Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of sensory transduction?

Accepted Answer

The conversion of an arriving stimulus into an action potential by a sensory receptor.

Question 2

A patient is unable to localize a painful stimulus on their back, but can easily localize a pinprick on their fingertip. Which concept best explains this difference?

Accepted Answer

The receptive fields in the back are larger than those in the fingertip.

Question 3

Which type of sensory receptor is most likely responsible for detecting the vibration of a cell phone in your pocket?

Accepted Answer

Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscles

Question 4

Which pathway carries sensations of crude touch, pressure, pain, and temperature to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic pathway

Question 5

A person is exposed to a constant, non-painful stimulus, such as the feeling of their clothes. Over time, they stop noticing it. Which process is responsible for this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral adaptation

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding phasic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They are normally inactive and respond strongly at first to a change in stimulus.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why pain and proprioception are detected by tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

Tonic receptors are always active, ensuring continuous monitoring of potentially harmful or important stimuli.

Question 8

A patient with a heart attack feels pain radiating down their left arm. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Referred pain

Question 9

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between stimulus intensity and action potential frequency in tonic receptors?

Accepted Answer

$$f = k \cdot I$$

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of proprioceptors?

Accepted Answer

Detecting changes in blood pH

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the cerebellum in motor control?

Accepted Answer

Monitors proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular information to coordinate and fine-tune movements.

Question 12

Which of the following is TRUE about the posterior column pathway?

Accepted Answer

It decussates (crosses over) in the medulla oblongata.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the hands and face occupy a larger area on the sensory homunculus than the trunk?

Accepted Answer

They contain more sensory receptors per unit area.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of receptor type and stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptor – tissue damage

Question 15

A person is able to sense the position of their limbs even with their eyes closed. Which receptors are primarily responsible for this sense?

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors

Question 16

Which neurotransmitters are released by sensory neurons in the pain pathway to facilitate pain sensation?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate and Substance P

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the vestibulospinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Regulates posture and balance by transmitting information from the inner ear to spinal motor neurons

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the spinocerebellar pathway?

Accepted Answer

It carries proprioceptive information to the cerebellum and does not reach conscious awareness.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a person with damage to the primary motor cortex can still perform some voluntary movements, although they may be imprecise?

Accepted Answer

The basal nuclei and cerebellum can adjust and coordinate movements via indirect pathways.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of chemoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

They send information directly to the primary somatosensory cortex.

Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System: Study Guide

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