Central Nervous System Functions Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the medulla in the central nervous system?

Control of fight-or-flight reactions

Coordination of voluntary movements

Processing sensory information

Regulation of vital autonomic functions (correct)

Which part of the nervous system contains the spinal and cranial nerves?

Somatic Nervous System

Peripheral Nervous System (correct)

Autonomic Nervous System

Central Nervous System

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for restoring normal body functions after stress?

Central Nervous System

Cranial division

Sympathetic division

Parasympathetic division (correct)

What condition describes a temporary loss of consciousness?

Syncope Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the inability to control the distance, power, and speed of muscular action?

Dysmetria Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the spinal cord in the central nervous system?

Connecting the brain with the peripheral body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebellum in the central nervous system?

Maintaining equilibrium and coordination Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct position for testing the Achilles reflex?

Knee flexed and hip externally rotated Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal response when testing the Achilles tendon?

Plantar flexion of the foot against resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal segments are assessed during the plantar reflex test?

L4 to S2 Signup and view all the answers

What should be observed when performing a superficial reflex test on the sole of the foot?

Plantar flexion of toes and forefoot inversion Signup and view all the answers

What three aspects are evaluated during a neurologic re-check?

Level of consciousness, motor function, and pupillary response Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted when assessing motor function of the facial nerve?

Mobility and facial symmetry Signup and view all the answers

Which test is not used to assess the vestibulocochlear nerve?

Gag reflex Signup and view all the answers

What movement should the uvula and soft palate exhibit during the assessment of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves?

Rise in the midline Signup and view all the answers

What should be observed during the hypoglossal nerve assessment?

Forward thrust in the midline Signup and view all the answers

How should a client indicate the sensation when assessing sharp and dull sensations?

By saying 'sharp' or 'dull' Signup and view all the answers

During sensory function testing, which areas are typically brushed with a cotton ball?

Random order: arms, forearms, hands, chest, thighs & legs Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted when checking the strength of the spinal accessory nerve?

Strength should feel equally strong on both sides Signup and view all the answers

Which item should be used to assess the sensory function of pain?

A tongue blade with a sharp point and dull spot Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking the client to say 'light, tight, dynamite' during the hypoglossal nerve assessment?

To assess lingual speech clarity Signup and view all the answers

What should the client respond to when touch is felt during the sensory assessment?

Now or yes Signup and view all the answers

During a vibration test, what is the correct method of presenting the tuning fork?

Strike the tuning fork on the heel of your hand and place on a bony surface. Signup and view all the answers

In the kinesthesia test, what should the client do with their eyes during the assessment?

Close their eyes. Signup and view all the answers

When testing stereognosis, what is required from the client?

Identify familiar objects with eyes closed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the graphesthesia test?

To determine the ability to identify traced numbers or letters. Signup and view all the answers

In the extinction test, what should the client do before the assessment begins?

Close their eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT assessed in muscle function during a motor assessment?

Color Signup and view all the answers

What term describes reduced muscle strength?

Paresis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tone' refer to in muscle assessment?

State of contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a normal finding when assessing sensation in the extinction test?

Both sensations are felt simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What does a score of 4+ on the reflex response scale indicate?

Very brisk, hyperactive Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Romberg Test?

To test balance and posture Signup and view all the answers

During which reflex test is the client instructed to let their arm 'just go dead'?

Triceps reflex Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following movements indicates normal deep tendon reflex results?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to assess rapid alternating movements?

Finger-to-finger test Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by ataxia during a coordination assessment?

Uncoordinated, unsteady gait Signup and view all the answers

What does a client being able to walk heel-to-toe demonstrate?

Normal gait and balance Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex is associated with the C5 to C6 nerve roots?

Biceps reflex Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted if involuntary movements are present during an assessment?

Location, rate, frequency, and amplitude Signup and view all the answers

What does hyporeflexia indicate?

Minimal reflex response Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to identify pertinent neurological system history questions.
Students will be able to obtain a neurological system history.
Students will be able to perform a physical assessment of the neurological system.
Students will be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings.
Students will be able to document neurological system findings.

