Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the somatic sensory division of the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It carries information from special sensory organs, skin, muscles, bones, and joints to the CNS.

Question 2

A patient is unable to move their right arm voluntarily, but involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion remain normal. Which division of the nervous system is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor division

Question 3

Which cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory and equilibrium information to the brain?

Accepted Answer

CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear)

Question 4

A person experiences a loss of sensation in a specific strip of skin on their thigh. This area corresponds to a single spinal nerve. What is this area called?

Accepted Answer

Dermatome

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why referred pain occurs?

Accepted Answer

Sensory impulses from different regions share a common nerve pathway to the brain.

Question 6

Which type of sensory receptor is responsible for detecting changes in temperature?

Accepted Answer

Thermoreceptors

Question 7

A patient presents with gradual loss of vision due to increased intraocular pressure. Which condition is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma

Question 8

Which of the following cranial nerves contains only sensory neurons?

Accepted Answer

CN I (Olfactory)

Question 9

Which structure in the inner ear is primarily responsible for detecting rotational movement of the head?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular canals

Question 10

A person is exposed to a loud noise above 90 dB for an extended period and develops hearing loss. Which type of deafness is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Sensorineural deafness

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The conversion of a physical or chemical stimulus into an action potential.

Question 12

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between pressure, force, and area as it relates to intraocular pressure in glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

$P = \frac{F}{A}$

Question 13

A patient has difficulty tasting sweet and salty foods but can still detect sour and bitter tastes. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

CN VII (Facial)

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the auditory pathway from the external environment to the brain?

Accepted Answer

External auditory meatus → tympanic membrane → ossicles → cochlea → vestibulocochlear nerve → auditory cortex

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the olfactory pathway is unique among sensory pathways?

Accepted Answer

It is the only sensory pathway that bypasses the thalamus.

Question 16

A person is spinning rapidly in a chair and then suddenly stops, feeling dizzy. Which part of the inner ear is primarily responsible for this sensation?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular canals

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the ciliary body in the eye?

Accepted Answer

It produces aqueous humor and controls the shape of the lens.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Chemoreceptors – chemical changes

Question 19

A patient has damage to the anterior root of a spinal nerve. Which function is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Motor output to skeletal muscles

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between acute and chronic pain fibers?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain fibers are myelinated and transmit sharp, localized pain; chronic pain fibers are unmyelinated and transmit dull, aching pain.

Peripheral Nervous System and Special Senses: Structure and Function

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