Human Anatomy and Physiology : Help with Proprioception and Mechanoreceptors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Help With Proprioception And Mechanoreceptors
Which structure detect rotational acceleration of the head and body?
Cochlea
Eardrum
Endolymph
Ossicles
Semicircular canals
Semicircular canals
The semicircular canals detect rotation. They consist of three bony canals at right angles to each other. Each is filled with a fluid called endolymph and movement of the body causes the fluid to move. The fluid's movement against tiny hair cells within the canals allows the body to detect rotational acceleration. The cochlea is involved in hearing and the ossicles collectively transmit sound from the external environment/tympanic membrane to the cochlea.
Example Question #2 : Help With Proprioception And Mechanoreceptors
Which of the following is not considered to be a mechanoreceptor?
Meissner's corpuscle
Merkel receptor
Free nerve ending
Pacinian corpuscle
Ruffini ending
Free nerve ending
Mechanoreceptors are associated with the perception of touch/proprioception. With this being said, free nerve endings give nociceptive sensory information to perceive pain and would not be considered mechanoreceptors, while all other options are.
Example Question #3 : Help With Proprioception And Mechanoreceptors
Which mechanoreceptors are located more superficially on the skin?
Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner's corpuscles
Ruffini endings and free nerve endings
Merkel receptor and Pacinian corpuscles
Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors
Meissner's corpuscles and Ruffini endings
Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors
Both Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors are located superficially underneath the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. This allows these receptors to have a smaller receptor field where more sensitive sensory information can be picked up. To help remember this, use the following tip: "M&Ms (Meissner/Merkel) are small (small receptor fields) and lay on top (superficially) of your hand."
Example Question #4 : Help With Proprioception And Mechanoreceptors
The gate theory of pain indicates that mechanoreceptors __________ nociception.
agonize
do not affect
induce
inhibit
None of these
inhibit
The gate theory suggests that mechanoreceptors inhibit nociception. This is done by the mechanoreceptors because they activate an inhibitory neuron that stops signaling of the nociceptors. This theory can apply to the human reaction to when we stub our toe, our natural reaction is to grab the hurt area which stimulates mechanoreceptors and inhibits the nociception.
Example Question #5 : Help With Proprioception And Mechanoreceptors
What type of receptors are associated with A alpha fibers?
Free nerve endings
Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs (GTO's)
Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors
Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner corpuscles
Hair follicles
Muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs (GTO's)
Muscles spindles and GTO's are both receptors of A alpha fibers. These fibers are associated with proprioception within the body. Furthermore, muscle spindles respond to the stretch of a muscle while Golgi tendon organs respond to tension at the tendinous junctions.
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