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Neurology Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 46-year-old man presents with restlessness, depression, and weight loss. Initially, he noticed increased clumsiness, and now has had involuntary, jerky-like movements of his upper extremity. He incorporates the involuntary movements into his purposeful movements so his wife does not notice. His father committed suicide, and his mother is currently healthy. He has been having difficulty with work due to problems with multi-tasking, and decision making. On physical examination, delayed saccadic initiation is appreciated, as well as difficulty with finger tapping, and maintaining steady grip. Which of the following is most likely the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chorea (jerky movements), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms with a family history (father’s suicide) suggest Huntington disease, an autosomal dominant disorder. Myoclonus is briefer, tics are suppressible, and MSA involves parkinsonism.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following statements regarding the nervous system is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to effector cells (muscles, glands), while sensory neurons carry signals from receptors to the CNS. The PNS includes nerves and ganglia, and the CNS includes both brain and spinal cord.
Question 3 of 5
Neurotransmitters that open Na⁺ channels and trigger action potentials in receiving cells are called
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate) depolarize the postsynaptic membrane by opening Na⁺ channels, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.
Question 4 of 5
The relationship between spinal nerves and the spinal cord is most like the relationship between
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spinal nerves branch off the spinal cord like roads from a highway, carrying signals to and from the periphery.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following brain regions controls the secretion of pituitary hormones and exerts direct control over many other aspects of homeostasis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The hypothalamus regulates pituitary hormone release and homeostasis (e.g., temperature, hunger).