Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of lateral inhibition in sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

It enhances contrast and improves the ability to localize stimuli by inhibiting neighboring neurons.

Question 2

A patient presents with sharp, easily localized pain immediately after touching a hot stove. Which type of nerve fiber is most likely responsible for transmitting this sensation?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated A-delta fibers

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the fingertips are more sensitive to touch than the back?

Accepted Answer

Fingertips have smaller receptive fields and less convergence, allowing for two-point discrimination.

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the mechanism of photoreceptor action in the retina?

Accepted Answer

In the dark, photoreceptors are depolarized and release glutamate.

Question 5

A person with damage to the left primary somatosensory cortex would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sensation on the right side of the body

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the ciliary muscle during accommodation for near vision?

Accepted Answer

It contracts, reducing tension on the suspensory ligaments and allowing the lens to become more convex.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a non-selective cation channel activated by capsaicin and noxious heat.

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for activating ascending pain pathways in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Substance P

Question 9

A patient is unable to distinguish between two closely spaced points on their back but can do so easily on their fingertips. This is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Larger receptive fields and more convergence of sensory neurons in the back

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between tonic and phasic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Tonic receptors adapt slowly and provide continuous information, while phasic receptors adapt rapidly and respond to changes.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of sensory information from the periphery to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Sensory receptor → Afferent neuron → Interneuron → Brain

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why rubbing your elbow after bumping it can reduce the sensation of pain?

Accepted Answer

Activation of Aβ fibers inhibits the pain pathway via the gate control mechanism.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a function of the lacrimal gland?

Accepted Answer

Draining tears into the nasal cavity

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the thalamus in sensory processing?

Accepted Answer

It relays most sensory information to the appropriate region of the cerebral cortex.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the organization of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The efferent division includes the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a person with astigmatism has blurred vision?

Accepted Answer

The cornea is misshapen, causing light to focus unevenly on the retina.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the semicircular canals in the vestibular apparatus?

Accepted Answer

They detect rotational acceleration or deceleration in any direction.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of slow pain?

Accepted Answer

It is carried by unmyelinated C fibers and produces a dull, aching sensation.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of accommodation in the eye?

Accepted Answer

The ciliary muscle contracts, allowing the lens to become more convex for near vision.

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