Pathophysiology Module 6 Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
List the 2 major divisions of the nervous system and the structures found in each. -
Correct answer-central nervous system (CNS) containing the brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS) containing spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and
ganglia that are outside of the PNS.
Describe the meninges and their function. - Correct answer-The meninges are
connective tissue sheaths that surround the brain and spinal cord.
pia mater: is the innermost layer of the meninges. It is thin and delicate and
contains surface level blood vessels that perfuse the brain and spinal cord.
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,arachnoid layer: second layer. It encases the entire CNS and is delicate,
nonvascular, and waterproof. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates in an area just
below the arachnoid layer called the subarachnoid space.
dura mater: outermost layer. strong, continuous connective tissue sheath that
provides the brain and spinal cord with most of its protection.
Describe how CSF is produced and its function. - Correct answer-CSF serves as a
cushion for the brain and spinal cord protecting them from outside physical force.
It maintains a constant ionic environment that allows for the diffusion of essential
nutrients, electrolytes, and metabolic waste products into the extracellular fluid
surrounding the CNS neurons.
A thin layer of neuroglial cells, ependyma, line the ventricles of the brain and the
central canal of the spinal cord. Specialized ependymal cells called the choroid
plexus project into the ventricles and produce CSF.
cranial nerves and functions - Correct answer-olfactory
optic
oculomotor
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, trochlear
trigeminal abducens
facial vestibulocochlear glossopharyngeal
vagus
accessory hypoglossal
What is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons? - Correct answer-
Afferent neurons carry sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord
and brain while efferent neurons carry motor output from the brain and spinal cord
to the periphery.
Divisions of the nervous system and their functions - Correct answer-CNS, PNS
PNS: somatic nervous system and autonomic NS (also efferent and efferent)
Autonomic: parasympathetic and sympathetic
somatic nervous system - Correct answer-generally under voluntary control,
innervating the movement of skeletal muscles, skin, and joints
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Questions and Answers
List the 2 major divisions of the nervous system and the structures found in each. -
Correct answer-central nervous system (CNS) containing the brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system (PNS) containing spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and
ganglia that are outside of the PNS.
Describe the meninges and their function. - Correct answer-The meninges are
connective tissue sheaths that surround the brain and spinal cord.
pia mater: is the innermost layer of the meninges. It is thin and delicate and
contains surface level blood vessels that perfuse the brain and spinal cord.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,arachnoid layer: second layer. It encases the entire CNS and is delicate,
nonvascular, and waterproof. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates in an area just
below the arachnoid layer called the subarachnoid space.
dura mater: outermost layer. strong, continuous connective tissue sheath that
provides the brain and spinal cord with most of its protection.
Describe how CSF is produced and its function. - Correct answer-CSF serves as a
cushion for the brain and spinal cord protecting them from outside physical force.
It maintains a constant ionic environment that allows for the diffusion of essential
nutrients, electrolytes, and metabolic waste products into the extracellular fluid
surrounding the CNS neurons.
A thin layer of neuroglial cells, ependyma, line the ventricles of the brain and the
central canal of the spinal cord. Specialized ependymal cells called the choroid
plexus project into the ventricles and produce CSF.
cranial nerves and functions - Correct answer-olfactory
optic
oculomotor
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, trochlear
trigeminal abducens
facial vestibulocochlear glossopharyngeal
vagus
accessory hypoglossal
What is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons? - Correct answer-
Afferent neurons carry sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord
and brain while efferent neurons carry motor output from the brain and spinal cord
to the periphery.
Divisions of the nervous system and their functions - Correct answer-CNS, PNS
PNS: somatic nervous system and autonomic NS (also efferent and efferent)
Autonomic: parasympathetic and sympathetic
somatic nervous system - Correct answer-generally under voluntary control,
innervating the movement of skeletal muscles, skin, and joints
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
