Chapter 17 Spinal Cord Anatomy and Nerves

Which of the following contain cell bodies of interneurons?

a) posterior (dorsal) gray horns

b) anterior (ventral) gray horns

c) posterior (dorsal) root ganglia

d) lateral gray horns

a)

The conus medullaris is

a) the junction between the medulla and the spinal cord.

b) the tapering end of the spinal cord inferior to the lumbar enlargement.

c) the inner portion of the spinal cord, seen in cross section.

d) the attachment of a spinal nerve to the spinal cord.

b

The inferior extension of the pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx is called the

a) cauda equina

b) filum terminale

c) denticulate ligament

d) conus medullaris

b

The white matter of the spinal cord

a) contains ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts.

b) is surrounded by gray matter.

c) is subdivided into regions called horns.

d) contains cell bodies called nuclei.

a

The gray matter of the spinal cord (Select all that apply.)

a) is subdivided into regions called horns.

b) is surrounded by white matter.

c) contains neuronal cell bodies.

d) contains areas called funiculi.

a, b, c

The central canal of the spinal cord is located in the center of the

a) anterior (ventral) white commissure.

b) anterior (ventral) gray horns.

c) posterior (dorsal) white columns.

d) gray commissure.

d

Lateral gray horns are present in segments of the which region(s) of the spinal cord? (Select all that apply.)

a) cervical

b) thoracic

c) lumbar

d) midsacral

b, c, d

The senses of pain and temperature are conveyed to the brain by

a) direct tracts.

b) indirect tracts.

c) lateral spinothalamic tracts.

d) posterior funiculi.

c

Motor impulses that help maintain muscle tone and posture are conveyed from the brain through the spinal cord by the

a) direct pathways.

b) indirect pathways.

c) spinothalamic tracts.

d) posterior columns.

b

A typical reflex arc involves the following components:

1. sensory neuron

2. motor neuron

3. sensory receptor

4. integrating center

5. effector

The correct order is:

a) 3, 1, 4, 2, 5

b) 3, 4, 1, 2, 5

c) 3, 2, 1, 5

d) 3, 4, 2, 5

a) 3, 1, 4, 2, 5

Which of the following could serve as an effector for a somatic reflex?

a) skeletal muscle

b) smooth muscle

c) cardiac muscle

d) gland

a

The roots of which spinal nerves make up the cauda equina?

1. Thoracic

2. Lumbar

3. Sacral

4. Coccygeal

a) 1, 2, 3, 4

b) 2, 3, 4 only

c) 3, 4 only

d) 4 only

b

Which of the following statements is FALSE for spinal nerves?

a) The two largest branches of a spinal nerve are the anterior (ventral) ramus and the posterior (dorsal) ramus.

b) All spinal nerves are mixed nerves.

c) The outer covering of a spinal nerve is the epineurium.

d) Every pair of spinal nerves exits through the intervertebral foramina above the vertebra that has the same name and number as the nerves.

d

Which of the following is FALSE regarding the sciatic nerve? It

a) arises from the lumbar plexus.

b) splits at about the level of the knee into tibial and common fibular nerves.

c) is the largest nerve in the body.

d) sends branches to the hamstring muscles.

a

The main plexuses formed by the anterior (ventral) rami of spinal nerves are

a) thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal

b) cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral

c) cervical, lumbar, sacral, and inguinal

d) cervical, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal

b

Spinal nerves T2-T12 differ from all other spinal nerves in that

a) they do not branch to form rami.

b) they are autonomic nerves.

c) the anterior (ventral) rami do not contribute to a plexus.

d) the posterior (dorsal) rami form a plexus.

c

Which of the following is NOT a correct description of the location of the brachial plexus?

a) on the neck alongside the first four cervical vertebrae

b) passes above the first rib posterior to the clavicle

c) extends inferiorly and laterally on either side of the last few cervical and first thoracic vertebrae

d) enters the axilla

a

Which of the following is NOT a correct description of the lumbar plexus?

a) lateral to the first four lumbar vertebrae

b) posterior to the quadratus lumborum muscle

c) between the two heads of the psoas major muscle

d) supplies the anterolateral abdominal wall

b

Which peripheral nerves are responsible for cutaneous sensation from the skin of the anterior abdominal wall as well as motor innervation to anterior abdominal wall muscles?

a) median and musculocutaneous nerves

b) sciatic and sural nerves

c) intercostal (thoracic) nerves

d) inferior and superior gluteal nerves

c

The spinal cord is protected by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

a) vertebral column

b) meninges

c) cerebrospinal fluid

d) plexuses

a, b, c

Which of the following contains sensory information ONLY?

