Human Anatomy and Physiology : Sensory Organs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

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Example Question #1 : Help With Gustatory And Olfactory Physiology

Which of the following senses uses chemoreceptors in order to send signals to the brain?

Possible Answers:

Vision

Touch

Hearing

Smell

Correct answer:

Smell

Explanation:

Chemoreceptors are used to sense taste and smell. Receptors in the nose and the mouth bind to chemicals that enter these regions. Once bound, the receptors send action potentials to the brain in order to stimulate the sensation of smell and taste. Depending on the type of receptor being bound, different sensations can arise.

Vision, hearing, and touch result from photoreceptors and mechanoreceptors. Photoreceptors in the eyes (namely rods and cones) generate electrical signals in response to light. Mechanoreceptors in the cochlea generate action potentials based on the vibrations of sound waves. Mechanoreceptors in the skin respond to pressure and other external stimuli to produce the sensation of touch.

Example Question #2 : Help With Gustatory And Olfactory Physiology

Which nerve allows for special sensory taste fibers for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Possible Answers:

Hypoglossal nerve

Facial nerve

Trigeminal nerve

Buccal nerve

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Correct answer:

Facial nerve

Explanation:

The chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which is carried by the lingual branch (of the trigeminal nerve), allow for special sensory taste fibers for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The general sensory innervation for the anterior two=thirds of the tongue is provided by the lingual branch of the mandibular nerve from the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V).

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) provides sensory and taste to the posterior one-third of the tongue. Hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) provides motor innervation for all the muscles of the tongue (except for palatoglossus which is innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). 

Example Question #1 : Help With Other Sensory Physiology

Which dermatome is responsible for sensation at the level of the nipple?

Possible Answers:

C4

C2

T10

T4

L4

Correct answer:

T4

Explanation:

The dermatome responsible for sensation at the level of the nipple is T4.

C2 is responsible for sensation at the posterior half of the skull "cap" and C4 at the level of a low collar shirt. T10 is responsible for sensation at the level of the navel (to remember this think bellybutton...belly buTEN). L4 includes the kneecaps.

Example Question #2 : Help With Other Sensory Physiology

What are astrocytes?

Possible Answers:

Single nerve axons

Cells that provide support and nutrition to neurons

Cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses

Cells that insulate the axons of some neurons

Correct answer:

Cells that provide support and nutrition to neurons

Explanation:

Astrocytes provide support and nutrition to neurons within the brain and spinal cord. Myelin sheath insulates the axons of some neurons which allows them to conduct impulses faster. Nerve fibers are single nerve axons that are surrounded by a sheath of connective tissue.  Nerves themselves are cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses. 

Example Question #3 : Help With Other Sensory Physiology

What fiber(s) are associated with the perception of pain?

Possible Answers:

A beta

A alpha

A delta and C fibers

C fibers

A alpha, A beta, and A delta fibers

Correct answer:

A delta and C fibers

Explanation:

Both A delta and C fibers are associated with the perception of pain. This can be broken down more specifically to A delta fibers that are slightly mylinated and carry "Fast" sharp pain that is immediately felt. While C fibers carry "slow" pain due to being unmyelinated and is associated with chronic pain.

Example Question #4 : Help With Other Sensory Physiology

Which fiber type is associated with chronic pain?

Possible Answers:

A beta

C fiber

A alpha

A delta

Ruffini endings

Correct answer:

C fiber

Explanation:

C fibers are associated with chronic pain perception because they transmit "slow pain". This is due to the fibers being unmyelinated. In addition, these fibers send projections to the limbic system and the thalamus which causes the brain to develop chronic pain associations.

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