Neuroanatomy MCQs Quiz With Answers

The brainstem is a vital part of the central nervous system that connects the brain to the spinal cord. It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. These structures are responsible for controlling basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture. Therefore, the cerebellum is not part of the brainstem.

The spinal nerves are not considered a component of the central nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. The spinal nerves, on the other hand, are part of the peripheral nervous system, which connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

Testing the integrity of the trigeminal (V) cranial nerve involves assessing the motor function of the jaw. Asking the patient to open the jaw against resistance is a specific test for the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve controls the muscles responsible for jaw movement, and if there is any damage or dysfunction in this nerve, the patient may have difficulty opening the jaw against resistance. This test helps in evaluating the functionality of the trigeminal nerve and determining if there are any abnormalities or impairments present.

The Superior Pontine Sulcus is the correct answer because it is the sulcus that separates the pons from the midbrain.

The trigeminal nerve arises from the brain at the level of the Pons. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. The Pons is a part of the brainstem that plays a crucial role in relaying signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum. It is located above the medulla and below the midbrain. Therefore, the trigeminal nerve originates from the Pons.

The mammillary bodies are part of the diencephalon. The diencephalon is a region of the brain that is located between the cerebral hemispheres and the midbrain. It includes several structures, such as the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. The mammillary bodies are a pair of small round structures located on the undersurface of the brain, specifically in the posterior region of the hypothalamus. They are involved in the processing and storage of memory, particularly in relation to spatial memory and navigation.

Confrontational testing in the neurological exam involves the patient fixating on the examiner's nose while the examiner moves their fingers or objects in different directions. This test is used to assess the integrity of the visual fields, which refers to the ability to see objects in different parts of the visual field. By determining if the patient can accurately perceive the movement of the examiner's fingers or objects in their peripheral vision, the test helps identify any potential visual field defects or abnormalities.

The term "rostral" refers to a direction towards the nose. This term is commonly used in anatomical and biological contexts to describe the location or movement of a structure towards the front or anterior part of an organism. It is the opposite of "caudal," which refers to a direction towards the tail.

The middle cerebral artery is not a branch of the basilar artery. The basilar artery is a major blood vessel in the brainstem, and it gives rise to several branches, including the pontine arteries, posterior cerebral artery, and superior cerebellar artery. However, the middle cerebral artery is not directly connected to the basilar artery. It arises from the internal carotid artery, which is a separate blood vessel in the neck.

The metencephalon is the secondary embryonic brain vesicle that gives rise to the pons and cerebellum. The telencephalon develops into the cerebral hemispheres, the mesencephalon becomes the midbrain, and the myelencephalon forms the medulla oblongata. Therefore, the correct answer is metencephalon.

The cerebral aqueduct is the correct answer because it is the portion of the ventricular system that is located within the midbrain. The cerebral aqueduct is a narrow canal that connects the third ventricle in the diencephalon to the fourth ventricle in the brainstem. It allows for the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between these two ventricles.

The roof of the fourth ventricle is formed by the cerebellum. The fourth ventricle is a fluid-filled space in the brainstem, located between the pons and the cerebellum. It is responsible for producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebellum is a large structure located at the back of the brain, below the occipital lobes. It plays a crucial role in coordinating movement, balance, and posture. Therefore, it makes sense that the cerebellum would contribute to the formation of the roof of the fourth ventricle.

Inductive signals are responsible for the differentiation of various cell types during development. Neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are all derived from inductive signals. However, ependymal cells are not generated by inductive signals. Therefore, the correct answer is ependymal cells.

The correct answer is funiculi because the white matter of the spinal cord is divided into three general regions known as anterior, posterior, and lateral funiculi. Funiculi refer to the bundles of nerve fibers that run longitudinally within the spinal cord and carry sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body.

Integrins are receptors located in the membrane of the growth cone that bind with extracellular matrix adhesion molecules. This binding enables axonal elongation, allowing the growth cone to navigate and extend along the extracellular matrix. Cadherins are cell-cell adhesion molecules, while laminins and fibronectins are components of the extracellular matrix but do not directly interact with the growth cone receptors. Therefore, integrins are the correct answer for this question.

The notochord develops in the midline from the mesoderm during early embryogenesis. The mesoderm is one of the three primary germ layers in the developing embryo, and it gives rise to various structures including the notochord. The notochord is a rod-like structure that serves as a temporary support for the developing embryo and plays a crucial role in the formation of the vertebral column. Therefore, the correct answer is Mesoderm.

The correct answer is that the cell nuclei move closest to the pial surface of the neural tube during the period of DNA replication (S phase). This is incorrect because during the S phase, the cell nuclei actually move away from the pial surface and towards the lumen of the neural tube. This movement allows for proper cell division and the formation of the neural tube.

The statement that CAMs are only found within the cell membranes of neurons and glia is incorrect. CAMs are not exclusive to neurons and glia; they are found in various cell types throughout the body. CAMs play a crucial role in cell adhesion and communication, facilitating interactions between cells in processes such as tissue development, immune response, and wound healing.

Trophic interactions are essential for neuron survival and function in the adult nervous system. These interactions involve the exchange of neurotrophins between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, which regulate the size of neuronal populations during development. Neurotrophins are trophic substances that support the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons. Therefore, the statement that trophic interactions no longer play a role in neuron survival and function in the adult nervous system is incorrect.

Netrin is the correct answer because it is a chemoattractant molecule that plays a crucial role in guiding axonal growth at midline crossing points like the optic chiasm. It helps in directing the growth of axons towards their appropriate targets during neural development. Netrin acts as a guidance cue for axons, attracting them and guiding them along the correct path. It is involved in various processes, including the development of the nervous system and the formation of neural circuits.