2026 (Graded A+)-William Paterson University
Chapter 15: Structure and Function of the Neurologic System
1. Which structure is part of the central nervous system (CNS)?
a. Brain
Explanation: The brain is part of the CNS. The peripheral nervous system
(PNS) consists of the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves. The PNS can be
divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
2. Which is an insulting substance for the neuron?
a. Myelin
Explanation: Myelin is an insulting substance. The neurilemma is the same
as a Schwann sheath; it is the delicate tissue that surrounds each axon. The
nodes of Ranvier are interruptions at regular intervals that occur in the
myelin.
3. Which neurons transmit impulses from neuron to neuron?
a. Interneurons
Explanation: Interneurons, or associated neurons, transmit impulses from
neuron to neuron. Motor neurons transmit impulses away from the CNS.
Sensory neurons carry impulses from the peripheral sensory receptors to
the CNS. Unipolar neurons have one process that branches shortly after
leaving the cell body.
4. Which term describes successive, rapid impulses, received from a
single neuron on the same synapse?
a. Temporal summation
Explanation: Temporal summation refers to the effects of successive, rapid
impulses received from a single neuron on the same synapse. Spatial
summation refers to the combined effect of impulses from a number of
neurons on a single synapse at the same time. Facilitation refers to the
effects of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) on the plasma membrane
potential. Convergence refers to a number of neurons firing and converging
on one neuron.
, 5. Which is a component of the midbrain?
a. Tegmentum
Explanation: The tegmentum, corpora quadrigemina, and cerebral
peduncles are parts of the midbrain. The cerebral hemispheres make up the
forebrain. The brainstem is composed of the midbrain, medulla oblongata,
and pons.
6. Which part of the brain contains all cell bodies and dendrites of the
neurons?
a. Gray matter
Explanation: The gray matter contains the cell bodies and dendrites of the
neurons. The gyri are the convolutions of the cerebrum. The sulci are the
grooves between adjacent gyri. The white matter contains myelinated nerve
fibers.
7. Which statement is true regarding Broca’s area?
a. Is responsible for motor speech
Explanation: Broca’s area is found on the left and is responsible for motor
speech. Deficits in this area result in the inability to form words, which is
also called expressive aphasia.
8. Which statement is true regarding the cerebellum?
a. Maintains balance or posture
Explanation: The cerebellum is responsible for balance and posture and is
also responsible for both conscious and unconscious muscle synergy. The
pons controls respirations and is the location of cranial nerves V through
VIII. The fibers of the corticospinal tract are made up in the basis pedunculi.
9. Which is involved in pain transmission?
a. Substantia gelatinosa
Explanation: The substantia gelatinosa is a structure involved in pain
transmission. The posterior horn (dorsal horn) is primarily composed of
interneurons and axons from sensory neurons. The anterior or ventral horn
, contains nerve cell bodies from efferent pathways leaving the spinal cord.
The dorsal root ganglion is part of the sensory ganglion.
10. Which statement is true regarding a subdural hematoma?
a. It is a collection of blood between the dura and arachnoid.
Explanation: A subdural hematoma is a collection of venous blood between
the dura and the arachnoid. An epidural hematoma is a collection of blood
between the skull and the dura that involves an arterial bleed. The pia
mater closely adheres to the brain. The choroid plexuses produce CSF.
11. Which is an arterial bleed from the blood vessels that lie within
the grooves of the skull?
a. Epidural
Explanation: An epidural hematoma develops from an arterial bleed of blood
vessels that lie within the grooves in the skull. A subdural hematoma is a
collection of venous blood between the dura and the arachnoid. A
subarachnoid bleed occurs within the subarachnoid space, which is between
the brain and tissues that cover the brain. CSF, contained within the
subarachnoid space, circulated down to the large lumbar cistern, which
extends from the second lumbar vertebra to the second sacral vertebra.
Cisterns are expanded areas of the subarachnoid space.
12. Which statements are true regarding epinephrine? (select all
that apply)
a. Dopamine is the precursor of epinephrine
b. Epinephrine induces general vasodilation
Explanation: Dopamine is the precursor of both epinephrine and
norepinephrine. Epinephrine induces general vasodilation because of the
predominance of B-adrenergic receptors in the muscle vasculature.
Preganglionic sympathetic fibers release epinephrine. Epinephrine varies
with the type of neuroreceptor stimulated.