A period from several days to several weeks following transection of the spinal cord that is characterized by the abolition of all reflex activity.

Sacral plexus
Spinal shock
Quadriplegia
Epineurium

Answer 23

Spinal shock

Question 24

A network of nerve axons of the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1. The nerves that emerge from the brachial plexus supply the upper limb.

Anterior root
Quadriplegia
Cauda equina
Brachial plexus

Answer 24

Brachial plexus

Question 25

Paralysis of both lower limbs.

Reflex
Cauda equina
Dermatome
Paraplegia

Answer 25

Paraplegia

Question 26

Attacks of pain along the entire course or a branch of a sensory nerve.

Muscle tone
Lumbar plexus
Neuritis
Neuralgia

Answer 26

Neuralgia

Question 27

Inflammation of the meninges due to an infection, usually caused by a bacterium or virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and drowsiness.

Cauda equina
Reflex
Meningitis
Dura mater

Answer 27

Meningitis

Question 28

Injection of an anesthetic drug into the epidural space, the space between the dura mater and the vertebral column, in order to cause a temporary loss of sensation. Such injections in the lower lumbar region are used to control pain during childbirth.

Neuralgia
Meninges
Epidural block
Cervical plexus

Answer 28

Epidural block

Question 29

A network formed by the anterior branches of spinal nerves L1 through L4.

Perineurium
Sciatica
Lumbar plexus
Nerve block

Answer 29

Lumbar plexus

Question 30

A circular channel running longitudinally in the center of an osteon (haversian system) of mature compact bone, containing blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves.

Plexus
Hemiplegia
Central canal
Epineurium

Answer 30

Central canal

Question 31

Connective tissue wrapping around individual nerve cell axons.

Endoneurium
Perineurium
Paresthesia
Quadriplegia

Answer 31

Endoneurium

Question 32

1) Which spinal meninges is composed of collagen fibres arranged in an irregular pattern that is very strong?
a) Arachnoid mater
b) Dura mater
c) Epineurium
d) Pia mater

Answer 32

B

Question 33

2) Which structure listed contains cerebrospinal fluid?
a) epidural space
b) subarachnoid space
c) subdural space
d) foramen magnum
e) posterior median sulcus

Answer 33

B

Question 34

4) The nerves that supply the thigh and calf of the leg emerge from the
a) lumbar enlargement
b) filum terminale
c) cauda equina
d) conus medullaris
e) cervical enlargement

Answer 34

A

Question 35

5) If these structures were severed, the nerve impulses from pain and stretch receptors would not reach the CNS.
a) white columns
b) gray horns
c) anterior root of spinal nerves
d) posterior root of spinal nerves
e) rami communicantes

Answer 35

D

Question 36

6) Which layer of protective connective tissue covers a nerve and fuses with the outer menix
layer?
a) dura mater
b) pia mater
c) endoneurium
d) perineurium
e) epineurium

Answer 36

E

Question 37

7) What parts of a neuron within a nerve is/are wrapped in a protective endoneurium?
1. Myelinated axon
2. Unmyelinated axon
3. Dendrites
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) Both 1 and 2
e) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 37

D

Question 38

8) Spinal nerves
1. Are part of the PNS.
2. connect the CNS to sensory receptors and effectors in all parts of the body.
3. are named according to the region of the vertebral column from which they emerge.
4. are mixed nerves.
5. only transmit sensory information.
6. only transmit motor information.
a) 1, 2, 3
b) 1, 2, 3, 4
c) 1, 3, 6
d) 1 and 3
e) 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer 38

B

Question 39

9) Intercostal nerves can be described by what statements below? Select all that apply
a) are also known as thoracic nerves
b) do not enter into a plexus
c) extend through the sacrum
d) are formed from the posterior rami
e) directly connect to the structures they supply
f) are important in controlling the diaphragm

Answer 39

A
B
E

Question 40

10) In the 400 meter relay, runners handoff the baton to the person in front of them. The second
runner in the relay team had to be replaced . They were unable to pronate their forearm to reach
behind for the baton because of injury to their brachial plexus. What is the most likely site of
their injury?
a) Dorsal scapular nerve
b) Intercostal nerve
c) Phrenic nerve
d) Median nerve
e) Radial nerve

Answer 40

D

Question 41

11) Which region of the spinal cord allows a dancer to be aware of their movements and body
position?
a) Posterior white column
b) Anterior gray horn
c) Anterior white column
d) Lateral white column
e) Gray commissure

Answer 41

A

Question 42

12) Sensory information travels to the brain via
a) Ascending tracts
b) Descending tracts
c) Integration tracts
d) Anterior roots
e) Direct motor pathways

Answer 42

A

Question 43

13) Which type of descending motor pathway conveys nerve impulses that originate in the
cerebral cortex and allows you to use your fingers for sewing and sign language?
a) vestibulospinal tract
b) corticospinal tract
c) reticulospinal tract
d) spinothalamic tract
e) gracile fasciculus

Answer 43

B

Question 44

14) Which type of descending motor pathway excites antigravity muscles in order to exert
control over postural changes necessary to compensate for tilts and movements of the body.?
a) vestibulospinal tract
b) corticospinal tract
c) corticobulbar tract
d) spinothalamic tract
e) gracile fasciculus

Answer 44

A

Question 45

15) Which of the following parts of a reflex arc monitors the rectus femoris muscle stretching?
a) Sensory receptor
b) Integrating center
c) Motor neuron
d) Effector
e) Interneuron

Answer 45

A

Question 46

16) Which of the following parts of a reflex arc can be monosynaptic or polysynaptic?
a) Sensory receptor
b) Sensory neuron
c) Motor neuron
d) Effector
e) Integrating center

Answer 46

E

Question 47

17) Which of the following parts of a reflex arc would be represented by the contraction of the
gastrocnemius muscle or the radial iris muscles?
a) Sensory receptor
b) Sensory neuron
c) Motor neuron
d) Effector
e) Integrating center

Answer 47

D

Question 48

18) Which of the following parts of a reflex arc would involve the posterior root ganglion?
a) Integrating center
b) Sensory neuron
c) Motor neuron
d) Effector
e) Interneuron

Answer 48

B

Question 49

19) A nerve impulse initiated at a muscle spindle has to travel through which of the following
structures to enter the integrating center?
a) Anterior root of spinal nerve
b) Posterior root of spinal nerve
c) Tectospinal tract
d) Gray commissure
e) Lateral reticulospinal tract

Answer 49

B

Question 50

20) In response to a muscle being stretched, a muscle spindle initiates a somatic spinal reflex that
causes
1. contraction of the effector’s muscle.
2. relaxation of the antagonist’s muscle.
3. contraction of the antagonist’s muscle.
4. relaxation of the effector’s muscle.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 4 only
e) 1 and 2
f) 1 and 3
g) 2 and 4

Answer 50

E

Question 51

21) In response to a tendon being stretched excessively, a tendon organ initiates a somatic spinal
reflex that causes
1. contraction of the effector muscle.
2. relaxation of the antagonist muscle.
3. contraction of the antagonist muscle.
4. relaxation of the effector muscle.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 4 only
e) 3 and 4
f) 1 and 2

Answer 51

E

Question 52

22) Excitation of the quadriceps femoris group and inhibition of the hamstring group is termed
_______ innervation.
a) antagonist-effector
b) ipsilateral
c) crossed-extensor
d) reciprocal
e) Intersegmental

Answer 52

D

Question 53

23) Which are functions of the spinal reflexes that use muscle spindles and tendon organs as
sensors? Select all that apply.
a) Awareness of muscle tension in body
b) Prevention of damage to muscles
c) Awareness of muscle length
d) Prevention of damage to tendons
e) Maintenance of muscle tone
f) Maintenance of balance
g) Avoidance of moving away from a painful stimulus

Answer 53

A,B,C,D,E

Question 54

24) A typical spinal nerve has how many connections to the spinal cord?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
e) 5

Answer 54

B

Question 55

25) Which branch of a spinal nerve serves the deep muscles and skin of the posterior surface of
the trunk?
a) Meningeal branch
b) Rami communicantes
c) Intercostal nerve
d) Posterior ramus
e) Anterior ramus

Answer 55

D

Question 56

26) A child was in a diving accident. When brought into the emergency room, the doctor used
sharp and blunt objects to determine if there was any sensation on the bottom of the foot and the
lateral aspect of their palm. The child stated they could not feel the stimulus in either area. What
nerves were most likely damaged?
a) L3 and C8.
b) L5 and C6
c) S2 and T1
d) C7 and L4
e) S1 and C6

Answer 56

E

Question 57

27) In this diagram, where is the space that contains a buoyant liquid to form a hydraulic cushion that absorbs shock?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 57

A

Question 58

28) In this diagram, where is the space that contains interstitial fluid?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 58

B

Question 59

29) In this diagram, where is the avascular structure located between the subdural and subarachnoid space?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 59

D

Question 60

30) In this diagram, where is the structure that adheres to the spinal cord and brain?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 60

C

Question 61

31) In this diagram, which layer is the thickest protective covering?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 61

E

Question 62

32) Which of the labelled structures contains both sensory and motor axons? Select all that apply.
a) D
b) B
c) C
d) G
e) H

Answer 62

D & E

Question 63

33) Which of the labelled structures allows doctors to safely introduce antibiotics or anesthetics and measure CSF pressure?
a)A
b) E
c) D
d)A
e) H

Answer 63

A

Question 64

34) Which of the labeled structures would receive injections to cause loss of sensation to control pain in childbirth?
a) B
b) C
c) F
d) G
e) H

Answer 64

C

Question 65

35) Which of the labelled structures is composed of squamous to cuboidal cells and is very vascular?
a) D
b) E
c) F
d) G
e) H

Answer 65

B

Question 66

36) If you had a rash on the anterior surface of your trunk, what labelled structure would serve the muscles and skin of that area?
a) B
b) C
c) G
d) H
e) F

Answer 66

D

Question 67

37) On what labelled structure would a ganglion be found?
a) B
b) C
c) E
d) F
e) G

Answer 67

B

Question 68

38) In this diagram, where would the axons of unipolar neurons be located?
a) B
b) C
c) D
d) E

Answer 68

B

Question 69

39) In this diagram, where are tracts located? Select all that apply.
a) B
b) C
c) D
d) E
e) F
f) H
g) I

Answer 69

A & C & G

Question 70

40) In this diagram which area is continuous with the 4th ventricle of the brain?
a)A
b) B
c) G
d) J
e) I

Answer 70

C

Question 71

41) In this diagram, where would somatic motor nuclei be located?
a) B
b) C
c) E
d) F
e) H

Answer 71

E

Question 72

42) In this diagram, where would the medial reticulospinal tract be located?
a) B
b) C
c) H
d) I
e) F

Answer 72

D

Question 73

43) In this diagram which portion of the spinal cord contains cell bodies and axons of interneurons as well as incoming axons of sensory neurons?
a) B
b) C
c) D
d) H
e) I

Answer 73

B

Question 74

44) In this diagram which portion of the spinal cord contains cell bodies that regulate cardiac muscle, smooth muscle and glands?
a) B
b) C
c) D
d) F
e) H

Answer 74

D

Question 75

49) Which plexus arises from the structure labelled B in the diagram?
a) cervical plexus
b) brachial plexus
c) thoracic nerves
d) lumbar plexus
e) sacral plexus

Answer 75

B

Question 76

50) Which of the following structures travels from the area labelled D in the diagram?
a) obturator nerve
b) phrenic nerve
c) long thoracic nerve
d) thoracodorsal nerve
e) lesser occipital nerve

Answer 76

A

Question 77

51) In the diagram, which structure contains nerve roots that arise from the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions of the spinal cord?
a) C
b) D
c) E
d) F
e) G

Answer 77

E

Question 78

52) In this diagram, respiratory distress can occur if damage occurs to which group of spinal nerves?
a)A
b) C
c) E
d) F
e) H

Answer 78

A

Question 79

53) A gymnast has damaged their hip flexor muscles. The nerve that innervates these muscles arise from which group of spinal nerves in this diagram?
a) A
b) C
c) F
d) H
e) I

Answer 79

C

Question 80

54) In this diagram which structure is the conus medullaris?
a) E
b) F
c) G
d) H
e) I

Answer 80

A

Question 81

55) Christopher Reeve, a famous actor and competitive equestrian, suffered fractures to the top two vertebrae and could not breathe without the help of a respirator. Which of the nerves in this diagram were likely damaged?
a)A
b) C
c) D
d) E
e) G

Answer 81

A

Question 82

56) Which of the nerves in this diagram would be involved with ‘flexing’ the chest wall to bring the ribs together?
a)A
b) C
c) D
d) E
e) G

Answer 82

C

Question 83

57) Which of the nerves in this diagram innervates muscles that extend the toes and, if damaged, results in foot drop (plantar flexion)?
a)A
b) C
c) F
d) E
e) G

Answer 83

C

Question 84

58) Which nerve innervates the muscle that abducts the arm at the shoulder and the skin overlying the deltoid?
a) phrenic nerve
b) axillary nerve
c) intercostal nerve
d) ulnar nerve
e) common fibular nerve

Answer 84

B

Question 85

59) Inability to abduct or adduct fingers or loss of sensation in the pinky finger would occur from damage to the [___].

brachial plexus
cervical plexus
coccygeal plexus
lumbar plexus
sacral plexus

Answer 85

brachial plexus

Question 86

60) The ___nerve would be involved with a dancer performing pointe (standing on their toes).
Select all that apply
a) femoral nerve
b) obturator nerve
c) tibial nerve
d) common fibular nerve
e) intercostal nerve

Answer 86

B
C

Question 87

61) Which of the nerves in this diagram only have anterior and posterior rami branches and do not form plexuses?
a)A
b) B
c) D
d) E
e) G

Answer 87

C

Question 88

62) The largest nerve in the lumbar plexus is the [___].
common fibular
femoral nerve
obturator nerve
sciatic nerve
tibial nerve

Answer 88

femoral nerve

Question 89

63) An individual with shingles presents with pain and lesions in the mouth, ears, and pharynx. Which dermatomal region would be sending the afferent signals?
a) C2
b) C3
c) C1
d) trigeminal
e) facial

Answer 89

D

Question 90

64) An individual suffers a stroke and looses control over their left arm. The individual is affected with__________paralysis.
a) diplegia
b) monoplegia
c) paraplegia
d) hemiplegia
e) quadriplegia

Answer 90

B

Question 91

66) The spinal cord ends
a) between L1 and L2
b) at T12
c) at S5
d) at L5
e) between T9 and T10

Answer 91

A

Question 92

67) The area of the skin that provides sensory input to the CNS via one pair of spinal nerves is called
a) a dermatome.
b) a microtome.
c) perineurium.
d) a fascicle.
e) an epitome.

Answer 92

A

Question 93

69) A severed obturator nerve will lead into paralysis of which region of the body?
a) Cervical
b) Thoracic
c) Lumbar
d) Thigh
e) Arms

Answer 93

D

Question 94

70) Why is a spinal tap performed below L2 of the spinal cord?
a) The spinal cord is present ensuring there will be a subarachnoid space present.
b) The spinal meninges and spinal cord are not present, ensuring no damage to the nervous system.
c) The spinal meninges and spaces extend passed the proper spinal cord, allowing fluid to be withdrawn with a minimal risk of damage to the spinal cord.
d) There is more space between the vertebrae in a flexed position below L2.
e) The supracristal line is the only way to determine placement of the needle in spinal taps.

Answer 94

C

Question 95

71) Which of the following spinal nerves does not travel through an intervertebral foramen to reach its destination?
a) cervical spinal nerve 1
b) thoracic spinal nerve 12
c) lumbar spinal nerve 2
d) sacral spinal nerve 1
e) cervical spinal nerve 7

Answer 95

A

Question 96

73) Which of the following lists the connective tissue coverings of the axons, fascicles, and entire nerve in the correct order?
a) endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium
b) endoneurium, epineurium, perineurium
c) perineurium, epineurium, endoneurium
d) epineurium, endoneurium, perineurium

Answer 96

A

Question 97

74) Which statements describe dermatomes? Select all that apply.
a) Can be used clinically to determine area of spinal cord damage
b) Complete anesthesia of a single dermatome often requires blocking three adjacent spinal nerves
c) Indicate which muscles are innervated by each spinal
d) The dermatome serving the face is supplied by the trigeminal cranial nerve
e) Are used to check for motor function
f) nerve Dermatomes are designated based on the cranial or spinal nerve that serves that area of the skin

Answer 97

Answer 1: a Answer 2: b Answer 3: d Answer 4: f

Question 98

75) Which statements describe the spinothalamic tract? Select all that apply
a) Begins in the spinal cord
b) Terminates in the thalamus
c) Found in the gray matter of the spinal cord
d) Carries motor information down the cord
e) Carries information for pain, temperature and tickle

Answer 98

Answer 1: a Answer 2: b Answer 3: e

Question 99

76) Place the reflex arc components in order from detecting a stimulus to response.
1. motor neuron
2. effector
3. sensory neuron
4. integration center
5. sensory receptor
a) 5, 1, 2, 4, 3
b) 3, 5, 1, 2, 4
c) 3, 5, 4, 1, 2
d) 5, 3, 4, 1, 2
e) 2, 1, 4, 3, 5

Answer 99

D

Question 100

77) In reciprocal innervation of the tendon reflex, stimulation of afferent fibres causes
a) inhibition of the effector’s muscles
b) inhibition of antagonist’s muscles
c) excitation of the effector’s muscles
d) excitation of antagonist’s muscles
e) excitation of muscles on the contralateral side

Answer 100

D

Question 101

78) When an individual sits for a period of time, their leg may ‘fall asleep’. This sensation is usually a result of [___] nerve compression.
Dropdown choices:
ilioinguinal
femoral
medial
obturator
sciatic

Answer 101

sciatic

Question 102

79) In an episiotomy, a surgical cut at the opening of the vagina, during childbirth, anesthetization to the [___] nerve may occur.
Answer options
femoral
obturator
perforating cutaneous
pudendal
sciatic

Answer 102

pudendal

Question 103

82) A pupillary reflex is integrated in the brain stem so it is classified as a ________reflex. The smooth muscle of the iris is the effector, so this is classified as a(n) ___________.
a) Spinal; somatic
b) Spinal; autonomic
c) Cranial; somatic
d) Cranial; autonomic
e) Spinal; visceral

Answer 103

D

Question 104

83) A patient is being examined for muscle weakness. To assess their condition, the doctor tests their knee-jerk reflex by tapping the patella tendon with a reflex hammer and tapping his lower jaw with your finger. Both pathways are considered monosynaptic. What do they have in common?
a) They are both autonomic, cranial reflexes
b) They both a two neuron pathway, sensory to motor
c) They are both somatic, autonomic reflexes
d) The sensory neurons exit the same segment of the spinal cord.

Answer 104

B

Question 105

84) When the quadriceps muscle extends the lower leg in the patella reflex, what is occurring in the motor neuron to produce an action potential?
a) Influx of sodium and efflux of potassium
b) Influx of sodium and efflux of calcium
c) Influx of potassium and efflux of sodium
d) Influx of both sodium and potassium
e) Efflux of both sodium and potassium

Answer 105

A

Question 106

85) A patient who has loss of pin prick sensation starting at the level of the nipple and downward on the right side would have a lesion in the spinal cord at which level?
a) C7-C8
b) T4-T5
c) T6-T7
d) T10-T12
e) S1-S2

Answer 106

C