Which of the following is a basal ganglia function:

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: 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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pons (B) is the major input to the cerebellum via the middle cerebellar peduncle, relaying cortical signals for coordination. The midbrain (A) and medulla (C) have lesser roles, and spinal cord (D) input is via inferior peduncles. B is correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A stroke is caused by disruption of blood to the brain (D), either ischemic (clot) or hemorrhagic (bleed). Meningitis (A) is inflammation, lumbar puncture (B) is diagnostic, and CSF infection (C) is meningitis-related. D is correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The axon is the part of a neuron that transmits an electrical signal (action potential) to a target cell, such as another neuron or muscle cell, via the synapse. Dendrites receive signals, and the soma (cell body) processes them, but the axon is responsible for transmission.