Question 1

Which of the protective coverings of the spinal cord does the arrow in the image point to?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

How would damage to the area labeled #1 affect sensory and motor processing by the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The area labeled #1 corresponds to the dorsal roots of spinal nerves, which carry sensory information from the body to the spinal cord. Damage to this area would result in a failure to communicate with #5, which corresponds to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where sensory information is processed. However, since the question does not specify which direction the damage is occurring (ascending or descending), it is unclear if motor processing would also be affected. Neither choice A, B, nor D would be the best choice as they do not directly relate to the function of the dorsal roots.

Question 3

The cerebrospinal fluid is found immediately between which two meningeal layers?

Accepted Answer

The cerebrospinal fluid is found immediately between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, which are two of the three meningeal layers that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The arachnoid mater is the middle layer, and the pia mater is the inner layer that is closest to the nervous tissue. The outermost layer is the dura mater.

Question 4

Which of the meningeal layers clings to the surface of the spinal cord and brain?

Accepted Answer

The pia mater clings to the surface of both the spinal cord and brain. The arachnoid mater and dura mater are located above the pia mater. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect. Choice D is also not the best choice as it includes all options, whereas only one option is correct.

Question 5

Damage to a spinal nerve will produce sensory, but not motor, symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Damage to a spinal nerve can produce a variety of symptoms, including both sensory and motor symptoms. Sensory symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, while motor symptoms may include weakness, atrophy, or paralysis of certain muscles. The specific symptoms will depend on which spinal nerve is damaged and to what extent.

Question 6

Why is it beneficial that sensory information received can synapse directly with a motor neuron?

Accepted Answer

This direct synapse allows for reflex actions, which are rapid and involuntary, thus providing a quicker response to stimuli for protection and survival.

Question 7

Damage to the region of the spinal column that is identified by the arrow will likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Damage to the region of the spinal...

Question 8

If Michael suffers a vertebral injury and is paralyzed from the waist down, this means that he has lost motor control but maintains sensation. What injured part of his central nervous system is most likely causing his paralysis?

Accepted Answer

The description indicates that Michael has lost motor control but still maintains sensation, which suggests that the motor neurons (responsible for controlling muscles and movement) have been damaged, but the sensory neurons (responsible for conveying sensation) are intact. This scenario is most accurately described by option C, where it specifies that only the motor neurons that innervate his body from the waist down have been damaged.

Question 9

Axons descending from higher brain centers synapse onto somatic motor neurons in which part of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The ventral gray horns of the spinal cord contain somatic motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary movement. Axons descending from higher brain centers synapse onto these neurons to initiate motor commands that travel through the ventral white columns to reach their target muscles.

Question 10

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated disease where the immune system targets the myelin surrounding neurons in the CNS and causes scar tissue to build up in the spinal cord. How will this affect the peripheral nerves?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral nerves rely on the myelin sheath to help conduct electrical signals efficiently. When the myelin is damaged or removed, the signals can be slowed down or even blocked, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness. The scar tissue in the CNS from multiple sclerosis does not directly affect the peripheral nerves, but it can cause neurological symptoms that can mimic peripheral nerve damage.

Question 11

Which of the following are the most likely symptoms of damage to a spinal nerve at the cervical (neck) level of the spine?

Accepted Answer

Damage to a spinal nerve at the cervical level of the spine can result in both loss of sensation and movement in the neck, as this area of the spine controls both motor and sensory function in the upper body. Loss of motor input from the neck (option D) is more specific and does not necessarily indicate damage to a spinal nerve at the cervical level, as other nerves can also be involved in motor function. Loss of movement or sensation alone (options A and B) are less likely as the cervical spine controls both functions in this region.

Question 12

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediate disease where the immune system targets the myelin surrounding neurons in the CNS. Which area is most affected by this condition?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis primarily affects the white matter, where the myelin sheath surrounding axons is located. This results in disruption of nerve impulses and a range of neurological symptoms. Grey matter or interneurons in the brain are not the primary targets of this disease, and long peripheral neurons are not within the CNS.

Question 13

Spinal nerves are considered part of the ______ nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Spinal nerves are considered part of the...

Question 14

Ascending sensory and descending motor tracts are found in the

Accepted Answer

Ascending sensory and descending motor tracts are found in the white columns of the spinal cord. The dorsal root ganglia contain cell bodies of sensory neurons, the gray horns contain interneurons and motor neurons, and the ventral roots contain axons of motor neurons.

Question 15

Damage to the sensory receptors in your fingertips would MOST DIRECTLY result in which of the following if your finger touched a hot object?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Damage to the sensory receptors in your...

Question 16

The dendrites of spinal interneurons are in the dorsal gray horns, while their axon terminals are in the ventral gray horns.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The dorsal gray horns of the spinal cord contain the dendrites of interneurons, while their axon terminals are located in the ventral gray horns.

Question 17

Action potentials would move in what direction through the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Action potentials would move in what direction...

Question 18

Viral meningitis is a disease that affects the spinal cord by causing inflammation, among other things. How might this cause temporary paralysis?

Accepted Answer

Swelling of the meninges can compress the spinal cord, inhibiting neuron signaling. This can result in temporary paralysis.

Question 19

What primary function do the vertebrae and meninges serve for the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

The vertebrae and meninges provide a protective covering for the spinal cord, helping to prevent damage from external forces.

Question 20

Your sweat glands are monitored and activated by your nervous system (that's why your palms might sweat when you're nervous). How would damage to the region of the spinal column identified by the arrow, affect the function of the sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the region of the spinal column identified by the arrow would likely result in decreased function of the sweat glands, leading to less sweating. This is because the sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweating, travels through the thoracic region of the spinal cord, including the segment shown in the diagram. Damage to this segment could disrupt the sympathetic pathway and reduce sweating.

Quiz 8: The Central Nervous System