Structure and Function of the Nervous System

The Nervous system is divided into:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
  - Cranial nerves (12 pairs)
  - Spinal nerves (31 pairs)
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Nerves carry information to and from the CNS:
- Sensory (afferent) messages from sensory receptors to CNS.
- Motor (efferent) messages from CNS to muscles and glands.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS consists of:
- Cerebrum (or cerebral cortex)
- Brainstem
- Cerebellum
Cerebral Cortex:
- Center for higher-level functions (memory, reasoning, sensation), and voluntary movement.
- Divided into four lobes:
  - Frontal: Personality, behaviour, emotions, and intellectual function.
  - Parietal: Sensation
  - Temporal: Hearing, taste, and smell.
  - Occipital: Vision
Brainstem:
- Midbrain: Anterior part of the brainstem, contains motor neurons and tracts.
- Pons: Contains ascending sensory and descending motor tracts.
- Medulla: Contains vital autonomic centers (respiration, heart, and gastrointestinal function) and cranial nerve nuclei (VIII-XII).
Cerebellum: Located under the occipital lobe; coordinates voluntary movements, equilibrium, and muscle tone.

Spinal Cord

Extends from the upper border of the first cervical vertebra to the lower border of the first lumbar vertebra.
Primary pathway for messages between peripheral areas of the body and brain.
Encased and protected by meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
Protected by the bony vertebrae of the spine.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of:
- Spinal nerves: 31 pairs (both efferent and afferent nerves); named after the region of the spine they exit (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal).
- Cranial nerves: 12 pairs.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Contains motor neurons that regulate visceral organs and affect smooth, cardiac muscles, and glands.
- Sympathetic division: Controls fight-or-flight reactions.
- Parasympathetic division: Restores and maintains normal body functions.

Subjective Data

Headache?
Head injury?
Dizziness/vertigo/syncope (temporary loss of consciousness)?
Seizures (altered or loss of consciousness, involuntary muscle movements)?
Tremors (involuntary shaking)?
Weakness (including paresis and paralysis)?
Incoordination (balance problems when walking)?
Dysmetria (inability to control distance, power, and speed of muscular action)?
Numbness or tingling (Paresthesia)?
Difficulty speaking (dysarthria or dysphasia)?
Past history of stroke, spinal cord injury, meningitis, encephalitis, or congenital defects?

Objective Data

Sequence for Complete Neurological Examination:
- Mental status
- Cranial nerve function
- Sensory function
- Motor function
- Reflexes
Mental Status- ABCT:
- Appearance, posture, body movements, dress, grooming, hygiene
- Behavior: Level of consciousness, facial expression, speech, mood, affect
- Cognitive function: Orientation (time, place, person), attention span, recent and remote memory
- Thought process and perception: Thought process and content, perceptions, screening for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Cranial Nerves (specific tests for each nerve):
- I (Olfactory): Smell.
- II (Optic): Vision (acuity and fields).
- III (Oculomotor), IV (Trochlear), VI (Abducens): Eye movement, pupil reactions.
- V (Trigeminal): Motor (jaw muscles), Sensory (face).
- VII (Facial): Facial expressions, taste.
- VIII (Acoustic/Vestibulocochlear): Hearing and balance.
- IX (Glossopharyngeal), X (Vagus): Swallowing, taste, gag reflex.
- XI (Spinal Accessory): Shoulder and head movement.
- XII (Hypoglossal): Tongue movement.
Sensory Function:
- Pain: Sharp vs. dull sensation.
- Light touch
- Vibration
- Position (Kinesthesia)
- Stereognosis
- Graphesthesia
- Extinction
Motor Function:
- Muscle size, strength, tone, involuntary movement
- Cerebellar function (Coordination and skilled movements tests and balance tests)
Reflexes:
- Deep tendon reflexes: Biceps, Triceps, Brachioradialis, Quadriceps, Achilles.
- Superficial reflexes: Plantar.
Neurologic Re-check:
- Level of consciousness
- Motor function
- Pupillary response
- Vital signs
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Sample Charting (both subjective and objective data): Includes examples.

Abnormal Findings

Muscle Tone: Flaccidity (decreased tone) or Spasticity (increased tone).
Muscle Movement: Paralysis (decreased or loss of motor power); different types of paralysis (e.g., monoplegia, hemiplegia, etc.). Tremor (involuntary muscle contractions).
Gait: Spastic hemiparesis, scissors gait, cerebellar ataxia, steppage or footdrop.
Postures Decerebrate rigidity, decorticate rigidity.
Meningeal irritation: Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the primary functions of the central nervous system. This quiz covers key concepts such as the roles of the medulla, spinal cord, cerebellum, and various reflex tests. Perfect for students studying anatomy or neuroscience.