1.
Choose the correct heirarchy that is most correct for motor function (low to high)
Correct Answer
D. Spinal cord< brainstem
Explanation
The cerebellum and basal ganglia are considered to be on the same level in this heirarchy
2.
Reflexes require concscious input from the brain
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
reflexes occur at the spinal cord level and they do NOT require conscious input
3.
Which of the following reflexes requires the most synpases?
Correct Answer
C. Flexor/Withdrawal Reflex
Explanation
Stretch reflex --> monosynaptic
Tendon reflex --> disynaptic
Flexor/Withdrwal reflex --> polysynaptic
4.
Which pairs of reflexes work in opposition to one another?
Correct Answer
A. Stretch reflex and tendon reflex
Explanation
the stretch reflex (myotatic) increases mucscle tension and the tendon reflex (inverse myotatic) decreases muscle tension
5.
What tracts are involved in the vestibular system at the level of the brainstem?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above." The vestibular system involves multiple tracts at the level of the brainstem. The Lateral Vestibulospinal Tract is responsible for controlling the muscles involved in posture and balance. The Medial Vestibulospinal Tract helps to control neck and upper back muscles. The Vestibulo-Ocular Tract is responsible for coordinating eye movements with head movements. Therefore, all of these tracts are involved in the vestibular system at the level of the brainstem.
6.
The lateral vestibulospina tract is mainly for posture of the ______ wherease the medial vestibulospinal tract is for posture of the ______
Correct Answer
A. Body; head
Explanation
Lateral Vestibulospinal Tract signals to the arms and legs to compensate for tilt and movement of the body
Medial Vestibulospinal Tract stablizes head while body is moving
7.
What is the main function of the reticular formation?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The reticular formation is a complex network of neurons located in the brainstem. It plays a crucial role in regulating various functions of the central nervous system. It is responsible for maintaining overall arousal, which includes wakefulness, alertness, and attention. Additionally, it helps in controlling muscle tone, which is important for maintaining posture and coordinating movements. The reticular formation also contributes to eye movements, enabling us to track objects and shift our gaze. Moreover, it is involved in autonomic control, regulating essential bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."
8.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex requires visual input to function.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Vestibulo-ocular reflex stabalizes eyes during head movements but does NOT require visual input
9.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex works via the medial longitudinal fasiculus
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The vestibulo-ocular reflex is a reflex that helps maintain visual stability during head movements. It works by coordinating the movement of the eyes with the movement of the head. The medial longitudinal fasciculus is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the vestibular system in the inner ear to the oculomotor nuclei in the brainstem. This pathway is essential for transmitting signals from the vestibular system to the muscles that control eye movement. Therefore, it is correct to say that the vestibulo-ocular reflex works via the medial longitudinal fasciculus.
10.
How does the reticular formation influence muscle tone?
Correct Answer
D. More than one of the above
Explanation
Reticular formation works through the descending reticulopsinal tract to provide overall exctiabitilty to the motor neurons to essentially set the sensitivity level for the motor neurons
11.
For the reticular formation autonomic control, it receives inputs from ______ and _____ and sends outputs to ______ and ______
Correct Answer
A. Solitary nucleus and hypothalamus; vagal nucleus, thoracic spinal cord
Explanation
The reticular formation is involved in autonomic control and receives inputs from the solitary nucleus and hypothalamus. It also sends outputs to the vagal nucleus and thoracic spinal cord. This suggests that the reticular formation plays a role in regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, by receiving sensory information from the solitary nucleus and hypothalamus and sending motor commands to the vagal nucleus and thoracic spinal cord.
12.
The inputs to the cerebellum include ________ and _______
Correct Answer
C. Mossy fibers and climbing fibers
Explanation
The cerebellum receives inputs from two main sources: mossy fibers and climbing fibers. Mossy fibers transmit sensory information from various parts of the body to the cerebellum, providing it with information about the current state of the body. Climbing fibers, on the other hand, originate from the inferior olive and provide feedback related to motor commands and error signals. Therefore, mossy fibers and climbing fibers are the correct inputs to the cerebellum.
13.
Climbing fibers input more specific info to the cerebellum compared to the mossy fibers
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
mossy fibers input specific info whereas the climbing fibers input more general info
14.
The vestibular system at the brainstem level interacts with:
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. It interacts with various parts of the body to perform its functions. The reticular formation, located in the brainstem, plays a role in regulating arousal and consciousness, and it also receives input from the vestibular system. The cerebellum, located in the brain, coordinates movement and receives information from the vestibular system to maintain balance. The vestibular system also sends signals to the spinal cord to control posture and muscle tone. Additionally, it interacts with the muscles of the eyes to coordinate eye movements. Therefore, the correct answer is that the vestibular system interacts with all of the above-mentioned structures.
15.
What are the 3 layers of the cerebellar cortex?
Correct Answer
A. Molecular layer, granular layer, purkinje cell layer
Explanation
pg. 120 indicates molecular layer, granular layer, and medullary layer...but pg. 121 shows a picture with the cortex being divided into molecular layer, purkinje cell layer, and granular layer...not sure if this question is completely accurate
16.
