Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a special sense, as opposed to a somatic sense?

Accepted Answer

Vision

Question 2

Which type of sensory receptor is primarily responsible for detecting changes in blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Chemoreceptors

Question 3

A patient reports that they can no longer distinguish between two closely spaced points on their fingertip. Which of the following best explains this loss?

Accepted Answer

Increase in the size of receptive fields due to convergence

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the process of sensory transduction?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of a stimulus into a graded potential

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They continue to fire as long as the stimulus is present

Question 6

A blow to the head causes a person to 'see' flashes of light. This phenomenon is best explained by which sensory coding principle?

Accepted Answer

Labeled line coding

Question 7

Which of the following best describes how the CNS determines the intensity of a sensory stimulus?

Accepted Answer

By the frequency of action potentials and the number of receptors activated

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a phasic receptor?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory receptors

Question 9

Which equation best represents the relationship between stimulus intensity and action potential frequency?

Accepted Answer

$$f_{AP} = k \cdot I_{stimulus}$$, where $$f_{AP} is $$action potential frequency and $$I_{stimulus} is $$stimulus intensity

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why lateral inhibition enhances sensory perception?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits neighboring neurons to sharpen the contrast between stimuli

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT typically processed at a conscious level?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure

Question 12

A patient is unable to sense the position of their limbs in space. Which type of receptor is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of accessory structures in sensory systems?

Accepted Answer

They modify the stimulus before it reaches the receptor

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a graded potential generated by a sensory receptor?

Accepted Answer

A receptor potential in a Pacinian corpuscle

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why sound localization is unique compared to other sensory modalities?

Accepted Answer

It uses timing differences between ears rather than a topographic map

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the adaptation of sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

Tonic receptors are useful for monitoring variables that must be constantly assessed

Question 17

Which of the following best describes population coding in sensory physiology?

Accepted Answer

The number of sensory receptors activated codes for stimulus intensity

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a somatic sense processed at the conscious level?

Accepted Answer

Touch

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the threshold in sensory transduction?

Accepted Answer

The minimum necessary stimulus to cause a receptor potential

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Mechanoreceptor – cell stretch

Afferent Division: Sensory Physiology – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards