Which ganglion is responsible for cutaneous sensations of the face?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The trigeminal ganglion (D) (cranial nerve V) relays cutaneous sensations from the face. Otic (A) is autonomic (salivary), vestibular (B) is balance, and geniculate (C) is taste/facial. D is correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The cerebral cortex is responsible for the highest level of sensory integration, processing, and decision-making, such as interpreting shower temperature and deciding to adjust it. The thalamus relays signals, the spinal cord handles reflexes, and skeletal muscle executes commands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the relative refractory period, the membrane is hyperpolarized (more negative than resting potential, -70 mV) due to potassium efflux, but recovering. -45 mV is plausible, as it’s below threshold (-55 mV) but above full hyperpolarization.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective feature of the CNS, but the anterior pituitary lacks a complete BBB, allowing hormone exchange with the bloodstream. The posterior pituitary, pineal body, and area postrema have weaker or no BBB to facilitate their functions (e.g., hormone secretion or vomiting trigger).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The oculomotor nerve (CN III) supplies medial rectus, ciliary body, levator palpebrae superioris, and inferior oblique. The lateral rectus (option e) is innervated by the abducent nerve (CN VI), not CN III.