network of connected arteries at the base of the brain
Which of the following is a primary benign tumor that arises from the protective coverings of the brain?
meningioma
Which of the following results most often from skull trauma over the middle meningeal artery with symptoms
progressing to brain-stem herniation if not treated?
epidural hematoma
Which facial sinus is used for surgical approach to a pituitary adenoma rather than traditional craniotomy?
sphenoid
Which anatomical structure is the tough band that encases the intervertebral disc material?
annulus fibrosis
Which approach is MOST desirable for treatment of herniated cervical disc with subsequent intervertebral fusion?
anterior medial
How many vertebrae are there in the normal adult spine?
33
The instrument called a Kerrison is a(n):
rongeur
Which surgical procedure treats compression of the median nerve by a transverse ligament?
carpal tunnel release
Which portion of the spinal column consists of five fused vertebrae in the average adult?
sacrum
What is another name for the first cervical vertebra (C-1)?
atlas
What is the name of the structure on which the pituitary gland sits?
sella turcica
What is the name of the structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
choroid plexus
Monro, Sylvius, Magendie, and Luschka are:
aqueducts and foramina
Which instrument could be used for burr-hole cranial perforation if no powered equipment is available?
Hudson brace
Which of the following is used for scalp hemostasis and resembles a Crile or Kelly hemostat except the curve is to the
side?
Dandy
What is the distal-most area of the spinal cord or spinal nerves called?
filum terminale
For which surgical procedure would petroleum gauze nasal packing be used as part of the dressing?
transsphenoidal hypophysectomy
Into which anatomical structure or area is the distal catheter most often inserted in a V-P shunt procedure?
peritoneal cavity
What is the name of the horseshoe or pin fixation device for neurosurgical cranial positioning?
Mayfield
What is the anatomical area where cerebrospinal fluid circulates over all parts of the central nervous system?
subarachnoid space
What is the largest part of the human brain?
cerebrum
Which of the following are countable surgical sponges used in neurosurgical procedures to protect delicate tissues?
Cottonoid patties
Which of the following is a radiographic diagnostic procedure performed for suspected aneurysm near the circle of
Willis?
cerebral angiogram
Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect involving:
premature cranial suture closure
Fiducials placed on bony landmarks are used in which type of neurosurgical procedure?
stereotactic guided-imagery biopsy
Posterior fossa craniectomy is performed for pathology involving the:
cerebellum
Which diagnostic study demonstrates a herniated disc causing spinal compression and radiographic filling defect?
myelogram
Which part of the vertebra projects most posteriorly and is often palpable through the skin in the convex areas of the
spine?
spinous process
Which anatomical structure is the soft, gelatinous part of the intervertebral disc, which is sent as specimen after
diskectomy?
nucleus pulposus
Osteophytes are:
bony spurs
Which of the following is a result of torn bridging veins between the cerebral cortex and venous sinuses?
subdural hematoma
Which of the following is the lowest part of the brain stem and contiguous with the spinal cord?
medulla oblongata
All of the following are examples of congenital anomalies EXCEPT:
herniated nucleus pulposus
What is the term for a deep groove in the cerebrum that separates the brain into lobes?
fissure
What is the name of the dural fold that separates the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum?
falx cerebri
What is the name of the dural fold that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum and may be used to delineate
surgical approach in reference to it?
tentorium
Wilson, Andrews, and Hall frames are examples of positioning devices used for:
lumbar hemilaminotomy
Which portion of the normal spinal column has five (5) vertebrae?
lumbar
Which instrument is used to extract pieces of the nucleus pulposus in a diskectomy?
pituitary rongeur
Which position is usually used for microdecompression endoscopic diskectomy?
lateral
In which procedure are the esophagus, carotid artery, and trachea retracted medially for access to the area of
pathology?
anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion
From which area is an autologous bone graft usually procured for anterior cervical fusion procedures?
iliac crest
What is the name of the measuring device used to assess intraventricular pressure?
manometer
What part of the body is prepped for ulnar nerve decompression or transposition?
upper extremity
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by:
incising the transverse carpal ligament to decompress the nerve
The visual cortex of the brain is located in which region?
occipital
Which of the following layered structures has the closest and most intimate contact with the brain?
pia
What is the name of the outfolding convolutions of the brain?
gyri
Which of the following neurosurgical retractors has attachments for malleable brain spatulas and retractors?
Leyla-Yasargil
When incising the cranium between burr holes, what attachment to the powered craniotome is necessary to prevent
injury of underlying tissues?
dural guard with footplate
Which instrument is used to strip and separate the galea and pericranium from the skull before placement of burr holes?
Langenbeck periosteal elevator
Papaverine is used in craniotomy for aneurysm clipping to prevent:
vasospasm
Where do most intracranial aneurysms occur?
arterial bifurcations
What is the name of the group of spinal nerves that continue from the distal spinal cord at about L-2 in the average
adult?
cauda equina
Which of the following bilateral paired nerves are the largest in the body and innervate the buttocks and lower
extremities?
sciatic
Which retractor has a proximal hook placed in the wound and a distal hook for attachment of a weight or sandbag
using a sterile Kerlix roll for suspension?
Taylor
What is the name of the set of instruments used for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion that includes retractors,
spreaders, bone dowel cutters, impactors, and others?
Cloward
Special attention must be taken during application and removal of the Mayfield cranial fixation device due to the
removal of the OR table head piece.
True
The surgical technologist may have up to three separate setups in a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy procedure: nasal
access, tumor excision, and fascial graft.
True
Herniated nucleus pulposus is a congenital disorder that must be treated surgically in the neonate to prevent
quadriplegia.
False
The skull flap can be reattached to the cranium by small titanium plates and screws or with stainless steel wire.
True
The foramen magnum is the large opening at the base of the skull and site of irreversible brain stem herniation due to
increased intracranial pressure.
True
Disease of the spinal nerve roots that results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness of the extremities
Radiculopathy
Irrigation and aspiration instrument that uses variable ultrasonic energy to remove tumor tissue without disrupting
normal structures
CUSA
Mode of electrosurgical energy frequently used for thermal hemostasis in and around delicate neural structures
Bipolar
Surgical method of using three-dimensional plotting for guidance to biopsy or excise pathology with least amount of
collateral damage
Stereotaxis
Most primitive part of the central nervous system; responsible for basic vital life functions
Brain stem
Infection of central nervous system tissue via direct injury or remote circulatory transfer; may require surgical
excision
Brain abscess
Mechanism of supplying of oxygen to an area of an organ when the normal perfusion has been interrupted; example is
circle of Willis
Collateral flow
Inability to move the lower part of the body due to spinal trauma, disease, or disorder
Paraplegia
Generation of heat during a chemical reaction; example is result of mixing powder and liquid to create polymethyl
methacrylate
Exothermic
Cannulated instrument designed to provide passage for distal catheter in V-P or V-A shunt procedures