Final answer:
The neurological exam is a clinical assessment tool used to assess the functions of the nervous system. It involves different sections that evaluate different regions of the CNS, including mental status, cranial nerves, sensory and motor functions, and coordination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neurological exam is a clinical assessment tool used to determine the extent of function from the nervous system. It is divided into five major sections that each deal with a specific region of the CNS. The mental status exam is concerned with the cerebrum and assesses higher functions such as memory, language, and emotion. The cranial nerve exam tests the functions of all of the cranial nerves and, therefore, their connections to the CNS through the forebrain and brain stem. The sensory and motor exams assess those functions as they relate to the spinal cord, as well as the combination of the functions in spinal reflexes. The coordination exam targets cerebellar function in coordinated movements, including those functions associated with gait.