The following is true about the basal ganglia:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The basal ganglia do not primarily control balance (A) or equilibrium (B), which are cerebellar functions, nor conjugate eye movement (C), which involves brainstem nuclei. They play a key role in initiating and modulating voluntary movements (D), as seen in disorders like Parkinson’s disease where initiation is impaired. Power is not typically lost in basal ganglia disease (e.g., rigidity in Parkinson’s), but this option was omitted.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: C6/C7 compression affects the triceps reflex (C7, A, correct) ipsilaterally. Hyperalgesia below (B) suggests spinothalamic damage, but ipsilateral pain loss is more likely. Vibration sense (C) is contralateral via dorsal columns, but incomplete here. Knee jerk (L3-L4, D) is unaffected. A is most specific.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The basal ganglia initiate and modulate movements (B, correct), not fine skill (A, cerebellum), equilibrium (C, cerebellum), or speech motor control (D, partial frontal/basal role). B is primary.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cerebellar dysfunction causes past pointing (B, ataxia), hypotonia (not A), wide-based gait (not shuffling, C), and intention tremor (not resting, D). B is correct.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Taste travels via cranial nerves (VII, IX, X) to the medulla, then thalamus (A, correct), and cortex. Internal capsule (B) is a pathway, trochlear (C) is eye movement, and hypoglossal (D) is tongue movement. A is correct.