Structure of spinal cord MCQs With Answer

Study of the Structure of Spinal Cord MCQs With Answer is essential for B. Pharm students to master spinal neuroanatomy and its clinical correlations. This concise, exam-focused guide covers spinal segments, cervical and lumbar enlargements, gray and white matter organization, dorsal and ventral horns, central canal, meninges, roots and plexuses, Rexed laminae, ascending and descending tracts, and blood supply. Emphasis on functional anatomy, reflex arcs, and pathological implications helps pharmacy students understand drug targets, regional anesthesia, and neurological signs. Practice with targeted MCQs reinforces retention, clinical reasoning, and pharmacological relevance in patient care. Now let’s test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which of the following correctly states the typical number of spinal cord segments in adults?

• 28 segments
• 31 segments
• 33 segments
• 29 segments

Correct Answer: 31 segments

Q2. At approximately which vertebral level does the adult spinal cord usually terminate (conus medullaris)?

• L4–L5
• T12–L1
• L1–L2
• S1–S2

Correct Answer: L1–L2

Q3. The cauda equina consists of which structures?

• Terminal filum only
• Dorsal root ganglia only
• Bundle of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerve roots
• Spinal cord segments below T12

Correct Answer: Bundle of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerve roots

Q4. Which artery is the main longitudinal vessel supplying the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord?

• Posterior spinal artery
• Anterior spinal artery
• Segmental medullary artery
• Radicular vein

Correct Answer: Anterior spinal artery

Q5. The dorsal root ganglion contains which type of neurons?

• Multipolar motor neurons
• Bipolar interneurons
• Pseudounipolar sensory neurons
• Pyramidal neurons

Correct Answer: Pseudounipolar sensory neurons

Q6. Which lamina of Rexed contains the large alpha motor neurons of the anterior horn?

• Lamina II
• Lamina V
• Lamina IX
• Lamina I

Correct Answer: Lamina IX

Q7. The dorsal (posterior) column-medial lemniscus system carries which sensations?

• Pain and temperature
• Light touch, vibration and proprioception
• Motor commands to muscles
• Autonomic reflexes

Correct Answer: Light touch, vibration and proprioception

Q8. Which fasciculus carries proprioceptive information from the lower limb to the cerebellum?

• Fasciculus cuneatus
• Anterior spinothalamic tract
• Dorsal spinocerebellar tract
• Spinoreticular tract

Correct Answer: Dorsal spinocerebellar tract

Q9. The substantia gelatinosa (Rexed lamina II) is primarily involved in processing which input?

• Proprioception from muscle spindles
• Nociceptive (pain) and temperature signals
• Motor output to limb muscles
• Vibration sense from skin

Correct Answer: Nociceptive (pain) and temperature signals

Q10. Brown-Séquard syndrome results from which type of spinal cord lesion?

• Complete anterior cord ischemia
• Central cavitation of the cord
• Hemisection (lateral) of the spinal cord
• Diffuse peripheral neuropathy

Correct Answer: Hemisection (lateral) of the spinal cord

Q11. Which tract decussates (crosses) at the level of the lower medulla (pyramidal decussation)?

• Anterior spinothalamic tract
• Dorsal column-medial lemniscus
• Lateral corticospinal tract
• Dorsal spinocerebellar tract

Correct Answer: Lateral corticospinal tract

Q12. Which spinal region shows the greatest proportion of white matter relative to gray matter?

• Cervical region
• Thoracic region
• Lumbar region
• Sacral region

Correct Answer: Cervical region

Q13. The intermediolateral cell column (lateral horn) contains preganglionic sympathetic neurons at which spinal levels?

• C5–T1
• T1–L2
• L3–S4
• S2–S4

Correct Answer: T1–L2

Q14. Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx?

• Denticulate ligament
• Filum terminale
• Posterior longitudinal ligament
• Conus medullaris

Correct Answer: Filum terminale

Q15. Damage to anterior spinal artery classically produces which pattern?

• Loss of dorsal column sensation only
• Anterior cord syndrome: motor loss and pain/temp loss with preserved dorsal columns
• Pure autonomic dysfunction without motor deficit
• Isolated lower motor neuron signs in one limb

Correct Answer: Anterior cord syndrome: motor loss and pain/temp loss with preserved dorsal columns

Q16. Which glial cell in the spinal cord is primarily responsible for myelinating central axons?

• Schwann cell
• Oligodendrocyte
• Microglia
• Satellite cell

Correct Answer: Oligodendrocyte

Q17. The fasciculus cuneatus carries information from which body region?

