BIOL 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (Lab):
Module 3 Exam Review – 85 Q&A (Portage
Learning, LockDown
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**SECTION I: BRAIN PROTECTION, MENINGES, VENTRICLES, AND CSF (Questions
1-18)**
1. List the three layers of the meninges from superficial to deep.
Answer: Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.
2. Describe the composition and function of the dura mater.
Answer: Tough, fibrous connective tissue layer. It forms dural folds (falx cerebri,
tentorium cerebelli) that stabilize the brain and contains dural venous sinuses.
3. Explain the arachnoid mater and the subarachnoid space.
Answer: Delicate, web-like middle meningeal layer. The subarachnoid space contains
cerebrospinal fluid and major blood vessels.
4. Describe the pia mater and its relationship to brain tissue.
Answer: Thin, delicate layer that adheres closely to the surface of the brain and follows
every gyrus and sulcus.
5. Define cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and state its primary functions.
Answer: Clear, watery fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides buoyancy,
transports nutrients and wastes, and maintains chemical stability.
, 6. Explain the pathway of CSF circulation from production to reabsorption.
Answer: Produced by choroid plexus in ventricles → lateral ventricles → interventricular
foramina → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid
space → arachnoid granulations → dural venous sinuses.
7. Identify the structures that produce CSF.
Answer: Choroid plexuses located in the roof of each ventricle.
8. Describe the blood-brain barrier and its cellular basis.
Answer: Selective permeability barrier formed by tight junctions between endothelial
cells of brain capillaries, astrocyte foot processes, and basement membrane. It protects
the brain from toxins and pathogens.
9. Explain the clinical significance of the blood-brain barrier in pharmacology.
Answer: Many drugs cannot cross the barrier, requiring lipid-soluble formulations or
direct CNS delivery methods.
10. Define hydrocephalus and differentiate communicating from non-communicating
types.
Answer: Abnormal accumulation of CSF. Communicating: impaired reabsorption. Non-
communicating: obstruction within the ventricular system.
11. Describe the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli.
Answer: Falx cerebri separates the cerebral hemispheres. Tentorium cerebelli separates
the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
12. Explain the function of the epidural and subdural spaces.
Answer: Epidural space is a potential space between skull and dura. Subdural space is
a potential space between dura and arachnoid where hematomas commonly form.
Module 3 Exam Review – 85 Q&A (Portage
Learning, LockDown
------------------------------------------------------------
**SECTION I: BRAIN PROTECTION, MENINGES, VENTRICLES, AND CSF (Questions
1-18)**
1. List the three layers of the meninges from superficial to deep.
Answer: Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.
2. Describe the composition and function of the dura mater.
Answer: Tough, fibrous connective tissue layer. It forms dural folds (falx cerebri,
tentorium cerebelli) that stabilize the brain and contains dural venous sinuses.
3. Explain the arachnoid mater and the subarachnoid space.
Answer: Delicate, web-like middle meningeal layer. The subarachnoid space contains
cerebrospinal fluid and major blood vessels.
4. Describe the pia mater and its relationship to brain tissue.
Answer: Thin, delicate layer that adheres closely to the surface of the brain and follows
every gyrus and sulcus.
5. Define cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and state its primary functions.
Answer: Clear, watery fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides buoyancy,
transports nutrients and wastes, and maintains chemical stability.
, 6. Explain the pathway of CSF circulation from production to reabsorption.
Answer: Produced by choroid plexus in ventricles → lateral ventricles → interventricular
foramina → third ventricle → cerebral aqueduct → fourth ventricle → subarachnoid
space → arachnoid granulations → dural venous sinuses.
7. Identify the structures that produce CSF.
Answer: Choroid plexuses located in the roof of each ventricle.
8. Describe the blood-brain barrier and its cellular basis.
Answer: Selective permeability barrier formed by tight junctions between endothelial
cells of brain capillaries, astrocyte foot processes, and basement membrane. It protects
the brain from toxins and pathogens.
9. Explain the clinical significance of the blood-brain barrier in pharmacology.
Answer: Many drugs cannot cross the barrier, requiring lipid-soluble formulations or
direct CNS delivery methods.
10. Define hydrocephalus and differentiate communicating from non-communicating
types.
Answer: Abnormal accumulation of CSF. Communicating: impaired reabsorption. Non-
communicating: obstruction within the ventricular system.
11. Describe the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli.
Answer: Falx cerebri separates the cerebral hemispheres. Tentorium cerebelli separates
the cerebrum from the cerebellum.
12. Explain the function of the epidural and subdural spaces.
Answer: Epidural space is a potential space between skull and dura. Subdural space is
a potential space between dura and arachnoid where hematomas commonly form.