a) anterior (ventral) root

b) anterior (ventral) ramus

c) posterior (dorsal) root

d) posterior (dorsal) ramus

c) posterior (dorsal) root

What is the best description of the epidural space?

a) contains a protective cushion of fat and connective tissue

b) between arachnoid mater and pia mater

c) between dura mater and arachnoid mater

d) contains interstitial fluid

e) contains cerebrospinal fluid

a

What is the best description of the subarachnoid space?

a) contains a protective cushion of fat and connective tissue

b) between arachnoid mater and pia mater

c) between dura mater and the wall of vertebral canal

d) between dura mater and arachnoid mater

e) contains interstitial fluid

b

What is the best description of the pia mater?

a) contains a protective cushion of fat and connective tissue

b) most superficial meninx

c) thick strong layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue

d) contains blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord

e) consists of collagen and elastic fiber network; has no blood vessels

d

What is the best description of the arachnoid mater?

a) meninx closest to the bone of the vertebral column

b) between subarachnoid space and pia mater

c) contains a protective cushion of fat and connective tissue

d) contains blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord

e) consists of collagen and elastic fiber network; has no blood vessels

e

What is the best description of the dura mater?

a) meninx closest to the bone of the vertebral column

b) between arachnoid mater and pia mater

c) between pia mater and spinal cord

d) contains blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the spinal cord

e) consists of collagen and elastic fiber network; has no blood vessels

a

Select the structure(s) served by the axillary nerve.

a) deltoid muscle

b) extensors of the wrist

c) flexors of the wrist

d) biceps brachii

e) diaphragm

a

Select the structure(s) served by the radial nerve.

a) deltoid muscle

b) triceps brachii

c) flexors of the wrist

d) skin of superior portion of the chest and shoulder

e) diaphragm

b

Select the structure(s) served by the median nerve.

a) quadriceps femoris muscle

b) extensors of the wrist

c) flexors of the wrist

d) skin of superior portion of the chest and shoulder

e) diaphragm

c

Select the structure(s) served by the supraclavicular nerve.

a) quadriceps femoris muscle

b) extensors of the wrist

c) flexors of the wrist

d) skin of superior portion of the chest and shoulder

e) diaphragm

d

Select the structure(s) served by the phrenic nerve.

a) quadriceps femoris muscle

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) flexors of the wrist

d) skin of superior portion of the chest and shoulder

e) diaphragm

e

Select the muscle(s) served by the femoral nerve.

a) extensor muscles of knee joint

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) gluteus maximus

d) gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

e) tibialis anterior and fibularis (peroneal) muscles

a

Select the muscle(s) served by the obturator nerve.

a) anterior muscles of thigh (quadriceps and sartorius)

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) gluteus maximus

d) gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

e) tibialis anterior and fibularis (peroneal) muscles

b

Select the muscle(s) served by the tibial nerve.

a) anterior muscles of thigh (quadriceps and sartorius)

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) gluteus maximus

d) gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

e) tibialis anterior and fibularis (peroneal) muscles

d

Select the muscle(s) served by the inferior gluteal nerve.

a) anterior muscles of thigh (quadriceps and sartorius)

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) gluteus maximus

d) gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

e) tibialis anterior and fibularis (peroneal) muscles

c

Select the muscle(s) served by the common fibular nerve.

a) anterior muscles of thigh (quadriceps and sartorius)

b) adductor muscles of thigh

c) gluteus maximus

d) gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

e) tibialis anterior and fibularis tertius muscles

e

From which plexus does the long thoracic nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

a

From which plexus does the great auricular nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

b

From which plexus does the femoral nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

c

From which plexus does the phrenic nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

b

From which plexus does the superior gluteal nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

d

From which plexus does the ulnar nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

a

From which plexus does the pudendal nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

d

From which plexus does the iliohypogastric nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

c

From which plexus does the axillary nerve arise?

a) brachial

b) cervical

c) lumbar

d) sacral

e) thoracic

a

Which of the following is a connective tissue covering which holds nerve fibers together into fascicles?

a) endoneurium

b) epineurium

c) perineurium

d) supraneurium

c

Which of the following structures help to anchor the spinal cord and protect it against sudden displacement? (Select all that apply.)

