Nervous System & Neuro-Pathophysiology
250 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 NU 545 Advance Pathophysiology Unit 2 Exam: Nervous System & Neuro-Pathophysiology
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,Q1
Which portion of the brain is responsible for keeping you awake, controlling thought, speech,
emotions and behavior, maintaining balance and posture?
A) Cerebellum
B) Reticular formation CORRECT
C) Prefrontal area
D) Broca area
Rationale
The reticular formation is a large network of diffuse nuclei that connect the brainstem to the cortex. It is
essential for maintaining wakefulness (reticular activating system) and supports specific motor
movements like balance and posture.
Q2
What is the function of the arachnoid villi?
A) Produce cerebrospinal fluid
B) Reabsorb cerebrospinal fluid CORRECT
C) Transmit nerve impulses
D) Protect the brain
Rationale
The arachnoid villi protrude from the arachnoid space, through the dura mater, and lie within the blood
flow of the venous sinuses. They function as one-way valves directing CSF outflow into the blood.
Q3
Where is the primary defect in Parkinson's disease and Huntington's?
A) Pyramidal system
B) Extrapyramidal system CORRECT
C) Limbic system
D) Reticular formation
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,Rationale
The extrapyramidal system controls the motor system (involuntary movement). The substantia nigra
synthesizes dopamine, and dysfunction of dopamine neurons is associated with Parkinson's disease and
Huntington's disease.
Q4
Where is cerebrospinal fluid produced?
A) Arachnoid villi
B) Choroid plexuses CORRECT
C) Dura mater
D) Pia mater
Rationale
Ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses are the structures that produce CSF; they arise from the pia
mater.
Q5
What is the function of the corpus callosum?
A) Connect the two cerebral hemispheres CORRECT
B) Regulate body temperature
C) Produce cerebrospinal fluid
D) Control balance and posture
Rationale
The corpus callosum is a bundle of myelinated fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres
(conveying contralateral projection), essential in coordinating activities between hemispheres.
Q6
Which area of the brain is responsible for goal-oriented behavior, short-term memory,
concentration, and elaboration of thought?
A) Broca area
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, B) Prefrontal area CORRECT
C) Premotor area
D) Primary motor area
Rationale
The prefrontal area is responsible for goal-oriented behavior, short-term memory, concentration,
elaboration of thought, and inhibition of the limbic area (emotions).
Q7
Which area of the brain is responsible for the motor aspects of speech?
A) Wernicke area
B) Broca area CORRECT
C) Prefrontal area
D) Insula
Rationale
The Broca speech area is on the inferior frontal gyrus and is responsible for the motor aspects of speech.
Injury results in expressive aphasia or dysphasia.
Q8
Which area of the brain is responsible for the reception and interpretation of speech?
A) Broca area
B) Wernicke area CORRECT
C) Prefrontal area
D) Premotor area
Rationale
The Wernicke area and adjacent portions of the parietal lobe are a sensory speech area, responsible for
reception and interpretation of speech.
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