Portage Learning Anatomy & Physiology 2
Module 2 Exam · Complete Exam Pack
BIOD 152 — Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab | Module 2 Examination | Updated 2026–
2027
Central & Peripheral Nervous System Anatomy · Cranial Nerves · Brain Structures · Spinal Cord Pathways &
Reflex Arcs
Sensory & Motor Integration · Neurophysiology · Blood–Brain Barrier · Autonomic Divisions · Clinical
Correlations · Lab Applications
Undergraduate Health Sciences | Respondus LockDown Browser Secure Exam Format | 29 Questions · 100
Points · 60 Minutes
Exam Structure
The Portage Learning Anatomy & Physiology 2 Module 2 Exam for the 2026–2027 academic cycle
is a 29-question secure online examination administered through the Respondus LockDown
Browser with webcam monitoring. The instrument blends multiple-choice, multiple-select, short-
answer, and figure-identification items across a 60-minute window for 100 total points. Item
weighting below reflects the distribution used throughout this pack.
Section Items Weighting Points
Section I — Multiple Choice Q1–Q12 12 items × 3 pts 36 pts
Section II — Multiple Select Q13–Q16 4 items × 4 pts 16 pts
Section III — Figure Identification Q17–Q20 4 items × 5 pts 20 pts
Section IV — Short Answer Q21–Q26 6 items × 3 pts 18 pts
Section V — Clinical Correlation Q27–Q29 3 items × (4/3/3) pts 10 pts
TOTAL 29 items — 100 pts
Introduction
This guide prepares undergraduate health sciences students on the structural and functional
organization of the human nervous system. Content emphasizes anatomical identification,
physiological mechanisms, clinical correlations, and laboratory applications aligned with Portage
Learning BIOD 152 course objectives, ensuring learners can accurately label neuroanatomical
structures, explain neural signaling pathways, interpret cranial nerve functions, and apply
foundational knowledge to neurological case scenarios.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
,Section I · Multiple-Choice Items (Q1–Q12 · 3 points each)
Question 1 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
Which of the following correctly pairs a central nervous system (CNS) collection of neuron cell
bodies with its peripheral nervous system (PNS) counterpart?
A. Tract (CNS) — nerve (PNS)
B. Nucleus (CNS) — ganglion (PNS) ✓
C. Ganglion (CNS) — nucleus (PNS)
D. Column (CNS) — horn (PNS)
Correct Answer: B. Nucleus (CNS) — ganglion (PNS)
Rationale: Within the CNS a cluster of neuron cell bodies is termed a nucleus, whereas the equivalent
aggregation in the PNS is a ganglion. The parallel terminology for axon bundles is tract (CNS) versus nerve
(PNS); option A states that axonal pairing rather than the cell-body pairing the stem requests, and option C
simply inverts the correct relationship. Option D confuses regional descriptors of spinal cord white matter
(columns) and gray matter (horns), both of which are CNS terms.
References: Marieb & Hoehn, Human Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., Ch. 11; Saladin, Anatomy & Physiology, 9th ed.,
Ch. 12; Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 1–2 lecture content.
Question 2 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
A patient sustains damage that disrupts cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Which structure is
primarily responsible for forming CSF?
A. Arachnoid granulations
B. The choroid plexus of the ventricles ✓
C. Astrocytic end-feet of the blood–brain barrier
D. The dural venous sinuses
Correct Answer: B. The choroid plexus of the ventricles
Rationale: The choroid plexus is a network of capillaries within the ventricles that filters blood plasma to
form CSF. Arachnoid granulations (villi) perform the opposite function — they return CSF to the superior
sagittal sinus — so option A describes reabsorption rather than production. Astrocytes contribute to blood–
brain barrier integrity but do not secrete CSF, and the dural venous sinuses are drainage channels for venous
blood and reabsorbed CSF.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid'; Marieb & Hoehn, 11th ed., Ch.
12; Martini, Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., Ch. 14.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
, Question 3 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
The blood–brain barrier is formed primarily by which of the following, and what is its principal
physiological purpose?
