Brainstem Anatomy Quiz Questions And Answers
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Which Cranial nerve(s) come from the midbrain?
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CN IV
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CN V
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CN III
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CN X
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CN VI
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The brainstem is the lower, stalk-like portion of the brain. How well are you aware of its anatomy? Our Brainstem Anatomy Quiz questions and answers is here to test your knowledge of the concept. The brainstem connects the brain to other organs in the human body; let's see how well you score on the quiz. Learn more & prepare yourself See morefor the upcoming tests with our super fun quiz! We challenge you to get all the questions right! Anatomy can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! Good Luck & study hard!
Designed to engage learners at all levels, this Brainstem Anatomy Quiz offers a series of well-crafted questions that cover everything from basic structures like the medulla, pons, and midbrain, to their complex functions in regulating vital bodily processes. Each question provides detailed explanations for the answers, enhancing your learning experience. Dive into our quiz, test your knowledge, and discover just how integral the brainstem is to everyday health and bodily functions.
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- 2.
Cranial nerve V comes from what part of the brain stem?
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Midbrain
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Pons
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Medulla
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Cerebellum
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Spine
Correct Answer
A. PonsExplanation
Cranial nerve V, also known as the trigeminal nerve, originates from the pons, which is a part of the brainstem. The pons is located above the medulla and below the midbrain. It plays a crucial role in relaying sensory and motor signals between the cerebrum and the cerebellum. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face and controlling the muscles involved in chewing. Therefore, the correct answer is the pons.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which 2 cranial nerves come from the pontomedullary junction?
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I & II
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II & IV
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IX & V
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X & XII
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VI & VII
Correct Answer
A. VI & VIIExplanation
The cranial nerves that come from the pontomedullary junction are the sixth (VI) and seventh (VII) cranial nerves.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where do Cranial nerves 9,10 & 11 originate from?
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Medulla
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Pons
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Midbrain
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Cortex
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Spine
Correct Answer
A. MedullaExplanation
Cranial nerves 9, 10, and 11 originate from the Medulla. The Medulla is a part of the brainstem located between the Pons and the Spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in controlling various autonomic functions such as swallowing, breathing, and heart rate. Cranial nerve 9, also known as the Glossopharyngeal nerve, controls functions like taste and swallowing. Cranial nerve 10, also known as the Vagus nerve, controls functions like speech, digestion, and heart rate. Cranial nerve 11, also known as the Accessory nerve, controls movements of the head, neck, and shoulders.Rate this question:
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- 5.
This Cranial nerve exits from the intramedullary fossa
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I
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II
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III
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IV
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V
Correct Answer
A. IIIExplanation
Cranial nerves are a set of nerves that emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for controlling various functions of the head and neck. The statement suggests that one of these cranial nerves exits from the intramedullary fossa. Among the options given, the only cranial nerve that exists from this location is the third cranial nerve, also known as the oculomotor nerve. This nerve controls the movement of the eye and is responsible for functions such as pupil constriction and eyelid elevation.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Where are the nuclei for Cranial nerve 3 located?
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Midbrain
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Pons
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Medulla
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Cortex
Correct Answer
A. MidbrainExplanation
The nuclei for Cranial nerve 3, also known as the oculomotor nerve, are located in the midbrain. This cranial nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the eye muscles, as well as the constriction of the pupil and the accommodation of the lens for near vision. The midbrain, which is part of the brainstem, contains the oculomotor nuclei that send signals to these muscles, allowing for coordinated eye movements and proper visual function.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Edinger Westphal nucleus has fibers of what kind?
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Postganglionic parasympathetic
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Preganglionic parasympathetic
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Postganglionic sympathetic
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Preganglionic sympathetic
Correct Answer
A. Preganglionic parasympatheticExplanation
The Edinger-Westphal nucleus contains fibers that are preganglionic parasympathetic. These fibers are responsible for carrying signals from the central nervous system to the autonomic ganglia, which then transmit the signals to the target organs. The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is involved in rest and digest activities, such as controlling pupil constriction and accommodation of the lens for near vision. Therefore, the presence of preganglionic parasympathetic fibers in the Edinger-Westphal nuclei suggests their role in regulating these parasympathetic functions.Rate this question:
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- 8.
This cranial nerve exits from the dorsal side of the brain?
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CN 1
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CN 2
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CN 3
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CN 4
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CN 5
Correct Answer
A. CN 4Explanation
Cranial nerve 4, also known as the trochlear nerve, exits from the dorsal side of the brain. This nerve is responsible for controlling the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which helps with downward and inward eye movements. It is the only cranial nerve that exits from the dorsal side of the brain, making it the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Cranial nerve 4 is located inferior to what landmark?
