Final answer:
The neurological exam is a clinical assessment tool used to determine specific parts of the CNS affected by damage or disease. It assesses 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 what specific parts of the CNS are affected by damage or disease. It is divided into five major sections that each deal with a specific region of the CNS.
The mental status exam assesses higher functions such as memory, language, and emotion, focusing on the cerebrum. The cranial nerve exam tests the functions of all of the cranial nerves and their connections to the CNS. The sensory and motor exams assess functions related to the spinal cord and spinal reflexes. The coordination exam targets cerebellar function and coordinated movements.