Biology 241 – Lecture
Chapter 13 (Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves)
Practice Quiz
I. Arrange the answers in correct sequence:
___, ___, ___, ___, __ 1. Order of structures in a reflex arc (conduction pathway) from origin to termination
A. Motor neuron B. Sensory neuron C. Integrative neuron D. Receptor E. Effector
___, __, __, __, __, __ 2. From superficial to deep: A. Subarachnoid space B. Epidural space C. Pia mater
D. Dura mater E. Arachnoid mater F. Subdural space
___, ___, ___, ___, ___3. From superior to inferior: A. Lumbar enlargement B. Cauda equina C. Filum terminale
D. Cervical enlargement E. Conus medullaris
____, ____, ____, ____4. Plexuses, from superior to inferior: A. Lumbar B. Brachial C. Cervical D. Sacral
II. Circle the letter preceding the one best answer to each question:
5. Herniation (or “slipping”) of the disc between L4 and L5 vetebrae is most likely to result in damage to which
of the following nerves? A. Femoral
B. Sciatic
C. Radial
D. Musculocutaneous
6. Choose the FALSE statement about the spinal cord:
A. It has enlargements in the cervical and lumbar areas due to roots of plexuses there.
B. It lies in the vertebral foramen. C. It extends from the medulla oblongata to the sacrum.
D. It is surrounded by three meninges. E. In cross section, an H-shaped gray matter area can be seen.
7. The connective tissue surrounding each individual axon is the
A. Endoneurium
B. Epineurium C. Perineurium D. Fascicle
E. Arachnoid mater
8. Choose the FALSE statement about denticulate ligaments:
A. These extend the length of the spinal cord. B. These are composed of pia mater thickenings.
C. These fuse with the arachnoid mater and dura mater. D. These are tooth-shaped structures
E. These anchor the spinal cord laterally and help protect it from shock and sudden displacement.
9. Cutting the posterior (aka dorsal) root of a spinal nerve would:
A. interfere with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. B. impair motor control of skeletal muscles.
C. interfere with the ability of the brain to transmit motor impulses. D. impair motor control of organs.
E. interfere with the flow of sensory impulses.
10. Which of the following is/are NOT TRUE? (1) Dermatomes are body areas that are stimulated by motor
neurons exiting specific spinal nerves; (2) The stretch reflex helps to maintain muscle tone; (3) The
Achilles reflex is an example of a stretch reflex; (4) The abdominal reflex is used to diagnose problems
with autonomic reflexes; (5) Spinal nerves T2 – T12 do not enter into the formation of a plexus.
A. 1, 2, and 4
B. 2 and 5
C. 1 and 4
D. 1, 3, and 5
E. 1, 3, and 4
III. Using the blanks provided, fill-in the word or phrase that best fits the description given:
____________________11. These are the spinal nerve branches that serve deep muscles and skin of
the posterior surface of the trunk.
____________________12. This is the name of the space within the spinal cord filled with CSF.
____________________13. These are the spinal nerve branches that supply vertebrae, vertebral ligaments,
blood vessels of the spinal cord, and the meninges.
____________________14. This is the term used to refer to an inflammation of one or more of the meninges.