Question 1

Which retinal cell is responsible for generating action potentials that form the optic nerve?

Accepted Answer

Ganglion cell

Question 2

During phototransduction, what is the immediate effect of light activating rhodopsin in rod cells?

Accepted Answer

Retinal changes shape

Question 3

A patient presents with blurry vision and is diagnosed with myopia. Which lens type is used to correct this condition, and why?

Accepted Answer

Concave lens, because it moves the focal point backward onto the retina

Question 4

Which structure in the vestibular system detects rotational (angular) acceleration?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular canals

Question 5

In the cochlea, which part of the basilar membrane responds to high-frequency sounds?

Accepted Answer

Base

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter is released less when photoreceptors are exposed to light?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 7

A patient with Ménière’s disease experiences dizziness due to excess endolymph. Which part of the inner ear is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular canals

Question 8

Which taste modality is detected by Na⁺ channels?

Accepted Answer

Salty

Question 9

Why does the olfactory pathway differ from other sensory pathways in the brain?

Accepted Answer

It bypasses the thalamus initially

Question 10

Which equation best describes the relationship between the focal length ($$f$$), object distance ($$d_o$$), and image distance ($$d_i) in $$the eye’s lens system?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$$

Question 11

Which cell type in the retina is primarily responsible for lateral inhibition, enhancing visual sharpness?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal cell

Question 12

A patient has sensorineural hearing loss. Which structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Hair cells in cochlea

Question 13

Which formula represents the change in membrane potential ($$\Delta V) $$when K⁺ enters a hair cell in the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta V = V_{final} - V_{initial}$$

Question 14

Which structure is the site of highest visual acuity in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Fovea centralis

Question 15

Which mechanism is used by sour taste receptors?

Accepted Answer

H⁺ ions

Question 16

Which structure in the ear transmits vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the oval window?

Accepted Answer

Ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)

Question 17

Which equation describes the decrease in cGMP concentration during phototransduction?

Accepted Answer

$$[cGMP]_{light} \u003c [cGMP]_{dark}$$

Question 18

Which structure contains otoliths and is responsible for detecting linear acceleration?

Accepted Answer

Utricle and saccule

Question 19

Which cell type is most abundant in the peripheral retina and is responsible for night vision?

Accepted Answer

Rod cells

Question 20

A patient with glaucoma is at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Optic nerve damage due to increased intraocular pressure

Special Senses: Vision, Hearing, Balance, Taste, and Smell – Study Guide

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