NCLEX : Other Biology Concepts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Other Biology Concepts
Which of the following cranial nerves is not involved in the sensation of taste?
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)
The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX)
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)
The sensation of taste is carried to the brainstem by three cranial nerves: the facial nerve (CN VII), the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), and the vagus nerve (CN X). The facial and glossopharyngeal nerves both communicate sensation from the tongue, while the vagus nerve transmits sensory information from the epiglottis. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is not directly involved in the sensation of taste, though there is evidence that it is involved in the senses of "heat" and "coolness" experienced while eating spicy or minty foods.
Example Question #12 : Other Biology Concepts
In addition to the tongue, epiglottis, and pharynx, taste receptors are located in which of the following organs?
The pancreas
The lung
The testicle
All of these are correct
All of these are correct
In addition to the taste receptors in the mouth and pharynx, taste receptors are located in many other areas of the body. These including the lung (which has taste receptors for bitter flavors, possibly as a mechanism to protect against airborne toxins), the pancreas, the small intestine, the stomach, the brain, and the testis. While the function of taste receptors in the testes is not well known, some research indicates that testicular taste receptors may play an important role in male fertility.
Example Question #13 : Other Biology Concepts
Which of the following tastes is not associated with a G protein-coupled receptor?
Salty
Sweet
Umami
Bitter
Salty
Sweet, umami, and bitter taste are all correlated with receptors for guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, also known as G proteins. Taste bud receptors that transmit information about saltiness are triggered by sodium ion channels in the cell wall.
Example Question #13 : Other Biology Concepts
Which of the following is not a form of lingual papillae?
Stratified
Circumvallate
Fungiform
Foliate
Stratified
The four types of lingual papillae are fungiform (mushroom-shaped), filiform ("thread-like"), circumvallate, and foliate.
Filiform papillae are the most numerous, covering the majority of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Fungiform papillae are scattered along the surface of the tongue, but are more concentrated on the tip and sides of the tongue. Foliate papillae are located on the sides and back of the tongue, and circumvallate papillae are the large, round papillae visible in a row on the posterior aspect of the tongue, just anterior to the foramen cecum and sulcus terminalis.
Example Question #181 : General Biology
Which of the following triggers "sour" taste receptors in taste buds?
Gustducin
Sodium ions
Glutamate
Hydrogen ions
Hydrogen ions
Sour flavor taste bud receptors are triggered in the presence of hydrogen ions (thus acidic foods often have a sour taste). Sodium triggers receptors for salty flavor, while glutamate and gustducin (a guanine nucleotide-binding protein, or G protein), are associated with umami, sweet, and bitter flavors.
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