Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of a sensory receptor in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It responds to changes in the environment by generating graded potentials that may trigger nerve impulses toward the CNS.

Question 2

A patient is unable to feel light touch on the skin but can still sense deep pressure. Which receptor type is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Meissner’s (tactile) corpuscles

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the direction of action potential propagation in a typical sensory neuron?

Accepted Answer

From the dendrites toward the axon terminal

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why referred pain occurs?

Accepted Answer

Somatic and autonomic sensory signals are carried along parallel nerve tracts, causing the brain to misinterpret the source of pain.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of phasic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They adapt rapidly to a constant stimulus, such as touch or smell.

Question 6

A patient presents with loss of proprioception. Which receptor type is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of Wallerian degeneration?

Accepted Answer

The axon and its myelin sheath distal to the injury disintegrate, while Schwann cells and macrophages clean up debris.

Question 8

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between stimulus intensity and action potential frequency?

Accepted Answer

$$f = k \cdot I$$

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct order of events in the regeneration of a peripheral nerve fiber after injury?

Accepted Answer

Axon fragments → Macrophages clean debris → Schwann cells form regeneration tube → New myelin sheath forms

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the projection level in the motor system hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

It conveys instructions to spinal cord motor neurons and sends a copy of that information to higher levels.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a monosynaptic reflex?

Accepted Answer

Patellar (knee-jerk) reflex

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of Schwann cells during nerve fiber regeneration?

Accepted Answer

They form a regeneration tube and release growth factors to guide axon regrowth.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the Ruffini corpuscle?

Accepted Answer

Detects deep continuous pressure and stretch in the dermis

Question 14

A patient is unable to distinguish between sweet and sour tastes. Which aspect of sensory perception is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Quality discrimination

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the tendon reflex?

Accepted Answer

It causes muscle relaxation in response to increased muscle tension.

Question 16

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for hearing and balance?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between generator potential and receptor potential?

Accepted Answer

Generator potential occurs when the receptor region is part of a sensory neuron, while receptor potential occurs when the receptor is a separate cell.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the components of a reflex arc?

Accepted Answer

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Integration center → Motor neuron → Effector

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why nociceptors do not adapt to constant stimulation?

Accepted Answer

They are tonic receptors, which adapt slowly or not at all, ensuring continued awareness of potentially harmful stimuli.

The Peripheral Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Integration

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards