NURS 2373 ACTUAL FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWER WITH RATIONALE 2026 GRADED

The __________ nervous system includes motor and sensory pathways regulating voluntary
motor control.
A. Autonomic
B. Somatic
C. Enteric
D. Central
Answer: B. Somatic
Rationale: The somatic nervous system mediates voluntary skeletal muscle control and conscious
sensory input.

Which set correctly lists the three branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
A. Sympathetic, Somatic, Enteric
B. Parasympathetic, Somatic, Central
C. Sympathetic, Parasympathetic, Enteric
D. Cerebral, Spinal, Enteric
Answer: C. Sympathetic, Parasympathetic, Enteric
Rationale: The ANS is classically divided into sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric
divisions.

Which structures are included in the forebrain?
A. Cerebellum and pons
B. Cerebral cortex and diencephalon (thalamus/hypothalamus)
C. Medulla and pons
D. Substantia nigra and cerebral peduncles
Answer: B. Cerebral cortex and diencephalon (thalamus/hypothalamus)
Rationale: The forebrain includes the cerebral cortex and diencephalon.

The reticular formation is best described as:
A. A cerebellar tract controlling gait

,B. A collection of nuclei within the brainstem that maintains arousal and consciousness
C. A meningeal fold separating cerebral hemispheres
D. A ventricular structure producing CSF
Answer: B. A collection of nuclei within the brainstem that maintains arousal and consciousness
Rationale: It regulates consciousness, arousal, alertness, and vital reflexes.

The tentorium cerebelli is:
A. A ligament connecting vertebrae
B. The extension of dura mater separating cerebellum from occipital lobes
C. A CSF reabsorption structure
D. The fibrous cord tethering the spinal cord to the coccyx
Answer: B. The extension of dura mater separating cerebellum from occipital lobes
Rationale: Tentorium cerebelli is a dural reflection separating cerebellum from inferior occipital
lobes.

In order from superficial to deep, which sequence is correct for meninges and key spaces?
A. Dura → epidural → arachnoid → subdural → pia → subarachnoid
B. Epidural space → dura → subdural space → arachnoid → subarachnoid space → pia
C. Epidural space → arachnoid → subdural → dura → pia → subarachnoid
D. Pia → subarachnoid → arachnoid → subdural → dura → epidural
Answer: B. Epidural space → dura → subdural space → arachnoid → subarachnoid space → pia
Rationale: That is the correct superficial-to-deep arrangement.

Spinal anesthesia (local anesthetic for “spinal”) is administered into the:
A. Epidural space
B. Subdural space
C. Subarachnoid space
D. Ventricular system
Answer: C. Subarachnoid space
Rationale: CSF-filled subarachnoid space is the target for spinal anesthesia.

The dura mater extends from the foramen magnum to approximately which vertebral level?
A. L1
B. S2–S3

,C. C7
D. T12
Answer: B. S2–S3
Rationale: The dural sac terminates around S2–S3.

The arachnoid mater ends at approximately:
A. L1
B. S2
C. T12
D. C1
Answer: B. S2
Rationale: Arachnoid typically extends to S2.

In adults, the spinal cord commonly extends from the foramen magnum to:
A. L4
B. L1
C. S2
D. T10
Answer: B. L1
Rationale: Adult conus typically ends near L1 (children are lower, often around L3).

“Tuffier’s line” crosses the:
A. Sacral promontory
B. Iliac crests
C. Greater trochanters
D. Scapular spines
Answer: B. Iliac crests
Rationale: The intercristal line is used to approximate L4.

 The largest intervertebral space (Taylor’s space) is:
A. L3–L4
B. L4–L5
C. L5–S1
D. T12–L1

, Answer: C. L5–S1
Rationale: L5–S1 is typically the largest interspace.

 The spinal cord terminates with the __________, tethered by the __________.
A. Cauda equina; ligamentum flavum
B. Conus medullaris; filum terminale
C. Medulla; tentorium cerebelli
D. Pons; arachnoid villi
Answer: B. Conus medullaris; filum terminale
Rationale: Filum terminale anchors the conus to the coccyx.

 Distal to the conus medullaris is the:
A. Corpus callosum
B. Cauda equina
C. Substantia nigra
D. Circle of Willis
Answer: B. Cauda equina
Rationale: It is the collection of lumbar and sacral nerve roots.

 The intervertebral disc includes the fibrous outer ring and central core called:
A. Pia mater and arachnoid mater
B. Annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus
C. Dura mater and epidural fat
D. Pedicle and lamina
Answer: B. Annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus
Rationale: Annulus is outer fibrous ring; nucleus is gelatinous center.

 Two pedicles and two laminae join to form the:
A. Vertebral body
B. Vertebral arch
C. Vertebral foramen
D. Spinous process
Answer: B. Vertebral arch
Rationale: Pedicles + laminae form the vertebral arch.