Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the afferent division of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It relays sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Question 2

A patient is unable to localize a stimulus applied to their skin. Which property of their sensory receptors is most likely altered?

Accepted Answer

The size of the receptive field is increased.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the relationship between stimulus strength and receptor potential?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{RP} = k 	imes S$$

Question 4

Which type of receptor is most likely to adapt quickly to a constant stimulus, such as wearing a watch?

Accepted Answer

Phasic receptor

Question 5

A person is exposed to a constant, painless stimulus. Which adaptation mechanism is most likely responsible for their decreased awareness of the stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral adaptation in the PNS

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of nociceptors?

Accepted Answer

They are tonic receptors with little peripheral adaptation.

Question 7

Which pathway carries sensations of crude touch, pressure, pain, and temperature?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic pathway

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the lips and tongue occupy a larger area in the sensory homunculus than the back?

Accepted Answer

The lips and tongue have a higher density of sensory neurons.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the spinocerebellar pathway?

Accepted Answer

It carries information about the positions of muscles, tendons, and joints.

Question 10

Which equation best represents the relationship between the frequency of action potentials ($$f_{AP}) $$and the intensity of stimulation ($$I) $$for tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

$$f_{AP} = k 	imes I$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the basal nuclei in somatic motor pathways?

Accepted Answer

Provide background patterns of movement involved in voluntary motor activities.

Question 12

A patient with damage to the medial pathway would most likely have difficulty with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Controlling muscle tone and gross movements of the trunk and proximal limb muscles.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Conversion of a stimulus into an action potential.

Question 14

Which receptor type is most abundant in the eyelids, lips, fingertips, nipples, and external genitalia, and is sensitive to fine touch, pressure, and low-frequency vibration?

Accepted Answer

Tactile corpuscles (Meissner corpuscles)

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding proprioceptors?

Accepted Answer

They monitor the position of joints and skeletal muscles.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies?

Accepted Answer

Monitor pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels in arterial blood.

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of fast pain?

Accepted Answer

It is carried by myelinated Type A fibers.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the cerebellum in somatic motor pathways?

Accepted Answer

It monitors proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular sensations to adjust movement.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the posterior column pathway?

Accepted Answer

It carries sensations of fine touch, vibration, pressure, and proprioception.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of baroreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Detect pressure changes in blood vessels and portions of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts.

Chapter 15: Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards