Question 1

Trina, a 72-year-old retired nurse, presents with the following: difficulty swallowing, easily fatigued, impaired gag reflex. Which of the symptoms is most likely the result of aging?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by older adults and can be considered a normal part of aging due to changes in energy levels and stamina. Difficulty swallowing and an impaired gag reflex can indicate specific medical conditions rather than normal aging.

Question 2

A patient has presented with an abnormal reflex response. In response to a flash of light, the patient will move his eyes towards the light but not turn his head. Which of the following may explain the condition?

Accepted Answer

The accessory nerve (XI) is responsible for innervating the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are involved in turning the head. Damage to this nerve would impair the ability to reflexively turn the head towards a stimulus, such as a flash of light, while not necessarily affecting the ability to move the eyes towards the light.

Question 3

The region of the limbic system that is involved in the feeling of satisfaction with sex and feeding behaviors is the ________.

Accepted Answer

The cingulate gyrus is involved in processing emotions and behavior regulation, including feelings of satisfaction related to sex and feeding behaviors.

Question 4

Alan has experienced several stokes over the past few months. He is unable to move his right arm and leg. In addition, he is having difficulty speaking. Which of the following areas is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The left frontal lobe of the cerebrum is responsible for controlling movements on the right side of the body and is involved in speech production, which explains Alan's symptoms.

Question 5

Abby is trying to focus on her A&P exam, but she feels something crawling along the back of her arm. Alarmed, she jumps up and brushes away a small spider. Which of the following does Abby have to thank for alerting her to this issue?

Accepted Answer

The spinothalamic tract is responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations to the brain, which would include the sensation of something crawling on the skin, alerting Abby to the spider.

Question 6

Gladys had a stroke that has left her unable to detect certain sensations of her face. Based on this information, which region of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe is responsible for processing somatosensory information, including sensations from the face. The middle region of the postcentral gyrus is specifically associated with facial sensation.

Question 7

Tyler has noticed lately that he doesn't feel pain in his left arm. Which of the following might explain his issue?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the spinothalamic pathway can lead to a loss of pain sensation because this pathway is responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations from the body to the brain.

Question 8

Lack of a gag reflex would indicate dysfunction of the ________ nerve.

Accepted Answer

The glossopharyngeal nerve is responsible for the gag reflex, among other functions. Dysfunction in this nerve can lead to an absent or diminished gag reflex.

Question 9

Which of the following would indicate a possible lesion of the trigeminal nerve (V)?

Accepted Answer

The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. A lack of chewing reflex when an item is placed in the oral cavity could indicate a lesion of the trigeminal nerve. The other options involve functions not related to the trigeminal nerve: moving the head in response to a loud noise involves the auditory system and neck muscles, and visual tracking involves the visual system and ocular muscles.

Quiz 14: Integration of Nervous System Functions