CNT Written Exam ACTUAL EXAM
2026/2027 | CNT Certification
Complete Review | Verified Q&A Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section A: Anatomy & Physiology of the Nervous System (Questions 1–20)
Q1: During a routine EEG on a wakeful, eyes-closed adult, a technologist notes a persistent 8–9 Hz
posterior predominant rhythm that attenuates with eye opening. Which structure is the primary
generator of this rhythm?
A. Thalamus [CORRECT]
B. Frontal lobe
C. Hippocampus
D. Brainstem reticular formation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior dominant (alpha) rhythm is generated by thalamocortical circuits, specifically
the thalamus projecting to the occipital cortex. Distractor B (frontal lobe) generates beta activity.
Distractor C (hippocampus) generates theta activity. Distractor D (brainstem) regulates arousal but does
not directly generate the alpha rhythm. Practical application: Loss of this rhythm with eye opening is
normal reactivity; failure to attenuate suggests cortical dysfunction.
Q2: A patient presents with weakness on the left side of the body and difficulty speaking. An MRI reveals
an ischemic stroke. Which artery is most likely occluded?
A. Left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) [CORRECT]
B. Right Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)
,C. Basilar Artery
D. Left Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Left MCA supplies the lateral surface of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes,
including Broca’s area (speech) and motor cortex (contralateral weakness). Distractor B would cause left
leg weakness (ACA supplies medial cortex). Distractor C causes "locked-in" syndrome or cranial nerve
deficits. Distractor D causes visual field deficits.
Q3: Which cranial nerve is responsible for the afferent (sensory) limb of the corneal reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) [CORRECT]
C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve II (Optic)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CN V (Ophthalmic division) carries the sensory input from the cornea. CN VII carries the
efferent motor response (blinking). Practical application: If the patient does not blink when the cornea is
touched, check sensation (V) first; if they feel it but don't blink, the issue is motor (VII).
Q4: The pyramidal decussation occurs in the:
A. Midbrain
B. Pons
C. Medulla Oblongata [CORRECT]
D. Spinal Cord
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: The corticospinal tracts (pyramids) cross (decussate) at the junction of the medulla and spinal
cord. This is why left brain lesions cause right-sided deficits.
Q5: A technologist is recording a Visual Evoked Potential (VEP). The P100 component is generated
primarily in the:
A. Retina
B. Optic nerve
C. Primary visual cortex (Occipital lobe) [CORRECT]
D. Thalamus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The P100 is a cortical response occurring around 100ms post-stimulus, reflecting processing
in the visual cortex.
Q6: Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus?
A. Temperature regulation
B. Water balance
C. Coordination of voluntary movement [CORRECT]
D. Control of the pituitary gland
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Coordination of voluntary movement is the primary function of the Cerebellum. The
hypothalamus regulates homeostasis (temp, thirst, hunger, endocrine).
Q7: The "Circle of Willis" provides collateral circulation. Which artery connects the Middle Cerebral
Artery to the Anterior Cerebral Artery?
A. Anterior Communicating Artery (ACom)
2026/2027 | CNT Certification
Complete Review | Verified Q&A Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section A: Anatomy & Physiology of the Nervous System (Questions 1–20)
Q1: During a routine EEG on a wakeful, eyes-closed adult, a technologist notes a persistent 8–9 Hz
posterior predominant rhythm that attenuates with eye opening. Which structure is the primary
generator of this rhythm?
A. Thalamus [CORRECT]
B. Frontal lobe
C. Hippocampus
D. Brainstem reticular formation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior dominant (alpha) rhythm is generated by thalamocortical circuits, specifically
the thalamus projecting to the occipital cortex. Distractor B (frontal lobe) generates beta activity.
Distractor C (hippocampus) generates theta activity. Distractor D (brainstem) regulates arousal but does
not directly generate the alpha rhythm. Practical application: Loss of this rhythm with eye opening is
normal reactivity; failure to attenuate suggests cortical dysfunction.
Q2: A patient presents with weakness on the left side of the body and difficulty speaking. An MRI reveals
an ischemic stroke. Which artery is most likely occluded?
A. Left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) [CORRECT]
B. Right Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)
,C. Basilar Artery
D. Left Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Left MCA supplies the lateral surface of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes,
including Broca’s area (speech) and motor cortex (contralateral weakness). Distractor B would cause left
leg weakness (ACA supplies medial cortex). Distractor C causes "locked-in" syndrome or cranial nerve
deficits. Distractor D causes visual field deficits.
Q3: Which cranial nerve is responsible for the afferent (sensory) limb of the corneal reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
B. Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) [CORRECT]
C. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
D. Cranial Nerve II (Optic)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CN V (Ophthalmic division) carries the sensory input from the cornea. CN VII carries the
efferent motor response (blinking). Practical application: If the patient does not blink when the cornea is
touched, check sensation (V) first; if they feel it but don't blink, the issue is motor (VII).
Q4: The pyramidal decussation occurs in the:
A. Midbrain
B. Pons
C. Medulla Oblongata [CORRECT]
D. Spinal Cord
Correct Answer: C
, Rationale: The corticospinal tracts (pyramids) cross (decussate) at the junction of the medulla and spinal
cord. This is why left brain lesions cause right-sided deficits.
Q5: A technologist is recording a Visual Evoked Potential (VEP). The P100 component is generated
primarily in the:
A. Retina
B. Optic nerve
C. Primary visual cortex (Occipital lobe) [CORRECT]
D. Thalamus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The P100 is a cortical response occurring around 100ms post-stimulus, reflecting processing
in the visual cortex.
Q6: Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus?
A. Temperature regulation
B. Water balance
C. Coordination of voluntary movement [CORRECT]
D. Control of the pituitary gland
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Coordination of voluntary movement is the primary function of the Cerebellum. The
hypothalamus regulates homeostasis (temp, thirst, hunger, endocrine).
Q7: The "Circle of Willis" provides collateral circulation. Which artery connects the Middle Cerebral
Artery to the Anterior Cerebral Artery?
A. Anterior Communicating Artery (ACom)