a) denticulate ligaments

b) filum terminale

c) gray commissure

d) white commissure

a, b

Cell bodies of motor neurons that supply smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands via the autonomic nervous system can be found in the

a) anterior gray horns

b) lateral gray horns

c) posterior gray horns

d) ventral gray horns

b

The most common cause of spinal nerve root damage is

a) cancer

b) herniated intervertebral disc

c) infectious disease

d) trauma

b

Complete paralysis of the diaphragm occurs if the spinal cord is crushed or destroyed

a) just below the C5 region

b) just above the C3 region

c) above the origin of the phrenic nerves

d) below the origin of the long thoracic nerve

b, c

A patient received an injection into the triceps muscle. The patient is struggling to extend the wrist and fingers. This patient most likely has an injury to the

a) lateral pectoral nerve

b) median nerve

c) radial nerve

d) thoracodorsal nerve

c

Which of the following nerve injuries may occur due to pressure on the nerve by the fetal head during pregnancy?

a) femoral nerve injury

b) iliohypogastric nerve injury

c) perforating cutaneous nerve injury

d) obturator nerve injury

d

Which area of the body is served by the brachial plexus?

a) anterolateral abdominal wall and parts of the lower limbs

b) diaphragm and skin of the head and neck

c) lower limbs and perineum

d) shoulders and upper limbs

d

The adult spinal cord extends from the

a) midbrain inferiorly to the superior border of the first lumbar vertebra

b) pons inferiorly to the superior border of the third lumbar vertebra

c) medulla oblongata inferiorly to the superior border of the second lumbar vertebra

d) medulla oblongata inferiorly to the superior border of the fourth lumbar vertebra

c

Cerebrospinal fluid is found between two layers of the meninges, in a space called the

a) subarachnoid space

b) subpial space

c) epidural space

d) subdural space

a

The two main routes for sensory information traveling up the spinal cord to the brain are

a) direct tracts and indirect funiculi

b) spinothalamic tracts and posterior funiculi

c) reticulospinal tracts and vestibulospinal funiculi

d) corticospinal tracts and corticobulbar funiculi

b

The two main routes for motor information traveling down the spinal cord are

a) corticospinal pathways and posterior column pathways

b) anterior spinocerebellar pathways and posterior spinocerebellar pathways

c) gracilis fasciculus pathways and cuneate fasciculus pathways

d) direct pathways and indirect pathways

d

Which of the following contain cell bodies of sensory neurons?

a) anterior (ventral) gray horns

b) posterior (dorsal) gray horns

c) spinal (posterior (dorsal) root) ganglia

d) lateral gray horns

c

Motor neurons that supply skeletal muscles have cell bodies in

a) anterior (ventral) gray horns of the spinal cord and their axons exit the cord via a posterior (dorsal) root

b) posterior (dorsal) gray horns of the spinal cord and their axons exit the cord via a posterior (dorsal) root

c) anterior (ventral) gray horns of the spinal cord and their axons exit the cord via an anterior (ventral) root

d) posterior (dorsal) gray horns of the spinal cord and their axons exit the cord via an anterior (ventral) root

c

Which of the following is correct about the organization of the spinal nerves?

a) there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves

b) there are 8 pairs of cervical nerves

c) there are 5 pairs of thoracic nerves

d) there are 12 pairs of lumbar nerves

a, b

Which of the following is NOT a branch of a spinal nerve?

a) ramus communicans (plural: rami communicantes)

b) meningeal branch

c) lateral ramus

d) anterior (ventral) ramus

c

Which plexus serves the skin and muscles of the head, neck, and superior part of the shoulders and chest?

a) cervical

b) brachial

c) thoracic

d) lumbar

a

An area of skin that provides sensory input to the CNS via one pair of spinal nerves or the trigeminal (V) nerve is a

a) cutaneous field

b) dermatome

c) ganglion

d) ramus

b

The meninx indicated by the arrow is the

a) pia mater

b) arachnoid mater

c) dura mater

c

The meninx indicated by the arrow line is the

a) pia mater

b) arachnoid mater

c) dura mater

b

The meninx indicated by the arrow line is the

a) pia mater

b) arachnoid mater

c) dura mater

a

The part of the spinal nerve indicated by the arrow is the

a) posterior (dorsal) root

b) posterior (dorsal) ramus

c) anterior (ventral) root

d) anterior (ventral) ramus

a

The part of the spinal nerve indicated by the arrow is the

a) anterior (ventral) root

b) posterior (dorsal) root

c) communicating rami

d) spinal nerve

a

The structure(s) indicated by the arrow is/are the

a) anterior (ventral) ramus

b) posterior (dorsal) ramus

c) communicating rami

d) posterior (dorsal) root

c