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Superior colliculus
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Inferior colliculus
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Lateral colliculus
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Medial colliculus
Correct Answer
A. Inferior colliculusExplanation
Cranial nerve 4, also known as the trochlear nerve, is located inferior to the landmark known as the inferior colliculus. The trochlear nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the superior oblique muscle in the eye, which helps to move the eye downward and inward. The inferior colliculus, on the other hand, is part of the auditory pathway and is located in the midbrain. Therefore, the correct answer is inferior colliculus.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The lower motor neuron of which motor neuron decussates?
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I
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II
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III
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IV
Correct Answer
A. IVExplanation
The lower motor neuron of the IV motor neuron decussates.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Cranial nerve 6 passes directly through which tract?
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Corticospinal
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Spinothalamic
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Dorsal columns
Correct Answer
A. CorticospinalExplanation
Cranial nerve 6, also known as the abducens nerve, is responsible for controlling the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which helps in moving the eye laterally. The corticospinal tract is a pathway that connects the motor cortex of the brain to the spinal cord, controlling voluntary movements of the body. Therefore, the correct answer is corticospinal, as cranial nerve 6 passes directly through this tract to control the movement of the eye.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Where is the facial colliculus located?
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Lateral ventricles
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3rd ventricle
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Aqueduct
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4th ventricle
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Thalami
Correct Answer
A. 4th ventricleExplanation
The facial colliculus is located in the 4th ventricle.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What composes the facial colliculus?
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Facial nerve
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Optic nerve
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Trigeminal nucleus
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Abducens nucleus
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Facial nucleus
Correct Answer(s)
A. Facial nerve
A. Abducens nucleusExplanation
The facial colliculus is composed of the facial nerve and the abducens nucleus. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, while the abducens nucleus is involved in controlling the movement of the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. Together, these structures make up the facial colliculus, which is an important region in the brainstem involved in coordinating facial movements and eye movements.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What nerve wraps around the cranial nerve 6 before it exits the brain stem?
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CN 5
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CN 7
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CN 9
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CN 10
Correct Answer
A. CN 7Explanation
The facial nerve (CN 7) wraps around the abducens nerve (cranial nerve 6) before it exits the brainstem. This anatomical arrangement allows for the coordination of facial movements and eye movements.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Action of the inferior oblique eye muscle
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. Out & upExplanation
The correct answer is "out & up" because the action of the inferior oblique eye muscle is to move the eye outward and upward. This muscle is responsible for rotating the eye in a way that allows it to look up and away from the midline of the body.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Action of the superior oblique eye muscle
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. Out & downExplanation
The superior oblique eye muscle is responsible for moving the eye in a specific direction. "Out & down" refers to the movement of the eye away from the midline and downward. This action is achieved by the contraction of the superior oblique muscle, which pulls the eye downward and laterally.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Action of the inferior rectus eye muscle
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. In & downExplanation
The action of the inferior rectus eye muscle is to move the eye inwards and downwards. This muscle is responsible for pulling the eye towards the nose (inwards) and downwards, allowing for downward eye movements.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Action of the superior rectus muscle
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. In & upExplanation
The superior rectus muscle is responsible for moving the eye in an upward and inward direction. When this muscle contracts, it causes the eye to move towards the nose (inward) and upwards. Therefore, the correct answer is "in & up".Rate this question:
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- 19.
To test the superior rectus muscle on a patient what would you ask them to do?
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Look out & up
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Look out & down
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Look in & up
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Look in & down
Correct Answer
A. Look out & upExplanation
To test the superior rectus muscle, the patient would be asked to look out and up. This movement engages the superior rectus muscle, which is responsible for upward eye movement. By asking the patient to look out and up, the examiner can assess the strength and function of this specific muscle.Rate this question:
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- 20.
To test the inferior oblique eye muscle in a patient you would ask them to look...
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Out & down
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Out & up
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In & down
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In & up
Correct Answer
A. In & upExplanation
To test the inferior oblique eye muscle, the patient would be asked to look in and up. This is because the inferior oblique muscle is responsible for moving the eye upward and inward. By asking the patient to look in and up, it helps assess the strength and function of this specific eye muscle.Rate this question:
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- 21.
To test the Inferior rectus eye muscle in your patient you would ask them to look...
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. Out & downExplanation
To test the Inferior rectus eye muscle, you would ask the patient to look "out & down." The Inferior rectus muscle is responsible for downward movement of the eye. By asking the patient to look outwards and downwards, you can assess the function of this specific muscle. This movement requires the activation and coordination of the Inferior rectus muscle, indicating its proper functioning.Rate this question:
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- 22.
To test the superior oblique eye muscle in a patient you would ask them to look...
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Out & up
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Out & down
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In & up
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In & down
Correct Answer
A. In & downExplanation
To test the superior oblique eye muscle in a patient, you would ask them to look in and down. This is because the superior oblique muscle is responsible for moving the eye inwards and downwards. By asking the patient to look in and down, you can assess the strength and functionality of this particular muscle. Looking out and up, out and down, or in and up would not specifically target the superior oblique muscle.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A patient presents with an eye the looks down and out. What cranial nerve lesion would you suspect
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CN I
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CN II
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CN III
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CN IV
Correct Answer
A. CN IIIExplanation
A patient presenting with an eye that looks down and out suggests a cranial nerve III lesion. Cranial nerve III, also known as the oculomotor nerve, innervates several muscles that control eye movement, including the superior rectus, inferior rectus, and medial rectus muscles. Damage to this nerve can result in a loss of function in these muscles, causing the eye to deviate downward and outward.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A patient walks into your office and you notice that he is tilting his head to one side. What cranial nerve is impaired?
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CN 2
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CN 4
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CN 6
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CN 8
Correct Answer
A. CN 4Explanation
The correct answer is CN 4. The patient tilting their head to one side suggests a problem with the trochlear nerve (CN 4), which controls the superior oblique muscle. This muscle is responsible for downward and inward eye movement. Impairment of the trochlear nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of this muscle, leading to head tilt and difficulty with eye movements.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What lesion would cause the eye to deviate medially?
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Lesion to CN 6
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Lesion to the Spinothalamic tract
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Lesion to CN 3
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Lesion to the Vagus nerve
Correct Answer
A. Lesion to CN 6Explanation
A lesion to CN 6, also known as the abducens nerve, would cause the eye to deviate medially. CN 6 is responsible for innervating the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for moving the eye laterally (abduction). When CN 6 is damaged, the lateral rectus muscle is weakened or paralyzed, leading to an imbalance in eye movement and causing the eye to deviate medially. This condition is known as medial strabismus or esotropia.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Patient comes in with a deviated jaw. A lesion to what cranial nerve will cause this lateral deviation?
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CN 1
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CN 2
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CN 3
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CN 4
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CN 5
Correct Answer
A. CN 5Explanation
A lesion to cranial nerve 5 (CN 5) can cause lateral deviation of the jaw. Cranial nerve 5, also known as the trigeminal nerve, is responsible for sensory information from the face and motor control of the muscles involved in chewing. If there is damage or a lesion to CN 5, it can result in abnormalities in jaw movement and lead to a deviated jaw.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The nucleus ambiguus is responsible for the muscles of the...
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Pharynx
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Tongue
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Larynx
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Palate
Correct Answer(s)
A. Pharynx
A. Larynx
A. PalateExplanation
The nucleus ambiguus is responsible for controlling the muscles involved in swallowing, speaking, and phonation. The pharynx, larynx, and palate are all involved in these functions. The pharynx is responsible for the movement of food and air, the larynx controls vocalization and protects the airway, and the palate helps with speech production and swallowing. Therefore, the nucleus ambiguus plays a role in controlling the muscles of the pharynx, larynx, and palate.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Nucleus ambiguus goes to which cranial nerves?
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CN 8
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CN 9
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CN 10
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CN 11
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Cn 12
Correct Answer(s)
A. CN 9
A. CN 10
A. CN 11Explanation
The Nucleus ambiguus is a motor nucleus located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. It gives rise to the motor fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 9), vagus nerve (CN 10), and accessory nerve (CN 11). These cranial nerves are responsible for various functions, including swallowing, speech, and movement of the muscles in the throat and neck. Therefore, the correct answer is CN 9, CN 10, and CN 11.Rate this question:
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- 29.
This cranial nerve's fibers exit from between the inferior olive & pyramid
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CN 5
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CN 7
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CN 9
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CN 10
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CN 12
Correct Answer
A. CN 12Explanation
The correct answer is CN 12. CN 12, also known as the hypoglossal nerve, is responsible for the motor control of the muscles of the tongue. Its fibers exit from between the inferior olive and pyramid in the brainstem. This nerve plays a crucial role in speech, swallowing, and other movements of the tongue.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Corticobulbar is similar to the corticospinal tract except for what fact?
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Its tract also contains sensory fibers
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It has no point on decussation
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It decussates at the level of the CN nuclei
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It decussates at the basis pontis
Correct Answer
A. It decussates at the level of the CN nucleiExplanation
The corticobulbar tract is similar to the corticospinal tract in that it originates from the motor cortex and carries motor signals. However, the corticobulbar tract differs in terms of its decussation. While the corticospinal tract decussates in the medulla, the corticobulbar tract decussates at the level of the cranial nerve (CN) nuclei. This means that the motor signals from the motor cortex cross over to the opposite side of the brain at the level of the CN nuclei before innervating the cranial nerves.Rate this question:
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- 31.
If CN is damaged on right side before the decussation what would be the symptoms and how would the tongue deviate?
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Symptoms ipsilateral, tongue contralateral
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Symptoms ipsilateral, tongue ipsilateral
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Symptoms contralateral, tongue ipsilateral
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Symptoms contralateral, tongue contralateral
Correct Answer
A. Symptoms contralateral, tongue ipsilateralExplanation
Tongue deviates towards the side of the lesionRate this question:
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- 32.
Mixed motor problems where a patient presents with contralateral UMN deficient & ipsilateral tongue problem. You would expect to find the lesion where?
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Pons
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Medulla
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Midbrain
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Spinal cord
Correct Answer
A. MedullaExplanation
In mixed motor problems, where a patient exhibits contralateral upper motor neuron (UMN) deficiency and ipsilateral tongue problem, the expected location of the lesion would be in the medulla. The medulla is a part of the brainstem that contains important motor pathways, including the corticospinal tract responsible for contralateral motor control. Additionally, the medulla houses the hypoglossal nucleus, which controls the movement of the tongue on the same side. Therefore, a lesion in the medulla would result in both contralateral UMN deficiency and ipsilateral tongue problems.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Mixed motor problems in the medulla are referred to as...
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Superior hemiplegia
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Superior paraplegia
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Inferior hemiplegia
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Middle hemiplegia
Correct Answer
A. Inferior hemiplegiaExplanation
Inferior hemiplegia refers to a mixed motor problem in the medulla. Hemiplegia is a condition characterized by paralysis on one side of the body, and in this case, it is specifically related to the lower half of the body. The term "inferior" indicates that the paralysis affects the lower limbs, distinguishing it from superior hemiplegia which would affect the upper limbs. Therefore, the correct answer is inferior hemiplegia.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Patient presents with contralateral UMN deficient with CN 6 ipsilateral palsy
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Middle alternating hemiplegia
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Superior alternating hemiplegia
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Inferior alternating hemiplegia
Correct Answer
A. Middle alternating hemiplegiaExplanation
Middle alternating hemiplegia refers to a neurological condition characterized by contralateral upper motor neuron (UMN) deficits along with ipsilateral (same side) cranial nerve 6 (CN 6) palsy. This means that the patient has weakness or paralysis on one side of the body opposite to the side of the brain lesion, along with paralysis of the sixth cranial nerve on the same side as the brain lesion. Superior and inferior alternating hemiplegia do not match the described symptoms and are therefore incorrect answers.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Which part of the brainstem is responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure?
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Midbrain
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Pons
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Medulla Oblongata
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Cerebellum
Correct Answer
A. Medulla OblongataExplanation
The Medulla Oblongata, located in the lower part of the brainstem, regulates essential autonomic functions including heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The Midbrain is involved in sensory and motor functions, the Pons serves as a bridge between different parts of the brain, and the Cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance.Rate this question:
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- 36.
How does a Superior Alternating hemiplegia present?
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Contralateral UMN, ipsilateral CN 6 palsy
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Contralateral UMN ipsilateral CN 12 palsy
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Contralateral UMN ipsilateral CN 3 palsy
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Contralateral UMN ipsilateral CN 6 palsy
Correct Answer
A. Contralateral UMN ipsilateral CN 3 palsyExplanation
A superior alternating hemiplegia presents with contralateral upper motor neuron (UMN) signs and ipsilateral cranial nerve (CN) 3 palsy. This means that there will be weakness or paralysis on one side of the body opposite to the brain lesion, along with a CN 3 palsy on the same side as the lesion. The CN 3 palsy can cause symptoms such as ptosis (drooping eyelid), dilated pupil, and impaired eye movement. This pattern of findings is characteristic of a superior alternating hemiplegia.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Corticobulbar is __________ & corticospinal is ____________
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Bilateral, bilateral
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Bilateral, contralateral
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Contralateral, contralateral
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Contralateral, bilateral
Correct Answer
A. Bilateral, contralateralExplanation
The corticobulbar pathway refers to the connection between the cerebral cortex and the cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem. This pathway is responsible for controlling the muscles of the face, head, and neck. The corticobulbar pathway is bilateral, meaning that it has connections on both sides of the brain.