• Lower limbs and trunk
• Upper limbs and upper trunk
• Facial sensation
• Visceral organs

Correct Answer: Upper limbs and upper trunk

Q18. Which feature distinguishes an upper motor neuron lesion from a lower motor neuron lesion?

• Fasciculations are characteristic of upper motor neuron lesion
• Hyperreflexia and spasticity indicate upper motor neuron lesion
• Flaccid paralysis and muscle atrophy indicate upper motor neuron lesion
• Loss of all reflexes indicates upper motor neuron lesion

Correct Answer: Hyperreflexia and spasticity indicate upper motor neuron lesion

Q19. Which nucleus (column) is the major relay for unconscious proprioception to the cerebellum?

• Nucleus gracilis
• Nucleus cuneatus
• Clarke’s column (nucleus dorsalis)
• Substantia gelatinosa

Correct Answer: Clarke’s column (nucleus dorsalis)

Q20. The central canal is lined by which type of cells?

• Ependymal cells
• Schwann cells
• Microglial cells
• Fibroblasts

Correct Answer: Ependymal cells

Q21. Which meningeal layer adheres directly to the surface of the spinal cord?

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia mater
• Endoneurium

Correct Answer: Pia mater

Q22. The denticulate ligaments are extensions of which meningeal layer?

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia mater
• Periosteum

Correct Answer: Pia mater

Q23. Which sensory modality is carried by the spinothalamic tract?

• Vibration and fine touch
• Proprioception only
• Pain and temperature
• Motor planning

Correct Answer: Pain and temperature

Q24. Which region of the spinal cord contains relatively more gray matter due to limb innervation?

• Cervical and lumbar enlargements
• Thoracic region only
• Sacral region only
• Upper thoracic enlargement

Correct Answer: Cervical and lumbar enlargements

Q25. The posterior root entry zone transmits which neuronal fibers into the spinal cord?

• Preganglionic sympathetic efferents
• Sensory afferent fibers from peripheral receptors
• Somatic motor efferents
• Pyramidal tract fibers

Correct Answer: Sensory afferent fibers from peripheral receptors

Q26. Which of the following best describes the organization of spinal nerve roots in the cervical region?

• Cervical nerves exit below the corresponding vertebrae
• C1–C7 exit above, C8 exits below C7 vertebra
• All cervical nerves exit above their corresponding vertebrae including C8
• Cervical nerves exit through intervertebral foramina at thoracic levels

Correct Answer: C1–C7 exit above, C8 exits below C7 vertebra

Q27. Syringomyelia typically causes loss of which sensation pattern?

• Bilateral loss of vibration and proprioception
• Cape-like bilateral loss of pain and temperature over shoulders and arms
• Isolated motor weakness in the legs
• Loss of autonomic control below lesion only

Correct Answer: Cape-like bilateral loss of pain and temperature over shoulders and arms

Q28. The posterior intermediate sulcus separates which tracts in the spinal cord?

• Fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus
• Lateral corticospinal and anterior corticospinal tracts
• Spinothalamic and spinocerebellar tracts
• Anterior horn and posterior horn

Correct Answer: Fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus

Q29. Which spinal tract transmits voluntary motor commands from the cortex to alpha motor neurons?

• Spinothalamic tract
• Corticospinal tract
• Spinocerebellar tract
• Vestibulospinal tract

Correct Answer: Corticospinal tract

Q30. In a transverse section at the thoracic level, which unique feature is typically present?

• Large cervical enlargement of anterior horn
• Lateral horn containing sympathetic preganglionic neurons
• Clarke’s column visible at all thoracic levels
• Fasciculus cuneatus absent

Correct Answer: Lateral horn containing sympathetic preganglionic neurons

Q31. Which spinal structure is most directly targeted by epidural anesthesia?

• Subarachnoid space and CSF
• Dorsal root ganglia inside vertebral canal
• Epidural space around nerve roots and dura
• Filum terminale

Correct Answer: Epidural space around nerve roots and dura

Q32. Which cell type acts as the resident immune cell of the spinal cord?

• Oligodendrocytes
• Astrocytes
• Microglia
• Ependymal cells

Correct Answer: Microglia

Q33. The arterial supply to the lower thoracic and lumbar cord is critically supported by which radicular artery?

• Vertebral artery
• Posterior meningeal artery
• Artery of Adamkiewicz
• Superior cerebellar artery

Correct Answer: Artery of Adamkiewicz

Q34. Which of the following best describes the function of the dorsal horn?

