MCAT Biology : Divisions of the Nervous System

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Sensory Organs

Which of the following are responsible for sensing color in the human eye?

Possible Answers:

Pupils

Retinas

Rods

Cones

Correct answer:

Cones

Explanation:

Rods and cones are two photoreceptors located on the back of the retina that are responsible for black, white (dark and light), and color sense. Rods are responsible for light and dark and are extremely sensitive, while cones sense color and are less sensitive.

The pupil and retina are both anatomical structures of the eye. The pupil controls the amount of light to pass through the eye, and the retina converts the electromagnetic signal to a neural stimulus.

Example Question #2 : Sensory Organs

Which of the following explains why there is a blind spot in the eye?

Possible Answers:

This is the location where there are no rods

This is the location where there are no cones

This is the location where the retina does not focus light

This is the location where the lens of the eye is not transparent

This is the location where the optic nerve exits the eye

Correct answer:

This is the location where the optic nerve exits the eye

Explanation:

The optic nerve collects stimuli from the retina and exits through the back of the eye to relay the information to the occipital lobe of the cerebrum. The point at which the optic nerve exits the eye contains no photoreceptors (rods and cones), and is unable to interpret light signals. This leads to a blind spot in the eye at the optic disk.

Example Question #3 : Sensory Organs

Which of the following helps humans see in the dark?

Possible Answers:

Lens

Rods

Optic nerve

Cones

Retina

Correct answer:

Rods

Explanation:

Rods and cones are the primary photoreceptors in our eyes. The rods are responsible for night vision, allowing us to differentiate different grays and blacks, whereas the cones are responsible for sensing color. Rods are concentrated in the periphery of the retina, making them essential for peripheral vision as well.

The retina contains both rods and cones and is responsible for converting electromagnetic stimulation to electrical impulses. These impulses are fired through the optic nerve to the occipital lobe for processing. The lens helps to focus light on the retina.

Example Question #152 : Systems Biology And Tissue Types

Which of the following is responsible for color vision?

Possible Answers:

Optic nerve

Cones

Rods

Lens

Retina

Correct answer:

Cones

Explanation:

Rods and cones are the primary photoreceptors in our eyes. The rods are responsible for night vision, allowing us to differentiate different grays and blacks, whereas the cones are responsible for sensing color. There are three main pigments in cones, each perceiving one type of color: red, green, or blue. Deficiency in one type of cone can result in color blindness.

The retina contains both rods and cones and is responsible for converting electromagnetic stimulation to electrical impulses. These impulses are fired through the optic nerve to the occipital lobe for processing. The lens helps to focus light on the retina.

Example Question #8 : Sensory Organs

Which cell of the retina is utilized most in night vision?

Possible Answers:

Bipolar cell

Rod cell

Ganglion cell

Cone cell

Correct answer:

Rod cell

Explanation:

The two major photoreceptors of the body are cone cells and rod cells. Cone cells are most highly concentrated in the fovea and are best for color vision and visual acuity. In contrast, rod cells are found in higher concentrations away from the fovea (at the periphery of the retina) and used for seeing low levels of light and peripheral vision. Rod cells are therefore the photoreceptors used for night vision.

Ganglion cells and bipolar cells are also cells of the retina. They are used in the transmission of the electrical signals from the photoreceptors to the optic nerve and brain.

Example Question #153 : Systems Biology And Tissue Types

The amount of light that reaches the retina is controlled by the __________, while the focus is determined by stimulation of the __________.

Possible Answers:

iris . . . ciliary muscles

lens . . . iris

ciliary muscles . . . iris

lens . . . ciliary muscles

Correct answer:

iris . . . ciliary muscles

Explanation:

The pigmented part of the eye, called the iris, regulates the amount of light entering the eye. The iris is actually a band of circular muscle capable of regulating the size of the pupil. By dilating or constricting, this ring controls the amount of light that can enter the eye.

The ciliary muscles are responsible for altering the lens shape. When these muscles contract, the lens flattens and the focal length is reduced, allowing focus on objects closer to the eye. While the lens plays an important role in focusing light, it cannot be stimulated directly and relies on action of the ciliary muscles to change its shape.

Example Question #2 : Sensory Organs

Which of the following refers to the optic chiasm?

Possible Answers:

The blind spot created by the optic nerve leaving the eye

The crossing point of the right and left optic nerves

The point of connection between the optic nerve and the cerebrum

The anterior region of the fetal eye

The crossing point of the right and left optic tracts

Correct answer:

The crossing point of the right and left optic nerves

Explanation:

The optic nerves cross over in a location known as the optic chiasm, located posterior to the eyes in the brain. The optic tract refers to the portion of the optic nerve that carries signals prior to the optic chiasm, and thus is not involved in the cross. The result of the optic chiasm is that information from the right eye is transmitted to the left visual cortex, while information from the left eye is transmitted to the right visual cortex.

The blind spot created by the optic nerve exiting the eye is known as the optic disc.

Example Question #172 : Biology

Color blindness could be a result of the dysfunction of which type of cell?

Possible Answers:

Vitreous humor cells

Cones

Rods

Ciliary body cells

Correct answer:

Cones

Explanation:

Cones are responsible for the perception of color. Three different types of cones exist, each type containing a different pigment specifically tuned to a wavelength or color of light.

Rods are predominantly responsible for the transmission of images in low-intensity light, however do nothing to perceive color. The ciliary body is a muscle involved in the dilation of the pupils, and the vitreous humor is the aqueous matrix that occupies the space between the lens and the retina within the eye.

Example Question #173 : Biology

Which of the following somatic sensory neurons is responsible for the perception of pain?

Possible Answers:

Mechanoreceptors

Nociceptors

Photoreceptors

Propioreceptors

Correct answer:

Nociceptors

Explanation:

Mechanoreceptors, propioreceptors, photoreceptors, and nociceptors are all classified as somatic sensory receptors, and are responsible for conveying information about the external environment to the brain.

Mechanoreceptors give the perception of touch and pressure. Propioreceptors are responsible for detecting the orientation of the body, for example, knowing where your feet are without looking at them. Photoreceptors are located in the eyes and detect light. Nociceptors are able to detect and transmit the sensations of pain and extreme temperatures.

Example Question #174 : Biology

Which type of sensors allow us to know how our limbs are oriented, even with our eyes closed? 

Possible Answers:

Thermoreceptors

Proprioceptors

Somatic sensors

Photoreceptors

Barioceptors

Correct answer:

Proprioceptors

Explanation:

Proprioceptors relay information about the relative position of the body in space. These receptors are embedded in the skin and musculoskeletal system, and are triggered by movement. The prefix "proprio-" means self, making proprioreceptors "receptors of the self."

Barioreceptors detect pressure changes in the blood and are primarily located in the aorta. Photoreceptors include rods and cones, and are responsible for receiving electromagnetic input in the eyes. Thermoreceptors are primarily located in the skin and detect changes in temperature. Somatic sensors are a general category of receptors that carry afferent signals to the brain.

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