Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the special senses?

Accepted Answer

Touch

Question 2

Transduction in special senses refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of converting environmental energy (light, sound, movement, or touch) into electrical signals

Question 3

In the special senses, what is the role of receptor cells?

Accepted Answer

They increase or decrease the amount of neurotransmitter released in response to a stimulus

Question 4

Which statement best describes the difference between general and special senses?

Accepted Answer

Special senses rely on specialized receptor cells and are confined to the head

Question 5

A stimulus alters the membrane potential of a receptor cell by opening ion channels. What is the next step in the process of transduction?

Accepted Answer

The change in membrane potential causes an increase or decrease in neurotransmitter release

Question 6

Which of the following equations best represents the change in membrane potential ($V_m$) due to ion channel opening in a receptor cell?

Accepted Answer

$V_m = V_{rest} + \Delta V_{ion}$

Question 7

If a receptor cell in the retina is exposed to light, which of the following is the most likely immediate cellular response?

Accepted Answer

Opening of ion channels leading to a change in membrane potential

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the flow of information in special senses?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus detected by receptor cell → change in membrane potential → neurotransmitter release → sensory neuron activation

Question 9

Which of the following is a plausible consequence if ion channels in a receptor cell fail to open in response to a stimulus?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential will remain unchanged and no neurotransmitter will be released

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding neurotransmitter release in special senses?

Accepted Answer

It can be increased or decreased depending on the change in membrane potential

Question 11

A patient has a mutation that prevents neurotransmitter release from receptor cells in the retina. Which symptom would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Loss of ability to detect light

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why special senses are considered 'special' compared to general senses?

Accepted Answer

They use specialized receptor cells and are localized to specific organs in the head

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the process of transduction in special senses?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus → ion channel opening → change in membrane potential → neurotransmitter release

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of transduction in special senses?

Accepted Answer

Photoreceptor cells in the eye converting light energy into electrical signals

Question 15

If a stimulus causes a receptor cell to depolarize, what is the most likely effect on neurotransmitter release?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter release will increase

Question 16

Which of the following is the best definition of a receptor cell in the context of special senses?

Accepted Answer

A cell that detects environmental stimuli and converts them into electrical signals

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely result from a defect in ion channel function in receptor cells of the special senses?

Accepted Answer

Impaired ability to convert stimuli into electrical signals

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of neurotransmitters in special senses?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are released by receptor cells to communicate with sensory neurons

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the initial event in the process of transduction in special senses?

Accepted Answer

A stimulus opens ion channels in the receptor cell

Special Senses: Structure, Function, and Signal Transduction

Study Guide - Practice Questions