A. Fenestrated capillaries supported by microglia; rapid immune surveillance
B. Relatively impermeable brain capillaries supported by astrocytes; maintenance of a
stable chemical environment for neurons ✓
C. Ependymal cells lining the central canal; circulation of CSF
D. The pia mater; mechanical anchoring of the brain to the cranium
Correct Answer: B. Relatively impermeable brain capillaries supported by astrocytes;
maintenance of a stable chemical environment for neurons
Rationale: The barrier arises from continuous, tight-junction-sealed endothelium of brain capillaries whose
properties are induced and maintained by astrocyte end-feet. Its purpose is to keep the brain and spinal cord
chemically separate from the general circulation, protecting neurons from fluctuations in plasma composition
that could trigger uncontrolled firing. Fenestrated capillaries (option A) are precisely what the CNS lacks;
ependymal cells move CSF but do not constitute the barrier; and the pia mater is a meningeal membrane, not a
diffusion barrier.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Blood–Brain Barrier'; Saladin, 9th ed., Ch. 14; Daneman & Prat, 'The
Blood–Brain Barrier,' Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 2015.
Question 4 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
Which meningeal layer is the tough, double-layered outermost covering of the brain, and which
space lies immediately deep to the middle meninx?
A. Pia mater; epidural space
B. Arachnoid mater; subdural space
C. Dura mater; subarachnoid space ✓
D. Dura mater; epidural space
Correct Answer: C. Dura mater; subarachnoid space
Rationale: The leathery, double-layered dura mater is the most superficial meninx. Deep to the middle
arachnoid mater lies the subarachnoid space, which contains CSF and blood vessels. The subdural space
separates dura from arachnoid — it is superficial, not deep, to the arachnoid — and the epidural space of the
vertebral canal is external to the dura and filled with fat and veins.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Meninges'; Marieb & Hoehn, 11th ed., Ch. 12; Moore, Clinically
Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed., Ch. 7.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
Module 2 Exam · Complete Exam Pack
BIOD 152 — Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab | Module 2 Examination | Updated 2026–
2027
Central & Peripheral Nervous System Anatomy · Cranial Nerves · Brain Structures · Spinal Cord Pathways &
Reflex Arcs
Sensory & Motor Integration · Neurophysiology · Blood–Brain Barrier · Autonomic Divisions · Clinical
Correlations · Lab Applications
Undergraduate Health Sciences | Respondus LockDown Browser Secure Exam Format | 29 Questions · 100
Points · 60 Minutes
Exam Structure
The Portage Learning Anatomy & Physiology 2 Module 2 Exam for the 2026–2027 academic cycle
is a 29-question secure online examination administered through the Respondus LockDown
Browser with webcam monitoring. The instrument blends multiple-choice, multiple-select, short-
answer, and figure-identification items across a 60-minute window for 100 total points. Item
weighting below reflects the distribution used throughout this pack.
Section Items Weighting Points
Section I — Multiple Choice Q1–Q12 12 items × 3 pts 36 pts
Section II — Multiple Select Q13–Q16 4 items × 4 pts 16 pts
Section III — Figure Identification Q17–Q20 4 items × 5 pts 20 pts
Section IV — Short Answer Q21–Q26 6 items × 3 pts 18 pts
Section V — Clinical Correlation Q27–Q29 3 items × (4/3/3) pts 10 pts
TOTAL 29 items — 100 pts
Introduction
This guide prepares undergraduate health sciences students on the structural and functional
organization of the human nervous system. Content emphasizes anatomical identification,
physiological mechanisms, clinical correlations, and laboratory applications aligned with Portage
Learning BIOD 152 course objectives, ensuring learners can accurately label neuroanatomical
structures, explain neural signaling pathways, interpret cranial nerve functions, and apply
foundational knowledge to neurological case scenarios.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
,Section I · Multiple-Choice Items (Q1–Q12 · 3 points each)
Question 1 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
Which of the following correctly pairs a central nervous system (CNS) collection of neuron cell
bodies with its peripheral nervous system (PNS) counterpart?
