Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A physical or chemical stimulus is converted into an action potential that can be interpreted by the brain.

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for the majority of the eye’s refractive power?

Accepted Answer

The cornea

Question 3

A patient presents with gradual loss of peripheral vision and increased intraocular pressure. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why humans are most sensitive to bitter tastes?

Accepted Answer

Many bitter compounds are toxic, so sensitivity serves as a protective function.

Question 5

Which cranial nerve does NOT carry taste information from the tongue to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal nerve (V)

Question 6

What is the main function of the tectorial membrane in the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

To sit above the hair cells and facilitate bending of stereocilia during basilar membrane movement

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the otolithic membrane in the utricle and saccule?

Accepted Answer

It contains otoliths that move in response to gravity and linear acceleration, bending hair cell stereocilia.

Question 8

A person with red-green color blindness is unable to distinguish between red and green because:

Accepted Answer

Their cones absorb the wrong wavelength of light due to a defective gene.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between rods and cones in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Rods are more sensitive in dim light and are important for peripheral vision.

Question 10

Which process occurs when the ciliary body contracts during accommodation for near vision?

Accepted Answer

Tension on the suspensory ligaments decreases, allowing the lens to round up.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why a myringotomy (insertion of a tube in the tympanic membrane) is performed in cases of chronic otitis media?

Accepted Answer

To drain fluid or pus from the middle ear and prevent infection recurrence

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the transmission of sound from the external environment to the cochlear nerve?

Accepted Answer

Auricle → tympanic membrane → auditory ossicles → oval window → perilymph → basilar membrane → hair cells → cochlear nerve

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of light on photoreceptor cells in the retina?

Accepted Answer

Light causes photoreceptor cells to hyperpolarize and decrease neurotransmitter release.

Question 14

A patient is unable to maintain balance when turning their head quickly. Which structure is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Semicircular ducts

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of sound?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f 	imes \lambda$$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a person with sensorineural hearing loss may benefit from a cochlear implant?

Accepted Answer

The implant bypasses damaged hair cells and directly stimulates the cochlear nerve.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of static equilibrium detected by the vestibular system?

Accepted Answer

Tilting your head to the side while standing still

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the pupillary sphincter muscle?

Accepted Answer

It constricts the pupil in response to parasympathetic stimulation.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the blind spot exists in the human eye?

Accepted Answer

The optic disc lacks photoreceptors because it is where the optic nerve exits the eye.

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for motion sickness based on sensory integration?

Accepted Answer

The vestibular system and visual system send conflicting information to the brain.

The Special Senses: Structure and Function in Human Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions