NU 578 UNIT 3 EXAM: ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE
NEUROLOGICAL AND SENSORY
SYSTEMS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
100% GUARANTEE PASS | UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTH ALABAMA
1. Which portion of the neuron is primarily responsible for the synthesis of
neurotransmitters?
A. Cell body (Soma)
B. Axon hillock
C. Dendrites
D. Nodes of Ranvier
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The cell body or soma contains the nucleus and organelles like
the rough endoplasmic reticulum (Nissl bodies) required for protein and neurotransmitter
synthesis.
2. In the gate control theory of pain, which structure acts as the ‘gate’ that modulates pain
impulse transmission?
A. Thalamus
,B. Periaqueductal gray matter
C. Substantia gelatinosa
D. Anterior cingulate cortex
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The substantia gelatinosa in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord
functions as a gate, where stimulation of larger A-beta fibers can inhibit the transmission of
pain signals from smaller fibers.
3. A patient presents with ‘worst headache of my life’, photophobia, and nuchal rigidity.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Epidural hematoma
B. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
C. Ischemic stroke
D. Transient ischemic attack
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, often due to a ruptured aneurysm,
classically presents with a ‘thunderclap’ headache and signs of meningeal irritation.
4. What is the primary pathological mechanism of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia
B. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord
, C. Autoimmune destruction of CNS myelin
D. Demyelination of peripheral nerves
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by
demyelination and plaque formation within the Central Nervous System (CNS).
5. Which neurotransmitter deficit is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A decrease in choline acetyltransferase activity leads to a
significant deficit in acetylcholine, contributing to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
6. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with
spinal cord injuries at or above which level?
A. T6
B. T10
C. L1
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE
NEUROLOGICAL AND SENSORY
SYSTEMS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
100% GUARANTEE PASS | UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTH ALABAMA
1. Which portion of the neuron is primarily responsible for the synthesis of
neurotransmitters?
A. Cell body (Soma)
B. Axon hillock
C. Dendrites
D. Nodes of Ranvier
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The cell body or soma contains the nucleus and organelles like
the rough endoplasmic reticulum (Nissl bodies) required for protein and neurotransmitter
synthesis.
2. In the gate control theory of pain, which structure acts as the ‘gate’ that modulates pain
impulse transmission?
A. Thalamus
,B. Periaqueductal gray matter
C. Substantia gelatinosa
D. Anterior cingulate cortex
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The substantia gelatinosa in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord
functions as a gate, where stimulation of larger A-beta fibers can inhibit the transmission of
pain signals from smaller fibers.
3. A patient presents with ‘worst headache of my life’, photophobia, and nuchal rigidity.
Which condition is most likely?
A. Epidural hematoma
B. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
C. Ischemic stroke
D. Transient ischemic attack
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, often due to a ruptured aneurysm,
classically presents with a ‘thunderclap’ headache and signs of meningeal irritation.
4. What is the primary pathological mechanism of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
A. Depletion of dopamine in the basal ganglia
B. Degeneration of lower motor neurons in the spinal cord
, C. Autoimmune destruction of CNS myelin
D. Demyelination of peripheral nerves
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by
demyelination and plaque formation within the Central Nervous System (CNS).
5. Which neurotransmitter deficit is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A decrease in choline acetyltransferase activity leads to a
significant deficit in acetylcholine, contributing to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
6. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening complication most commonly associated with
spinal cord injuries at or above which level?
A. T6
B. T10
C. L1