A. Tract (CNS) — nerve (PNS)
B. Nucleus (CNS) — ganglion (PNS) ✓
C. Ganglion (CNS) — nucleus (PNS)
D. Column (CNS) — horn (PNS)
Correct Answer: B. Nucleus (CNS) — ganglion (PNS)
Rationale: Within the CNS a cluster of neuron cell bodies is termed a nucleus, whereas the equivalent
aggregation in the PNS is a ganglion. The parallel terminology for axon bundles is tract (CNS) versus nerve
(PNS); option A states that axonal pairing rather than the cell-body pairing the stem requests, and option C
simply inverts the correct relationship. Option D confuses regional descriptors of spinal cord white matter
(columns) and gray matter (horns), both of which are CNS terms.
References: Marieb & Hoehn, Human Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., Ch. 11; Saladin, Anatomy & Physiology, 9th ed.,
Ch. 12; Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 1–2 lecture content.
Question 2 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
A patient sustains damage that disrupts cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Which structure is
primarily responsible for forming CSF?
A. Arachnoid granulations
B. The choroid plexus of the ventricles ✓
C. Astrocytic end-feet of the blood–brain barrier
D. The dural venous sinuses
Correct Answer: B. The choroid plexus of the ventricles
Rationale: The choroid plexus is a network of capillaries within the ventricles that filters blood plasma to
form CSF. Arachnoid granulations (villi) perform the opposite function — they return CSF to the superior
sagittal sinus — so option A describes reabsorption rather than production. Astrocytes contribute to blood–
brain barrier integrity but do not secrete CSF, and the dural venous sinuses are drainage channels for venous
blood and reabsorbed CSF.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid'; Marieb & Hoehn, 11th ed., Ch.
12; Martini, Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, 11th ed., Ch. 14.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
, Question 3 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
The blood–brain barrier is formed primarily by which of the following, and what is its principal
physiological purpose?
A. Fenestrated capillaries supported by microglia; rapid immune surveillance
B. Relatively impermeable brain capillaries supported by astrocytes; maintenance of a
stable chemical environment for neurons ✓
C. Ependymal cells lining the central canal; circulation of CSF
D. The pia mater; mechanical anchoring of the brain to the cranium
Correct Answer: B. Relatively impermeable brain capillaries supported by astrocytes;
maintenance of a stable chemical environment for neurons
Rationale: The barrier arises from continuous, tight-junction-sealed endothelium of brain capillaries whose
properties are induced and maintained by astrocyte end-feet. Its purpose is to keep the brain and spinal cord
chemically separate from the general circulation, protecting neurons from fluctuations in plasma composition
that could trigger uncontrolled firing. Fenestrated capillaries (option A) are precisely what the CNS lacks;
ependymal cells move CSF but do not constitute the barrier; and the pia mater is a meningeal membrane, not a
diffusion barrier.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Blood–Brain Barrier'; Saladin, 9th ed., Ch. 14; Daneman & Prat, 'The
Blood–Brain Barrier,' Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 2015.
Question 4 (3 points · Multiple Choice)
Which meningeal layer is the tough, double-layered outermost covering of the brain, and which
space lies immediately deep to the middle meninx?
A. Pia mater; epidural space
B. Arachnoid mater; subdural space
C. Dura mater; subarachnoid space ✓
D. Dura mater; epidural space
Correct Answer: C. Dura mater; subarachnoid space
Rationale: The leathery, double-layered dura mater is the most superficial meninx. Deep to the middle
arachnoid mater lies the subarachnoid space, which contains CSF and blood vessels. The subdural space
separates dura from arachnoid — it is superficial, not deep, to the arachnoid — and the epidural space of the
vertebral canal is external to the dura and filled with fat and veins.
References: Portage Learning BIOD 152 Module 2, 'Meninges'; Marieb & Hoehn, 11th ed., Ch. 12; Moore, Clinically
Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed., Ch. 7.
Portage Learning · BIOD 152 Essential Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab · Module 2 Exam Pack · 2025–2026
