BIOD 152: Module 2 Exam Portage Learning Questions and
Answers 2026 Practice Set
BIOD 152: Module 2 Brain and Nerve Anatomy Test Bank
1. Which fissure separates the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres?
A. Transverse fissure
B. Lateral sulcus
C. Median longitudinal fissure
D. Central sulcus
Answer: C
Rationale: The median longitudinal fissure is the deep groove that divides the two
cerebral hemispheres along the midline.
2. The "Pre-central Gyrus" is the primary site for which of the following?
A. Sensory perception
B. Voluntary motor control
C. Visual processing
D. Auditory processing
Answer: B
Rationale: Located in the frontal lobe, the pre-central gyrus houses the primary motor
cortex responsible for sending voluntary movement signals to muscles.
3. Which structure acts as a "bridge" connecting the cerebellum to the rest of the
brainstem?
A. Medulla oblongata
B. Midbrain
C. Pons
D. Thalamus
Answer: C
Rationale: The pons (meaning "bridge") contains bundles of axons that connect different
levels of the CNS, specifically the cerebellum to the brainstem.
4. Damage to the "Wernicke’s Area" would most likely result in which symptom?
A. Inability to move the tongue
B. Difficulty understanding spoken or written language
C. Loss of vision in one eye
D. Tremors during movement
,Answer: B
Rationale: Wernicke’s area is the sensory speech center; damage allows a person to
speak fluently, but the words lack meaning (word salad).
5. Which meningeal layer is in direct contact with the surface of the brain and
spinal cord?
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Subdural space
Answer: C
Rationale: The pia mater is the innermost, delicate, and highly vascularized layer that
clings tightly to every fold of the brain.
6. The "Brachial Plexus" arises from which spinal nerve roots?
A. C1-C4
B. C5-T1
C. L1-L4
D. L4-S4
Answer: B
Rationale: The brachial plexus provides the nerve supply for the upper limbs and is
formed by the ventral rami of C5 through T1.
7. Which cranial nerve (CN) is responsible for the motor movement of the tongue
during speech and swallowing?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Rationale: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is primarily a motor nerve that controls the
muscles of the tongue.
8. The "Ventricles" of the brain are filled with which fluid?
A. Blood
B. Lymph
C. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
D. Interstitial fluid
Answer: C
, Rationale: The ventricles are a network of cavities within the brain where CSF is
produced and circulated.
9. Which part of the brainstem contains the "Pyramids," where motor tracts cross
over to the opposite side?
A. Midbrain
B. Pons
C. Medulla Oblongata
D. Hypothalamus
Answer: C
Rationale: Decussation (crossing over) occurs in the pyramids of the medulla, resulting
in the left brain controlling the right side of the body.
10. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" is caused by compression of which nerve?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Median nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: C
Rationale: The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist; inflammation
here causes pain and numbness in the hand.
11. The "Basal Nuclei" are primarily involved in:
A. Storing long-term memories
B. Regulating the intensity and starting/stopping of movements
C. Reflexive breathing
D. Producing melatonin
Answer: B
Rationale: The basal nuclei (or basal ganglia) act as a "filter" for motor signals, ensuring
movements are smooth and coordinated.
12. Which structure connects the Third and Fourth Ventricles?
A. Interventricular foramen
B. Cerebral aqueduct
C. Central canal
D. Median aperture
Answer: B
Rationale: The cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius) is a narrow channel passing through the
midbrain to transport CSF.
Answers 2026 Practice Set
BIOD 152: Module 2 Brain and Nerve Anatomy Test Bank
1. Which fissure separates the cerebrum into right and left hemispheres?
A. Transverse fissure
B. Lateral sulcus
C. Median longitudinal fissure
D. Central sulcus
Answer: C
Rationale: The median longitudinal fissure is the deep groove that divides the two
cerebral hemispheres along the midline.
2. The "Pre-central Gyrus" is the primary site for which of the following?
A. Sensory perception
B. Voluntary motor control
C. Visual processing
D. Auditory processing
Answer: B
Rationale: Located in the frontal lobe, the pre-central gyrus houses the primary motor
cortex responsible for sending voluntary movement signals to muscles.
3. Which structure acts as a "bridge" connecting the cerebellum to the rest of the
brainstem?
A. Medulla oblongata
B. Midbrain
C. Pons
D. Thalamus
Answer: C
Rationale: The pons (meaning "bridge") contains bundles of axons that connect different
levels of the CNS, specifically the cerebellum to the brainstem.
4. Damage to the "Wernicke’s Area" would most likely result in which symptom?
A. Inability to move the tongue
B. Difficulty understanding spoken or written language
C. Loss of vision in one eye
D. Tremors during movement
,Answer: B
Rationale: Wernicke’s area is the sensory speech center; damage allows a person to
speak fluently, but the words lack meaning (word salad).
5. Which meningeal layer is in direct contact with the surface of the brain and
spinal cord?
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Subdural space
Answer: C
Rationale: The pia mater is the innermost, delicate, and highly vascularized layer that
clings tightly to every fold of the brain.
6. The "Brachial Plexus" arises from which spinal nerve roots?
A. C1-C4
B. C5-T1
C. L1-L4
D. L4-S4
Answer: B
Rationale: The brachial plexus provides the nerve supply for the upper limbs and is
formed by the ventral rami of C5 through T1.
7. Which cranial nerve (CN) is responsible for the motor movement of the tongue
during speech and swallowing?
A. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
B. CN X (Vagus)
C. CN XI (Accessory)
D. CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: D
Rationale: The Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is primarily a motor nerve that controls the
muscles of the tongue.
8. The "Ventricles" of the brain are filled with which fluid?
A. Blood
B. Lymph
C. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
D. Interstitial fluid
Answer: C
, Rationale: The ventricles are a network of cavities within the brain where CSF is
produced and circulated.
9. Which part of the brainstem contains the "Pyramids," where motor tracts cross
over to the opposite side?
A. Midbrain
B. Pons
C. Medulla Oblongata
D. Hypothalamus
Answer: C
Rationale: Decussation (crossing over) occurs in the pyramids of the medulla, resulting
in the left brain controlling the right side of the body.
10. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" is caused by compression of which nerve?
A. Ulnar nerve
B. Radial nerve
C. Median nerve
D. Axillary nerve
Answer: C
Rationale: The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist; inflammation
here causes pain and numbness in the hand.
11. The "Basal Nuclei" are primarily involved in:
A. Storing long-term memories
B. Regulating the intensity and starting/stopping of movements
C. Reflexive breathing
D. Producing melatonin
Answer: B
Rationale: The basal nuclei (or basal ganglia) act as a "filter" for motor signals, ensuring
movements are smooth and coordinated.
12. Which structure connects the Third and Fourth Ventricles?
A. Interventricular foramen
B. Cerebral aqueduct
C. Central canal
D. Median aperture
Answer: B
Rationale: The cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius) is a narrow channel passing through the
midbrain to transport CSF.
