Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the five special senses listed in human anatomy?

Accepted Answer

Proprioception

Question 2

The lamina propria of the olfactory organ contains all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Olfactory sensory neurons

Question 3

What is the primary function of the olfactory glands?

Accepted Answer

Produce mucus that surrounds olfactory sensory neurons

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the process by which an odorant molecule initiates a signal in an olfactory sensory neuron?

Accepted Answer

Odorant binds to a G protein-coupled receptor, activating adenylate cyclase, which converts ATP into cyclic AMP ($$ATP \rightarrow cAMP)$$

Question 5

Central adaptation in olfaction refers to:

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of olfactory bulbs by brain nuclei, resulting in loss of sensation for a given odor but sensitivity to new ones

Question 6

Which pathway correctly describes the route of olfactory information to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory sensory neurons penetrate the cribriform plate, synapse with olfactory bulbs, and travel to the olfactory cortex, hypothalamus, and limbic system

Question 7

Which of the following statements about olfactory sensory neurons is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are frequently replaced by basal (stem) cells, a rare example of neurogenesis in adults

Question 8

A person exposed to excessive perfume over time may experience a reduction in olfactory sensitivity. This is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

Decline in the number of olfactory receptors with age and overuse

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world example of olfactory discrimination in humans?

Accepted Answer

Detecting mercaptan in natural gas at concentrations of a few parts per billion

Question 10

Which genetic factor is most closely associated with unique body smells and sexual selection in humans?

Accepted Answer

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Question 11

Which hypothesis explains why women may prefer partners with different MHC genes?

Accepted Answer

Good gene hypothesis

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a component of the olfactory epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels

Question 13

The ability to distinguish between thousands of odors is primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

The pattern of receptor activity among hundreds of olfactory sensory neuron types

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the graded potential generated in olfactory sensory neurons?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization called generator potential, which can lead to numerous action potentials ($$\Delta V_m)$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of aging on the olfactory system?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in olfactory nerve endings and mucus production, leading to weakened sense of smell

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the role of the limbic system in olfaction?

Accepted Answer

It integrates olfactory signals with emotion and memory

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the physiology of olfaction?

Accepted Answer

Odorant binds receptor $$\rightarrow$$ cAMP produced $$\rightarrow Na$^+$$ channels open $$\rightarrow$$ membrane depolarizes

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world application of olfactory discrimination in public safety?

Accepted Answer

Adding mercaptan to natural gas so leaks can be detected by smell

Question 19

Which of the following statements about neurogenesis in the olfactory system is correct?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory sensory neurons are frequently replaced by basal (stem) cells, even in adults

Chapter 17: The Special Senses – Olfaction and Gustation

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