Mossy fibers originate from:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Vestibular nuclei
B. Reticular formation
C. Spinal cord
D. Lateral cuneate nucleus
E. Pontine nuclei
Explanation
mossy fibers originate from ALL of the above structures
17.
Purkinje cells receive 8,000-20,000 parallel fiber inputs
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Purkinje cells receive 80,000-200,000 parallel fibers inputs
18.
Climbing fibers in the cerebellum send info to:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Purkinje cells
C. Stellate cells
D. Basket cells
Explanation
Climbing fibers in the cerebellum send information to Purkinje cells, stellate cells, and basket cells. Purkinje cells are the main output neurons of the cerebellum and receive input from climbing fibers, which play a crucial role in motor control and coordination. Stellate cells and basket cells are inhibitory interneurons in the cerebellum that receive input from climbing fibers and help regulate the activity of Purkinje cells. Together, these cells form a complex network that is involved in fine-tuning motor movements and maintaining balance.
19.
The Purkinje cells send ______ output to the deep nuclei cells using ______.
Correct Answer
B. Inhibitory; GABA
Explanation
The Purkinje cells are known to send inhibitory output to the deep nuclei cells using the neurotransmitter GABA. This means that the Purkinje cells decrease the activity of the deep nuclei cells, preventing them from firing and transmitting signals. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate the excitability of neurons in the brain.
20.
The vestibular division of the cerebellum is involved in:
Correct Answer
E. More than one of the above
Explanation
Vestibular division of cerebellum is involved with balance and eye movements (especially important during rapid eye movements)
21.
The spinal division of the cerebellum is NOT involved with:
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
Spinal division of the cerebellum is involved with all of the above; it coordinates intended movement with sensory feedback
22.
The cortical division of the cerebellum is involved with:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The cortical division of the cerebellum is involved in multiple functions, including the timing and coordination of complex motor acts, the planning and prediction of rapid movements, as well as the ability to start and stop movements. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above." This division of the cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control and ensures smooth and accurate movements.
23.
Cerebellar Diseas is characterized by which of the following; choose all that apply
Correct Answer(s)
A. Incoordination
B. Ataxia of gait (uncoordinated walking)
C. Intention tremor (tremor when you make a movement)
D. Dysdiadochokinesia (impaired rapid alternating movements)
E. Dysarthria (impairment of motor aspets of speech)
G. Nystagmus
Explanation
Cerebellar Disease is characterized by several symptoms including incoordination, ataxia of gait (uncoordinated walking), intention tremor (tremor when making a movement), dysdiadochokinesia (impaired rapid alternating movements), dysarthria (impairment of motor aspects of speech), and nystagmus. These symptoms are all associated with dysfunction or damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining balance. Incoordination, ataxia of gait, and impaired rapid alternating movements are all indicative of motor control deficits, while intention tremor, dysarthria, and nystagmus are specific movement abnormalities that can occur with cerebellar disease.
24.
Mossy fibers provide ______ input to the deep nuclei cells.
Climbing fibers provide _____ input to the deep nuclei cells.
Purinkje fibers provide _____ input to the deep nuclei cells
Correct Answer
C. Excitatory; excitatory; inhibitory
Explanation
Mossy fibers provide excitatory input to the deep nuclei cells, which means they increase the likelihood of the cells firing action potentials. Climbing fibers also provide excitatory input to the deep nuclei cells, further increasing their firing activity. On the other hand, Purkinje fibers provide inhibitory input to the deep nuclei cells, decreasing their firing activity. This combination of excitatory and inhibitory inputs helps regulate the activity of the deep nuclei cells and maintain proper functioning of the sensory feedback system.
25.
What structure(s) make up the basal ganglia?
Correct Answer
E. More than one of the above
Explanation
basal ganglia comprised of: caudate, putament, globus pallidus (actually contain more but Ridder said we would only discuss these)
26.
The _____ and ____ receive inputs from the motor cortex. The output is the from ______.
Correct Answer
B. Caudate and putamen; globus pallidus
Explanation
The caudate and putamen receive inputs from the motor cortex, and the output is from the globus pallidus.
27.
The basal ganglia:
Correct Answer
E. 2 of the above
Explanation
The basal ganglia is necessary for normal VOLUNTARY movements
28.
Deep Nuclei of Cerebral Cortex is another name for Basal Ganglia
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the deep nuclei of the cerebral cortex are indeed another name for the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia are a group of structures located deep within the cerebral cortex. They play a crucial role in motor control, cognition, and emotions. The deep nuclei of the cerebral cortex include the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus, among others. These structures work together to regulate movement and are involved in various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
29.
The basal ganglia has primary connections with:
Correct Answer
D. Motor cortex
Explanation
Primary connections with motor cortex (includes primary motor, secondary motor and somatosensory cortex); has reciprocal connections with substantia nigra and subthalamus
30.
Output from the globus pallidus is sent to:
Correct Answer
F. 2 of the above
Explanation
output from globus pallidus sent to ventroanterior and ventrolateral nuclei of thalamus
31.
The subthalamus and substantia nigra provide ______ feedback to the _______.
