,BIOD 152 A&P 2 Module 2 | Actual study Questions and Answers +
Rationales | 2026/27 Updates
1. Which of the following is the most superficial layer of the brain meninges?
A) Pia mater
B) Arachnoid mater
C) Dura mater
D) Subarachnoid space
Correct Answer: Dura mater
Rationale: The dura mater is the toughest, most superficial (outermost) layer of the meninges
protecting the brain and spinal cord . It provides a durable protective covering, distinguishing it
from the more delicate arachnoid mater and pia mater beneath .
2. The _____ fissure separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
A) Transverse
B) Central
C) Median longitudinal
D) Lateral
Correct Answer: Median longitudinal
Rationale: The median longitudinal fissure is the deep groove that separates the cerebrum into
the right and left cerebral hemispheres . This is distinct from the transverse fissure, which
separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum .
,3. What is the purpose of the blood-brain barrier? Describe its maintenance from a cellular
level.
A) It is a diffusion barrier that allows all particles to freely enter the CNS tissue
B) It is a diffusion barrier which prevents most particles from entering the CNS tissue, keeping
the brain and spinal cord separate from general blood circulation; it is formed by the relatively
impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes
C) It is a barrier that only prevents the entry of nutrients into the brain
D) It is a barrier formed by neurons to block all blood flow to the brain
Correct Answer: It is a diffusion barrier which prevents most particles from entering the CNS
tissue, keeping the brain and spinal cord separate from general blood circulation; it is formed by
the relatively impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier is a diffusion barrier that prevents most particles from
entering the CNS tissue, maintaining a stable chemical environment for the nervous system . It
is formed by the relatively impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes .
Maintenance is important to provide a stable chemical environment .
4. Which region of the brain acts to coordinate multiple sources of sensory information?
A) Primary sensory cortex
B) Association area
C) Motor cortex
D) Cerebellum
Correct Answer: Association area
Rationale: Association areas process and integrate input from multiple sensory modalities to
produce perception and meaningful responses . They are responsible for higher-level functions
like recognizing objects and understanding language.
, 5. Which of the following is true concerning the cerebellum?
A) The cerebellum controls voluntary muscle force only
B) The anterior lobe receives information from the body trunk
C) The cerebellum initiates motor commands
D) The cerebellum has no role in balance
Correct Answer: The anterior lobe receives information from the body trunk
Rationale: The cerebellum is divided into lobes; the anterior lobe receives sensory information
from the body trunk . The cerebellum coordinates movement, maintains posture and balance,
and does not initiate motor commands .
6. The brainstem is continuous with the spinal cord at which structure?
A) Midbrain
B) Pons
C) Medulla oblongata
D) Thalamus
Correct Answer: Medulla oblongata
Rationale: The brainstem is continuous with the spinal cord at the medulla oblongata . The
medulla oblongata contains centers for cardiovascular and respiratory control, and it relays
signals between the brain and spinal cord.
7. A patient is having difficulty understanding language but can still speak fluently. The patient's
dermatomes are intact. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?
Rationales | 2026/27 Updates
1. Which of the following is the most superficial layer of the brain meninges?
A) Pia mater
B) Arachnoid mater
C) Dura mater
D) Subarachnoid space
Correct Answer: Dura mater
Rationale: The dura mater is the toughest, most superficial (outermost) layer of the meninges
protecting the brain and spinal cord . It provides a durable protective covering, distinguishing it
from the more delicate arachnoid mater and pia mater beneath .
2. The _____ fissure separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres.
A) Transverse
B) Central
C) Median longitudinal
D) Lateral
Correct Answer: Median longitudinal
Rationale: The median longitudinal fissure is the deep groove that separates the cerebrum into
the right and left cerebral hemispheres . This is distinct from the transverse fissure, which
separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum .
,3. What is the purpose of the blood-brain barrier? Describe its maintenance from a cellular
level.
A) It is a diffusion barrier that allows all particles to freely enter the CNS tissue
B) It is a diffusion barrier which prevents most particles from entering the CNS tissue, keeping
the brain and spinal cord separate from general blood circulation; it is formed by the relatively
impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes
C) It is a barrier that only prevents the entry of nutrients into the brain
D) It is a barrier formed by neurons to block all blood flow to the brain
Correct Answer: It is a diffusion barrier which prevents most particles from entering the CNS
tissue, keeping the brain and spinal cord separate from general blood circulation; it is formed by
the relatively impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier is a diffusion barrier that prevents most particles from
entering the CNS tissue, maintaining a stable chemical environment for the nervous system . It
is formed by the relatively impermeable brain capillaries, due to the glial cells called astrocytes .
Maintenance is important to provide a stable chemical environment .
4. Which region of the brain acts to coordinate multiple sources of sensory information?
A) Primary sensory cortex
B) Association area
C) Motor cortex
D) Cerebellum
Correct Answer: Association area
Rationale: Association areas process and integrate input from multiple sensory modalities to
produce perception and meaningful responses . They are responsible for higher-level functions
like recognizing objects and understanding language.
, 5. Which of the following is true concerning the cerebellum?
A) The cerebellum controls voluntary muscle force only
B) The anterior lobe receives information from the body trunk
C) The cerebellum initiates motor commands
D) The cerebellum has no role in balance
Correct Answer: The anterior lobe receives information from the body trunk
Rationale: The cerebellum is divided into lobes; the anterior lobe receives sensory information
from the body trunk . The cerebellum coordinates movement, maintains posture and balance,
and does not initiate motor commands .
6. The brainstem is continuous with the spinal cord at which structure?
A) Midbrain
B) Pons
C) Medulla oblongata
D) Thalamus
Correct Answer: Medulla oblongata
Rationale: The brainstem is continuous with the spinal cord at the medulla oblongata . The
medulla oblongata contains centers for cardiovascular and respiratory control, and it relays
signals between the brain and spinal cord.
7. A patient is having difficulty understanding language but can still speak fluently. The patient's
dermatomes are intact. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?
