Chapter 24

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there? 

Penfield #1 through #5 are: 

The circle of Willis is a:

Which of the following is a primary benign tumor that arises from the protective coverings of the brain? 

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? 

Which facial sinus is used for surgical approach to a pituitary adenoma rather than traditional craniotomy? 

Which anatomical structure is the tough band that encases the intervertebral disc material? 

Which approach is MOST desirable for treatment of herniated cervical disc with subsequent intervertebral fusion? 

How many vertebrae are there in the normal adult spine? 

The instrument called a Kerrison is a(n): 

Which surgical procedure treats compression of the median nerve by a transverse ligament? 

Which portion of the spinal column consists of five fused vertebrae in the average adult? 

What is another name for the first cervical vertebra (C-1)? 

What is the name of the structure on which the pituitary gland sits? 

What is the name of the structure that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)? 

Monro, Sylvius, Magendie, and Luschka are: 

Which instrument could be used for burr-hole cranial perforation if no powered equipment is available? 

Which of the following is used for scalp hemostasis and resembles a Crile or Kelly hemostat except the curve is to the side? 

What is the distal-most area of the spinal cord or spinal nerves called? 

For which surgical procedure would petroleum gauze nasal packing be used as part of the dressing? 

Into which anatomical structure or area is the distal catheter most often inserted in a V-P shunt procedure? 

What is the name of the horseshoe or pin fixation device for neurosurgical cranial positioning? 

What is the anatomical area where cerebrospinal fluid circulates over all parts of the central nervous system? 

What is the largest part of the human brain? 

Which of the following are countable surgical sponges used in neurosurgical procedures to protect delicate tissues? 

Which of the following is a radiographic diagnostic procedure performed for suspected aneurysm near the circle of Willis? 

Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect involving: 

 Fiducials placed on bony landmarks are used in which type of neurosurgical procedure? 

 Posterior fossa craniectomy is performed for pathology involving the: 

Which diagnostic study demonstrates a herniated disc causing spinal compression and radiographic filling defect? 

Which part of the vertebra projects most posteriorly and is often palpable through the skin in the convex areas of the spine? 

Which anatomical structure is the soft, gelatinous part of the intervertebral disc, which is sent as specimen after diskectomy? 

Osteophytes are: 

Which of the following is a result of torn bridging veins between the cerebral cortex and venous sinuses? 

Which of the following is the lowest part of the brain stem and contiguous with the spinal cord? 

All of the following are examples of congenital anomalies EXCEPT: 

What is the term for a deep groove in the cerebrum that separates the brain into lobes? 

 What is the name of the dural fold that separates the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum? 

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? 

Wilson, Andrews, and Hall frames are examples of positioning devices used for: 

Which portion of the normal spinal column has five (5) vertebrae? 

Which instrument is used to extract pieces of the nucleus pulposus in a diskectomy? 

Which position is usually used for microdecompression endoscopic diskectomy? 

In which procedure are the esophagus, carotid artery, and trachea retracted medially for access to the area of pathology? 

From which area is an autologous bone graft usually procured for anterior cervical fusion procedures? 

 What is the name of the measuring device used to assess intraventricular pressure? 

What part of the body is prepped for ulnar nerve decompression or transposition? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by:

The visual cortex of the brain is located in which region? 

Which of the following layered structures has the closest and most intimate contact with the brain? 

What is the name of the outfolding convolutions of the brain? 

Which of the following neurosurgical retractors has attachments for malleable brain spatulas and retractors? 

When incising the cranium between burr holes, what attachment to the powered craniotome is necessary to prevent injury of underlying tissues? 

Which instrument is used to strip and separate the galea and pericranium from the skull before placement of burr holes?

Papaverine is used in craniotomy for aneurysm clipping to prevent: 

Where do most intracranial aneurysms occur? 

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? 

Which of the following bilateral paired nerves are the largest in the body and innervate the buttocks and lower extremities? 

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? 

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? 

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. 

The surgical technologist may have up to three separate setups in a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy procedure: nasal access, tumor excision, and fascial graft. 

Herniated nucleus pulposus is a congenital disorder that must be treated surgically in the neonate to prevent quadriplegia. 

The skull flap can be reattached to the cranium by small titanium plates and screws or with stainless steel wire. 

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. 

Disease of the spinal nerve roots that results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness of the extremities 

Irrigation and aspiration instrument that uses variable ultrasonic energy to remove tumor tissue without disrupting normal structures

Mode of electrosurgical energy frequently used for thermal hemostasis in and around delicate neural structures 

Surgical method of using three-dimensional plotting for guidance to biopsy or excise pathology with least amount of collateral damage 

Most primitive part of the central nervous system; responsible for basic vital life functions 

 Infection of central nervous system tissue via direct injury or remote circulatory transfer; may require surgical excision

Mechanism of supplying of oxygen to an area of an organ when the normal perfusion has been interrupted; example is circle of Willis

 Inability to move the lower part of the body due to spinal trauma, disease, or disorder 

Generation of heat during a chemical reaction; example is result of mixing powder and liquid to create polymethyl methacrylate

Cannulated instrument designed to provide passage for distal catheter in V-P or V-A shunt procedures