Correct Answer
C. Negative; globus pallidus
Explanation
The subthalamus and substantia nigra provide negative feedback to the globus pallidus. This means that they inhibit the activity of the globus pallidus, which in turn helps to regulate movement.
32.
Degeneration of the caudate and putamen results in which disease?
Correct Answer
C. Huntington's
Explanation
Huntington's characterized by sudden involuntary movements and facial grimaces
-loss of inhibition of globus pallidus --> abnormal firing
-basal ganglia randomly releasing bits of motor files
-autosomal dominant
33.
Degeneration of dopaminergic fibers from substantia nirgra results in which disease?
Correct Answer
B. Parkinson's
Explanation
Parkinson's characterized by stiffness, mask-like face (lose facial expressions), resting tremor
Pallidotomy is a surgical treatment prodcedure for Parkinson's that destroys park of the globus pallidus
34.
The site of motor activation is:
Correct Answer
C. Motor cortex
Explanation
Secondary motor cortex and premotor cortex are different names for same area
35.
Check all that apply.
The secondary (premotor) cortex:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Initiates complex voluntary acts
B. Site of motor conception and organization
C. Solicits info from basal ganglia and cerebellum
E. Contains specialized areas for speech and eye movements
Explanation
The secondary (premotor) cortex is responsible for initiating complex voluntary acts, as well as being the site of motor conception and organization. It also receives information from the basal ganglia and cerebellum, which helps in the coordination and execution of movements. Additionally, the secondary cortex contains specialized areas for speech and eye movements, indicating its involvement in these specific functions.
36.
The major descending pathway for the motor cortex is the corticobulbar tract.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The major descending pathway for the motor cortex is the pyramidal/corticospinal tract. The corticobulbar tract is also a descending pathwy for the motor cortex but is NOT the major one.
37.
The pyramidal/corticospinal tract carries commands from the primary motor cortex to motor neurons of the:
Correct Answer
C. Both of the above
Explanation
The pyramidal/corticospinal tract is responsible for carrying commands from the primary motor cortex to motor neurons. These commands are sent to both the brain stem and the spinal cord, allowing for coordinated movement and control of muscles throughout the body. This tract is a crucial pathway in the central nervous system for voluntary motor control.
38.
What common 'path' do sensory and motor neurons have in the brain?
Correct Answer
B. Internal capsule
Explanation
Sensory info ascends through internal capsule; motor info descends through internal capsule
39.
The lateral corticospinal tract decussates where?
Correct Answer
A. Right before entering the spinal cord
Explanation
called the PYRAMIDAL DECUSSATION
40.
Where does the coricopsinal tract synapse in the spinal cord?
Correct Answer
A. Ventral horn
Explanation
aka anterior horn
41.
The corticobulbar tract synapses with which nuclei (check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Trigeminal Motor Nucleus in pons
B. Facial Motor Nucleus in pons
C. Hypoglossal Nucleus in medulla
D. Nucleus Ambiguous in medulla
E. Accessory Nucleus in spinal cord
Explanation
The corticobulbar tract synapses with the Trigeminal Motor Nucleus in the pons, Facial Motor Nucleus in the pons, Hypoglossal Nucleus in the medulla, Nucleus Ambiguous in the medulla, and Accessory Nucleus in the spinal cord.
42.
What is unique about the corticobulbar tract?
Correct Answer
C. It is bilateral
Explanation
The corticobulbar tract has bilateral connections to ipsi and contra sides of the CNS
**in general, the contralateral fibers are more significant than the ipsilateral fibers
43.
An essential tremor affects movement the head, outstretched hand and voice
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
An essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking or trembling of certain parts of the body, including the head, outstretched hand, and voice. This condition typically worsens with movement and can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks. Therefore, the statement "An essential tremor affects movement the head, outstretched hand, and voice" is true.
44.
If a patient reports symptoms that are all motor related, which of the following areas can you RULE OUT for the location of the leasion? (check all the apply)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Cortex
B. Brainstem
C. Spinal cord
Explanation
The cortex, brainstem and spinal cord all have sensory AND motor functions so if there is a lesion in these areas then it will affect both sensory and motor function. **For motor-only symptoms, look for a lesion in the cerebellum or basal gangial
45.
In a Parkinson's patient, what will one notice about the substantia nigra?
Correct Answer
C. Lack of pigmentation
Explanation
Substantia nigra normally has lots of melanin so in a normal patient we will see lots of melainin in cells (pigmented). However, in a Parkinson's patient we see very little melanin in substantia nigra and therefore less pigmentation
46.
Which of the following are treatments for Parkinson's?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because all three options mentioned - Levodopa, fetal tissue transplant, and pallidotomy - are indeed treatments for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a medication that helps replace the dopamine that is lacking in the brain of Parkinson's patients. Fetal tissue transplant involves implanting fetal dopamine cells into the brain to improve dopamine production. Pallidotomy is a surgical procedure that involves destroying a small part of the brain to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms. Therefore, all three options are valid treatments for Parkinson's disease.
47.
Dopamine can transverse the blood brain barrier
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Dopamine CANNOT transverse the BBB so Levodopa is often used as treatment since it can transverse the BBB and once inside the brain it will get converted into dopamine