On the other hand, the corticospinal pathway refers to the connection between the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord. This pathway is responsible for controlling voluntary movements of the body. The corticospinal pathway is contralateral, meaning that the connections cross over from one side of the brain to the opposite side of the body.
Therefore, the correct answer is bilateral for corticobulbar and contralateral for corticospinal.Rate this question:
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- 38.
What are the nuclei for the trigeminal system?
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Spinal trigeminal
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Trigeminal
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VTT
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Main sensory nucleus
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Mesocephalic
Correct Answer(s)
A. Spinal trigeminal
A. VTT
A. Main sensory nucleus
A. MesocephalicExplanation
The nuclei for the trigeminal system include the spinal trigeminal nucleus, VTT (ventral trigeminal tract), main sensory nucleus, and mesencephalic nucleus. These nuclei are responsible for processing sensory information from the face, head, and oral cavity. The spinal trigeminal nucleus receives pain and temperature sensations from the face, while the VTT carries sensory information from the face to the thalamus. The main sensory nucleus processes touch and pressure sensations, and the mesencephalic nucleus is involved in proprioception and jaw muscle control.Rate this question:
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- 39.
This nucleus does pain & temp for V1,V2, V3 and is equivalent to the dorsal horn.
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VTT
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Main sensory nucleus
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Spinal trigeminal
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Mesocephalic
Correct Answer
A. Spinal trigeminalExplanation
The correct answer is "Spinal trigeminal". The spinal trigeminal nucleus is responsible for processing pain and temperature sensations from the face. It receives input from the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve (V1, V2, and V3) and is considered the equivalent of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord, which is responsible for processing sensory information from the body.Rate this question:
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- 40.
The Main sensory nucleus is responsible for what?
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Pain
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Temp
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Proprioception
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Touch
Correct Answer
A. TouchExplanation
The Main sensory nucleus is responsible for processing touch sensations. It receives and interprets sensory information related to touch, allowing us to perceive and differentiate between various textures, pressures, and vibrations. This nucleus plays a crucial role in our ability to feel and respond to tactile stimuli.Rate this question:
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- 41.
This trigeminal nucleus ascends to the thalamus in the trigeminal system
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Spinal trigeminal
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VTT
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Main sensory nucleus
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Mesocephalic
Correct Answer
A. VTTExplanation
The VTT (ventral trigeminothalamic tract) is the correct answer because it is the pathway that carries sensory information from the spinal trigeminal nucleus to the thalamus in the trigeminal system. The spinal trigeminal nucleus is responsible for processing sensory information from the face, head, and neck, and the VTT is the tract that allows this information to be transmitted to the thalamus for further processing and relay to the cerebral cortex. The other options mentioned, such as the main sensory nucleus and mesocephalic, are not directly involved in this specific pathway.Rate this question:
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- 42.
A lesion to this trigeminal system nucleus causes ipsilateral symptoms
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Spinal trigeminal
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VTT
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Main sensory
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Mesocephalic
Correct Answer
A. Spinal trigeminalExplanation
A lesion to the spinal trigeminal nucleus can cause symptoms on the same side of the body (ipsilateral). The spinal trigeminal nucleus is responsible for relaying sensory information from the face, head, and neck. Therefore, damage to this nucleus can result in sensory deficits or abnormalities on the same side of the body where the lesion occurred.Rate this question:
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- 43.
A lesion to this trigeminal system nucleus will cause contralateral symptoms
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Spinal trigeminal
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VTT
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Main sensory
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Mesocephalic
Correct Answer
A. VTTExplanation
A lesion to the ventral trigeminal tract (VTT) can cause contralateral symptoms. The VTT is a part of the trigeminal system nucleus, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. When there is damage to the VTT, it can disrupt the transmission of sensory signals, leading to symptoms on the opposite side of the body. This is because the nerves in the trigeminal system cross over to the opposite side of the brainstem before reaching the thalamus, where the sensory information is processed.Rate this question:
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