BIOL 252 Anatomy &
Physiology II Study Guide – Key
Concepts for Exam Revision
(2026)
1. Which spinal nerve region is most critical for
diaphragm control and breathing?
A. L1–L5
B. C3–C5
C. T1–T6
D. S1–S5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The phrenic nerve arises from C3–C5
and controls the diaphragm.
2. Damage to which nerve most likely causes
inability to extend the wrist?
A. Median nerve
B. Ulnar nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Sciatic nerve
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The radial nerve controls wrist and
finger extension.
3. Which structure carries sensory information
into the spinal cord?
A. Ventral root
B. Dorsal root
C. Anterior horn
D. White column
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dorsal roots carry afferent (sensory)
input.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?
A. CN II
B. CN III
C. CN V
D. CN VIII
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The optic nerve transmits visual
information.
5. Which brain region is primarily responsible
for coordination and balance?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
,C. Thalamus
D. Hypothalamus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates movement
and balance.
6. What is the function of the hypothalamus?
A. Visual processing
B. Homeostasis and endocrine control
C. Speech production
D. Memory storage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It regulates temperature, hormones, and
autonomic control.
7. Which cranial nerve controls lateral eye
movement?
A. Trochlear
B. Abducens
C. Oculomotor
D. Trigeminal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CN VI abducts the eye.
8. Which structure is responsible for language
comprehension?
, A. Broca’s area
B. Wernicke’s area
C. Primary motor cortex
D. Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Wernicke’s area processes language
understanding.
9. The pia mater is best described as:
A. Tough outer layer
B. Middle protective layer
C. Thin layer tightly attached to brain
D. Fluid-filled space
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It adheres directly to brain tissue.
10. Which cranial nerve controls tongue
movement?
A. CN V
B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN XII
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypoglossal nerve controls tongue
muscles.
Physiology II Study Guide – Key
Concepts for Exam Revision
(2026)
1. Which spinal nerve region is most critical for
diaphragm control and breathing?
A. L1–L5
B. C3–C5
C. T1–T6
D. S1–S5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The phrenic nerve arises from C3–C5
and controls the diaphragm.
2. Damage to which nerve most likely causes
inability to extend the wrist?
A. Median nerve
B. Ulnar nerve
C. Radial nerve
D. Sciatic nerve
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The radial nerve controls wrist and
finger extension.
3. Which structure carries sensory information
into the spinal cord?
A. Ventral root
B. Dorsal root
C. Anterior horn
D. White column
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dorsal roots carry afferent (sensory)
input.
4. Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?
A. CN II
B. CN III
C. CN V
D. CN VIII
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The optic nerve transmits visual
information.
5. Which brain region is primarily responsible
for coordination and balance?
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
,C. Thalamus
D. Hypothalamus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates movement
and balance.
6. What is the function of the hypothalamus?
A. Visual processing
B. Homeostasis and endocrine control
C. Speech production
D. Memory storage
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It regulates temperature, hormones, and
autonomic control.
7. Which cranial nerve controls lateral eye
movement?
A. Trochlear
B. Abducens
C. Oculomotor
D. Trigeminal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CN VI abducts the eye.
8. Which structure is responsible for language
comprehension?
, A. Broca’s area
B. Wernicke’s area
C. Primary motor cortex
D. Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Wernicke’s area processes language
understanding.
9. The pia mater is best described as:
A. Tough outer layer
B. Middle protective layer
C. Thin layer tightly attached to brain
D. Fluid-filled space
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It adheres directly to brain tissue.
10. Which cranial nerve controls tongue
movement?
A. CN V
B. CN VII
C. CN IX
D. CN XII
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypoglossal nerve controls tongue
muscles.
