Exam 3 Session 2: Brain + Cranial Nerves

Blood is supplied to the brain via the…

• Carotid and basilar arteries

• Carotid and jugular veins

• Internal jugular vein

• Subarachnoid space

Answer explanation

Blood is supplied to the brain primarily through the carotid and basilar arteries, which ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery. The other options involve veins or spaces that do not supply blood.

Where is the fourth ventricle located?

• Within the cerebrum

• Posterior to the pons and upper part of the medulla

• Between the right and left halves of the diencephalon

• Between the right and left halves of the cerebrum

Answer explanation

The fourth ventricle is located posterior to the pons and upper part of the medulla, making this the correct choice. It is part of the brainstem and plays a crucial role in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Which of these is a CORRECT statement regarding CSF?

• it is produced in the meninges

• it surrounds the optic chiasm

• it provides a buoyant environment for the brain to float in

• it fills the venous sinuses of the dura mater

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that CSF provides a buoyant environment for the brain to float in, which helps protect it from injury. The other options are incorrect regarding the production and location of CSF.

What brain structure is primarily responsible for filtering sensory information?

• thalamus

• hypothalamus

• epithalamus

• midbrain

Answer explanation

The thalamus is the brain structure that acts as a relay station, filtering and transmitting sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex, making it crucial for processing sensory input.

What structure of the brain is involved in regulating balance and posture?

• thalamus

• pons

• medulla oblongata

• cerebellum

Answer explanation

The cerebellum is the brain structure primarily responsible for regulating balance and posture, coordinating muscle movements, and maintaining equilibrium, making it the correct answer.

A person hits their head and afterward notes that their personality and decision-making abilities have changed. What part of their brain most likely suffered damage?

• frontal lobe

• temporal lobe

• occipital lobe

• parietal lobe

Answer explanation

The frontal lobe is responsible for personality and decision-making. Damage to this area can lead to noticeable changes in these functions, which aligns with the person's experience after hitting their head.

The vermis and arbor vitae are found in what part of the brain?

• Epithalamus

• Cerebrum

• Diencephalon

• Cerebellum

Answer explanation

The vermis and arbor vitae are structures located in the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance. Therefore, the correct answer is cerebellum.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory information from the inner ear to the brain?

• Olfactory nerve (I)

• Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

• Accessory nerve (XI)

Answer explanation

The vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) is responsible for transmitting auditory information from the inner ear to the brain, making it the correct choice. The other options do not have this function.

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

• temporal lobe

• occipital lobe

• parietal lobe

• frontal lobe

Answer explanation

The occipital lobe is the part of the brain primarily responsible for processing visual information, making it the correct choice. It interprets signals from the eyes, allowing us to perceive and understand visual stimuli.

Where is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) found in the brain?

• between the arachnoid and pia mater

• within the lateral ventricles only

• surrounding the corpus callosum

• In the dura mater

Answer explanation

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is found between the arachnoid and pia mater, known as the subarachnoid space. This location allows CSF to cushion the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and maintaining intracranial pressure.