• Contains motor neurons for limb muscles
• Processes sensory information entering the spinal cord
• Generates autonomic outflow to viscera
• Forms the central canal

Correct Answer: Processes sensory information entering the spinal cord

Q35. Where are motor neuron cell bodies that innervate skeletal muscle located?

• Dorsal root ganglion
• Lamina II of dorsal horn
• Anterior horn of spinal gray matter
• Posterior horn of spinal gray matter

Correct Answer: Anterior horn of spinal gray matter

Q36. Which feature helps to differentiate intramedullary from extramedullary spinal cord lesions clinically?

• Extramedullary lesions cause early central cord cavitation
• Intramedullary lesions often produce segmental signs before long-tract signs
• Extramedullary lesions typically produce only lower motor neuron signs
• Intramedullary lesions spare pain and temperature fibers

Correct Answer: Intramedullary lesions often produce segmental signs before long-tract signs

Q37. The dorsal root entry zone is a target for which neuropathic pain intervention?

• Baclofen pump for spasticity
• Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning
• Corpectomy
• Deep brain stimulation

Correct Answer: Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning

Q38. Which neurotransmitter is primarily released by lower motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction?

• Glutamate
• Serotonin
• Acetylcholine
• GABA

Correct Answer: Acetylcholine

Q39. A lesion of the dorsal columns at the spinal cord produces which deficit below the lesion?

• Loss of pain and temperature only
• Loss of ipsilateral vibration and proprioception
• Paralysis of ipsilateral limb muscles
• Loss of autonomic bowel control only

Correct Answer: Loss of ipsilateral vibration and proprioception

Q40. Which tract carries unconscious proprioceptive information from lower limb muscle spindles to the cerebellum without crossing?

• Anterior spinocerebellar tract
• Dorsal spinocerebellar tract
• Corticospinal tract
• Spinothalamic tract

Correct Answer: Dorsal spinocerebellar tract

Q41. The myelination of peripheral nerve fibers is performed by which cells?

• Oligodendrocytes
• Schwann cells
• Astrocytes
• Ependymal cells

Correct Answer: Schwann cells

Q42. Which clinical sign indicates corticospinal tract involvement?

• Muscle fasciculations
• Hyporeflexia
• Positive Babinski sign
• Loss of pupillary reflex

Correct Answer: Positive Babinski sign

Q43. The posterior root contains which fibers?

• Somatic and autonomic efferent fibers
• Only preganglionic sympathetic fibers
• Sensory afferent fibers entering the spinal cord
• Descending corticospinal fibers

Correct Answer: Sensory afferent fibers entering the spinal cord

Q44. Which structure provides a mechanical protective suspension for the spinal cord within the vertebral canal?

• Interspinous ligament
• Denticulate ligaments
• Ligamentum flavum
• Anterior longitudinal ligament

Correct Answer: Denticulate ligaments

Q45. Which sensory dermatomes correspond to the thumb and little finger respectively?

• C5 and C6
• C6 and C8
• T1 and T2
• L4 and L5

Correct Answer: C6 and C8

Q46. The stretch (myotatic) reflex is characterized by which neuronal pathway?

• Polysynaptic reflex involving interneurons only
• Monosynaptic reflex between Ia afferent and alpha motor neuron
• Direct cortical activation of muscle via pyramidal tract
• Reflex requiring cerebellar relay only

Correct Answer: Monosynaptic reflex between Ia afferent and alpha motor neuron

Q47. Which spinal structure is primarily responsible for cerebrospinal fluid circulation within the cord central canal?

• Astrocytes forming blood–brain barrier
• Ependymal cell lining of the central canal
• Dura mater venous sinuses
• Clarke’s column neurons

Correct Answer: Ependymal cell lining of the central canal

Q48. Which tract would be lesioned to cause ipsilateral loss of proprioception and contralateral loss of pain and temperature?

• Complete transverse lesion of the cord
• Hemisection (Brown-Séquard) of the cord
• Isolated dorsal root lesion
• Central cord syndrome

Correct Answer: Hemisection (Brown-Séquard) of the cord

Q49. Which of the following is true about the lumbar enlargement?

• It supplies nerves to the upper limbs
• It contains increased gray matter for lower limb innervation
• It is absent in most adults
• It is located at cervical vertebral levels only

Correct Answer: It contains increased gray matter for lower limb innervation

Q50. Opioid receptors in the dorsal horn modulate which aspect of spinal cord function?

• Enhancement of proprioceptive transmission
• Inhibition of nociceptive (pain) transmission
• Promotion of motor neuron firing
• Stimulation of sympathetic outflow

Correct Answer: Inhibition of nociceptive (pain) transmission

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com