Self-test questions: Chapter 10

. Regarding reflexes

A monosynaptic reflex arc involves one or more interneurons

The knee jerk reflex is an example of a stretch reflex.

The final common path for all reflexes converges on motoneurons.

Withdrawal reflexes are lost following cervical section of the spinal cord.

. Regarding the role of muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs.

Muscle spindles signal changes in the length of skeletal muscles.

Golgi tendon organs respond to the length developed by skeletal muscles.

Golgi tendon organs are of importance in the regulation of posture.

Muscle spindles receive both afferent and efferent nerve fibres.

. Regarding the descending motor pathways

The axons of the corticospinal tract mainly synapse directly with motoneurons in the spinal cord.

The rubrospinal tract exerts its major influence on the muscles of the extremities.

The reticulospinal tracts are largely decussated (crossed).

Damage to the pyramidal tract results in a loss of fine control of the muscles on the same side of the body.

. Concerning the motor cortex

The motor areas of the cortex are situated in the postcentral gyrus.

Following a cerebral haemorrhage affecting the precentral gyrus of the right hemisphere, the patient feels no sensation on the left side of their body.

The corticospinal tract provides the only connection between the motor cortical areas and the spinal cord.

Motor areas of the cortex receive somatosensory input via the thalamus.

. Damage to the motor cortex on one side results in paralysis of muscles on the opposite side of the body.

True

False

. Regarding the role of the cerebellum

Purkinje neurons lie in the deep cerebellar nuclei.

The cerebellum has a direct efferent projection to the motor cortex.

Hemiballismus is a sign of cerebellar damage.

The cerebellar hemispheres control and receive inputs from ipsilateral muscles.

. A patient with damage to the posterior cerebellum will have difficulty in standing upright.

True

False

. Regarding the role of the basal ganglia in motor control

Disorders of the basal ganglia produce a marked loss of both sensation and motor control.

Parkinsonism is caused by neuronal degeneration within the substantia nigra.

The globus pallidus sends axons directly to the cerebral cortex.

Acetylcholine is the predominant neurotransmitter of the substantia nigra.

. Regarding posture

Muscle spindles and joint receptors in the neck signal misalignment of the head on the body.

The muscles attached to the axial skeleton are of principal importance in the maintenance of an upright posture.

Normal vision is required for the righting reflex.

The cerebellum is the brain area most concerned with equilibrium and body posture.

Self-test questions: Chapter 10

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