Question 1

Which of the following statements about taste buds is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Taste buds are collections of 50–100 epithelial cells, including gustatory and basal epithelial cells.

Question 2

A patient loses the ability to taste on the anterior two-thirds of their tongue. Which cranial nerve is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (VII)

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the otoliths in the vestibular system?

Accepted Answer

They provide weight to the otolith membrane, aiding in the detection of linear acceleration and head position.

Question 4

Which structure is responsible for draining aqueous humor from the anterior segment of the eye?

Accepted Answer

Scleral venous sinus

Question 5

A person is unable to move their eye laterally. Which muscle and cranial nerve are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Lateral rectus and abducens nerve (VI)

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the cochlear duct (scala media)?

Accepted Answer

It contains endolymph and houses the spiral organ for hearing.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the choroid is darkly pigmented?

Accepted Answer

To prevent scattering of light rays within the eye.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

Actively tune the cochlea and amplify the signal.

Question 9

A patient presents with loss of vision in dim light but normal color vision in bright light. Which photoreceptor cells are most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Rod cells

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the pathway of olfactory information from the nasal cavity to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory sensory neurons → filaments of olfactory nerve → cribriform plate → olfactory bulb → mitral cells → olfactory tract → limbic system and primary olfactory cortex

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between frequency ($$f$$), wavelength ($$\lambda$$), and speed of sound ($$v) in $$the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f 	imes \lambda$$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Regulating the size of the pupil

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the spiral organ (organ of Corti) is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It contains inner and outer hair cells that serve as receptors for hearing.

Question 14

A patient has difficulty detecting the umami taste. Which chemical is most likely not being detected by their taste receptors?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the crista ampullaris in the semicircular canals?

Accepted Answer

Contains receptor cells for rotational acceleration

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the neural pathway for taste sensation?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neurons synapse in the solitary nucleus of the medulla before reaching the thalamus and gustatory cortex.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the 'taste map' of the tongue is considered a myth?

Accepted Answer

All taste modalities can be elicited from all areas containing taste buds.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct order of signal transmission in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Photoreceptor cells → bipolar cells → ganglion cells

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the pigmented layer of the retina?

Accepted Answer

It absorbs light and prevents it from scattering within the eye.

Question 20

A patient presents with vertigo and difficulty detecting rotational movements. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Crista ampullaris in the semicircular canals

Study Guide: The Special Senses (Taste, Smell, Vision, Hearing, and Balance)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards