Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a sensory receptor in the general senses?

Accepted Answer

A specialized cell or cell process that responds to specific stimuli and translates them into bioelectrical activity.

Question 2

If a stimulus is applied to a large receptive field, what is the expected outcome regarding localization of the stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The stimulus will be poorly localized.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the relationship between the frequency of action potentials and stimulus intensity in sensory neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$ f_{AP} = k \cdot I_{stimulus} $$

Question 4

A patient is unable to perceive pain from a burn, but can still feel touch in the same area. Which receptor type is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptors

Question 5

Which of the following is true about phasic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They generate action potentials only in response to changes in the level of stimulation.

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for inhibiting pain transmission in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Endorphins

Question 7

A person is exposed to a constant odor, but after a few minutes, they no longer notice it. Which process is responsible for this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral adaptation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the labeled line principle in sensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

It identifies the type (modality) of stimulus and the body location of the receptor.

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They are always active and their rate of action potential generation changes with the level of stimulation.

Question 10

Which equation best describes the graded potential produced by a sensory receptor in response to a stimulus?

Accepted Answer

$$ V_{graded} = V_{rest} + \Delta V_{stimulus} $$

Question 11

Which type of receptor is most abundant in the superficial skin, joint capsules, and blood vessel walls, and is responsible for detecting pain?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptors

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why humans cannot see ultraviolet light?

Accepted Answer

Humans lack receptors sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of baroreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Detecting changes in blood pressure within blood vessels and hollow organs.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the somatotopic organization of sensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

Sensory pathways are organized in an orderly representation of body regions.

Question 15

A patient experiences referred pain in the left arm during a heart attack. Which best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Pain signals from the heart and arm converge on the same spinal pathways, leading to misinterpretation by the brain.

Question 16

Which of the following is true about chemoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

They are sensitive to changes in pH, CO2, and O2 levels and control reflexes in respiration and cardiovascular function.

Question 17

Which equation best represents the threshold for action potential generation in a sensory neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$ V_{membrane} \geq V_{threshold} $$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of NSAIDs on pain management?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by blocking cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes.

Question 19

Which of the following is true about thermoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Cold-sensitive thermoreceptors are more abundant than warm-sensitive thermoreceptors.

General Senses and Sensory Pathways: Human Anatomy & Physiology I (Chapter 15)

Study Guide - Practice Questions