NEUROLOGICAL

Which two structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)? 

 

• A. Brain and spinal cord 

• B. Cranial and spinal nerves 

• C. Heart and brain 

• D. Brain and peripheral nerves 

Answer explanation

Answer: A. Brain and spinal cord 

Rationale: The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord; it controls and processes all body functions. 

Which part of the nervous system carries messages between the CNS and the body? 

 

• A. Autonomic nervous system 

• B. Parasympathetic system 

• C. Peripheral nervous system 

• D. Central nervous system 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Peripheral nervous system 

Rationale: The PNS transmits information to and from the CNS, linking it to the body’s limbs and organs. 

Which type of neuron carries sensory information to the CNS? 

 

• A. Efferent neuron 

• B. Afferent neuron 

• C. Interneuron 

• D. Motor neuron 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Afferent neuron 

Rationale: “Afferent arrives” — sensory signals travel from the body to the brain. 

The “Fight or Flight” response is controlled by: 

 

• A. Parasympathetic nervous system 

• B. Sympathetic nervous system 

• C. Somatic nervous system 

• D. Reflex arc 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Sympathetic nervous system 

Rationale: The sympathetic system increases heart rate, BP, and respiration during stress. 

The “Rest and Digest” system refers to the: 

 

• A. Somatic system 

• B. Sympathetic system 

• C. Parasympathetic system 

• D. Spinal system 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Parasympathetic system 

Rationale: Parasympathetic activation promotes digestion, relaxation, and decreased vital signs. 

Which is the correct order of the reflex arc? 

 

• A. Stimulus → Sensory neuron → Motor neuron → Response 

• B. Motor neuron → Sensory neuron → Reflex 

• C. Brain → Reflex → Motor neuron 

• D. Reflex → Stimulus → Brain 

Answer explanation

Answer: A. Stimulus → Sensory neuron → Motor neuron → Response 

Rationale: Reflexes bypass the brain for immediate response to stimuli. 

A patient demonstrates unsteady gait and poor coordination. Which brain area is affected? 

 

• A. Cerebrum 

• B. Cerebellum 

• C. Hypothalamus 

• D. Pons 

Answer explanation

Answer: B. Cerebellum 

Rationale: The cerebellum controls balance and coordination; damage causes ataxia. 

Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate? 

 

• A. Cerebrum 

• B. Hypothalamus 

• C. Brainstem (Pons and Medulla) 

• D. Temporal lobe 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Brainstem (Pons and Medulla) 

Rationale: The medulla and pons regulate vital functions; injury may cause respiratory arrest. 

Injury to the hypothalamus may cause: 

 

• A. Vision loss 

• B. Tremors 

• C. Temperature regulation problems 

• D. Slurred speech 

Answer explanation

Answer: C. Temperature regulation problems 

Rationale: The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis—temperature, thirst, and blood pressure. 

Which neurotransmitter decreases in Parkinson’s disease? 

 

• A. Dopamine 

• B. Serotonin 

• C. Acetylcholine 

• D. Norepinephrine 

Answer explanation

Answer: A. Dopamine 

Rationale: Dopamine controls movement and coordination; decreased levels cause rigidity and tremors.