Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the special senses?

Accepted Answer

Touch

Question 2

What is the primary function of the lacrimal gland in the eye?

Accepted Answer

To produce lacrimal fluid that moistens the eye surface

Question 3

Which structure in the eye is responsible for draining aqueous humor?

Accepted Answer

Scleral venous sinus

Question 4

The fovea centralis is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A region of the retina containing only cone cells for highest visual acuity

Question 5

Which cranial nerve is responsible for opening the eyelid via the levator palpebrae superioris muscle?

Accepted Answer

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Question 6

What is the main function of the ciliary muscle in the eye?

Accepted Answer

To focus the lens for accommodation

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the basilar membrane in the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

It supports the spiral organ (organ of Corti) and vibrates in response to sound

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the semicircular canals is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They detect rotational acceleration in three different planes

Question 9

Which part of the ear is responsible for equalizing air pressure across the tympanic membrane?

Accepted Answer

Pharyngotympanic (Eustachian) tube

Question 10

A patient presents with loss of color vision but retains night vision. Which photoreceptor cells are most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Cone cells

Question 11

Which of the following correctly matches the cranial nerve to its sensory function?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII) - transmits taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

Question 12

Which of the following structures is filled with endolymph?

Accepted Answer

Membranous labyrinth

Question 13

The maculae in the vestibule of the inner ear are responsible for detecting:

Accepted Answer

Static equilibrium and linear acceleration

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They are crystals of calcium carbonate that help detect head position and movement

Question 15

Which pathway correctly describes the transmission of visual information from the retina to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Retina → Optic nerve → Optic chiasm → Optic tract → Thalamus → Primary visual cortex

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the spiral organ (organ of Corti)?

Accepted Answer

It is the receptor epithelium for hearing located in the cochlear duct

Question 17

A person is unable to distinguish between sweet and salty tastes. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Taste buds on the tongue papillae

Question 18

Which of the following statements about olfactory sensory neurons is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They are bipolar neurons located in the olfactory epithelium

Question 19

Which equation best represents the relationship between the focal length ($f$), object distance ($d_o$), and image distance ($d_i$) for the lens in the eye?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the pupil constricts in response to bright light?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the sphincter pupillae muscle

Special Senses: Structure and Function in Human Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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