Question 1

Which of the following best explains why it is difficult to precisely localize a stimulus in areas with large receptive fields?

Accepted Answer

Because receptors are spread far apart, so a single receptor monitors a large area.

Question 2

A patient reports being unable to distinguish between different types of touch on their forearm. Which property of sensory receptors is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Receptor specificity

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the plasmalemma of a cell?

Accepted Answer

Plasmalemmae can have receptors specific for chemical, electrical, and mechanical stimuli.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a receptor with high specificity?

Accepted Answer

Receptors of the retina

Question 5

If a region of skin has small receptive fields, what is the expected outcome when a stimulus is applied?

Accepted Answer

The stimulus will be easy to localize.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between general and special senses?

Accepted Answer

General senses include temperature, pain, and touch; special senses include smell, taste, balance, hearing, and vision.

Question 7

A person is unable to detect light in their retina. Which concept explains why this occurs?

Accepted Answer

Receptor specificity

Question 8

Which of the following statements about receptor specificity is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is due to the structure of the receptor.

Question 9

A patient has damage to the free nerve endings in their skin. Which of the following sensations would MOST likely be affected?

Accepted Answer

A variety of stimuli including pain and temperature

Question 10

Which equation best represents the relationship between the area monitored by a receptor cell ($$A) $$and the ability to localize a stimulus ($$L$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$L \propto \frac{1}{A}$$

Question 11

If a region of the body has a high density of receptors, what can be inferred about its receptive fields and localization ability?

Accepted Answer

It has small receptive fields and good localization.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of stimulus that plasmalemma receptors can detect?

Accepted Answer

Thermal stimuli

Question 13

A researcher is studying a receptor that responds only to light. Which property is being demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

Receptor specificity

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of the plasmalemma in sensory reception?

Accepted Answer

It contains receptors that are specific for different types of stimuli.

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely result from damage to an area with small receptive fields?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to localize stimuli.

The Nervous System: General and Special Senses

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards