Deck 15: The Special Senses

Question 1

Arrange the following to reflect the correct sequence an action potential would follow to reach the olfactory cortex of the brain:
(1) Olfactory bulb
(2) Olfactory cortex
(3) Olfactory epithelium
(4) Olfactory tract

A) 1, 2, 3, 4
B) 3, 4, 1, 2
C) 1, 4, 2, 3
D) 3, 1, 4, 2
E) 4, 3, 2, 1

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which molecule is activated from the binding of an odorant to transmembranous receptor molecules on olfactory hairs?

A) cAMP
B) Calmodulin
C) Troponin
D) G protein

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which of the following statements concerning olfaction is true?

A) Damaged olfactory neurons are replaced.
B) Olfactory epithelial receptors are highly specific.
C) Olfaction first goes to the thalamus and is then relayed to the cerebral cortex.
D) Continued stimulation of olfactory neurons produces the same level of response.
E) Replacement of neurons is a common phenomenon in the body.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which ion causes depolarization in olfactory neurons?

A) Na⁺
B) Ca²⁺
C) K⁺
D) Both Na⁺ and K⁺ are correct.
E) Both Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are correct.

Question 5

Taste buds

A) can perceive seven basic tastes.
B) are replaced approximately every 30 days.
C) can only perceive taste if the molecules are in solution.
D) can be found covering both the superior and inferior surfaces of the tongue.
E) have axons and generate their own action potentials.

Question 6

In order for a molecule to be detected by the olfactory neurons, it must

A) be present in high concentrations.
B) be one of the seven primary classes of odors.
C) be dissolved in fluid covering the olfactory epithelium.
D) interact with the mechanoreceptors of the olfactory hair membrane.
E) enter the nose slowly.

Question 7

Why does inhaling deeply and slowly through the nose help to identify an odor?

A) More air containing the odor is brought into contact with the olfactory epithelium.
B) Impulses originate slowly in the olfactory epithelium.
C) The tissue needs more time in contact with the odor.
D) Threshold for odor detection is high.
E) Receptors in the olfactory epithelium are highly specific.

Question 8

Which of the following statements concerning the sense of taste is false?

A) Each taste bud is most sensitive to one of the five basic tastes.
B) Sensitivity of taste buds for sweet taste is very high.
C) Adaptation for taste is rapid.
D) Olfaction influences taste.
E) Sensitivities for sweet and salty tastes are the lowest.

Question 9

Taste buds are not associated with ________ papillae.

A) foliate
B) filiform
C) fungiform
D) vallate
E) papilliform

Question 10

Sensory structures that detect taste are ________.

A) palates
B) papillae
C) taste buds
D) ciliary membranes
E) thermoreceptors

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a primary odor class?

A) Umami
B) Floral
C) Putrid
D) Pepperminty
E) Ethereal

Question 12

You are an airborne molecule that dissolves in the fluid covering the olfactory epithelium. Which of the following must you do in order to depolarize neurons in the olfactory epithelium?

A) Stimulate mitral cells
B) Release acetylcholine
C) Cause proliferation of basal cells
D) Bind to receptor molecules on the olfactory hair membrane
E) Lower the threshold of the cell

Question 13

Which of the special senses contains receptor neurons that are the only nerve cells in direct contact with the outside environment?

A) Equilibrium
B) Hearing
C) Olfaction
D) Taste
E) Vision

Question 14

For which of the following special senses are the receptor cells bipolar neurons?

A) Equilibrium
B) Hearing
C) Olfaction
D) Taste

Question 15

The central olfactory cortex areas are located in the ________.

A) frontal and temporal lobes
B) frontal and parietal lobes
C) parietal and temporal lobes
D) temporal and occipital lobes

Question 16

The most sensitive taste buds are found in ________ papillae.

A) formate
B) filiform
C) fungiform
D) vallate
E) foliate

Question 17

Secondary olfactory areas

A) are involved in emotional reactions to odors.
B) is the site of conscious perception of odors.
C) generates action potentials in olfactory neurons.
D) modulates the sense of olfaction within the olfactory bulb.
E) is the area where chemicals bind to receptors.

Question 18

To which of the following substances would the taste buds be most sensitive?

A) Syrup
B) Vinegar
C) Salt water
D) Quinine (tonic) water
E) Jelly

Question 19

Following a stroke, Harriet has impaired sense of taste on one side of the tip of her tongue, indicating the part of her brain that was affected must communicate with the ________ nerve.

A) facial
B) abducens
C) trigeminal
D) glossopharyngeal
E) vagus

Question 20

Which of the following special senses is relayed directly to the cerebral cortex without going to the thalamus?

A) Olfaction
B) Taste
C) Vision
D) Hearing
E) Touch

Question 21

Which of the following cranial nerves does NOT innervate extrinsic eye muscles?

A) Oculomotor
B) Abducens
C) Trochlear
D) Optic

Question 22

Which of the following structures is considered to be an accessory structure of the eye?

A) Lens
B) Retina
C) Sclera
D) Palpebrae
E) Cornea

Question 23

The outermost tunic of the eyeball is the ________.

A) iris
B) sclera
C) retina
D) choroid
E) conjunctiva

Question 24

The transparent mucous membrane that covers the anterior white surface of the eye is the ________.

A) conjunctival fornix
B) surface conjunctiva
C) bulbar conjunctiva
D) palpebral conjunctiva
E) sclera

Question 25

The blink reflex functions to ________.

A) maintain balance
B) regulate pupil size
C) provide clearer vision
D) keep the eyes moist
E) orient the eyes

Question 26

Some thyroid disorders are characterized by an increase in the width of the palpebral fissure. This would be an increase in the distance between the ________.

A) eyebrows
B) eyelashes
C) eyelids
D) eyes
E) lacrimal glands

Question 27

Why does a person's nose run when he cries?

A) Tears drain into the nasal cavity via the nasolacrimal duct.
B) Parasympathetic nerve stimulation causes the nose to secrete mucus.
C) Intense stimulation of the facial nerve as a result of crying increases nasal secretions.
D) The lacrimal glands secrete tears directly into the nose.
E) This stimulates fluid production in the nose.

Question 28

An inflammation of one of the ciliary glands of the eyelashes is called a ________.

A) sty
B) boil
C) chalazion
D) meibomian cyst
E) pinkeye

Question 29

The sense of taste is called ________.

A) olfaction
B) perception
C) gustation
D) tastant
E) mastication

Question 30

Palpebrae is another name for the ________.

A) eyes
B) eyelids
C) eyebrows
D) eyelashes
E) conjunctiva

Question 31

The taste cortex is located in the ________.

A) frontal lobe
B) insula
C) temporal lobe
D) parietal lobe

Question 32

You taste a sauce with the "tip of your tongue." These taste sensations would be carried via the ________ cranial nerve.

A) facial (VII)
B) vagus (X)
C) trigeminal (V)
D) glossopharyngeal (IX)
E) hypoglossal (XII)

Question 33

The newest taste to be described is ________.

A) bitter
B) salty
C) sweet
D) umami
E) sour

Question 34

Which tastant is NOT correctly matched with its process of depolarization?

A) Salty - Na⁺
B) Umami - G protein
C) Bitter - K⁺
D) Sour - H⁺
E) Sweet - G protein

Question 35

Pinkeye is an acute inflammation of the ________.

A) retina
B) choroid
C) sclera
D) conjunctiva
E) lacrimal gland

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a cell type found in taste buds?

A) Mitral cells
B) Supporting cells
C) Basal cells
D) Taste cells

Question 37

Which type of taste has the lowest threshold?

A) Sweet
B) Bitter
C) Salty
D) Sour
E) Umami

Question 38

The lacrimal glands

A) cause a sty when inflamed.
B) constantly produce a fluid called tears.
C) are located in the superomedial corner of the orbit.
D) are innervated by parasympathetic fibers from the oculomotor nerve.
E) produce sebum.

Question 39

Tears

A) are produced only when a person cries.
B) wash foreign objects away from the eye.
C) contain lysozyme to trap dust.
D) are very acidic and kill microbes.
E) contain little water.

Question 40

Arrange the following in correct sequence:
(1) Taste cell depolarizes.
(2) Action potential stimulated in sensory neuron associated with taste cell.
(3) Food substance dissolves in saliva.
(4) Neurotransmitter released by taste cell.
(5) Food substance enters taste pore and attaches to receptor on taste hair.

A) 5, 4, 1, 2, 3
B) 3, 5, 1, 4, 2
C) 5, 3, 1, 4, 2
D) 3, 1, 4, 5, 2
E) 3, 2, 1, 5, 4

Question 41

The area of greatest visual acuity is the ________.

A) lens
B) fovea centralis
C) optic disc
D) posterior chamber
E) blind spot

Question 42

The cornea

A) is highly vascular.
B) maintains the shape of the eye.
C) is white like the rest of the sclera.
D) is part of the focusing system of the eye.
E) does not contain connective tissue.

Question 43

The cornea is relatively easy to transplant because

A) its proteoglycan content is high.
B) it is easy to access and is avascular.
C) it has an extensive blood supply.
D) its high immunological activity prevents infection.
E) it is not attached to the eye.

Question 44

The only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly is the ________.

A) retina
B) optic chiasm
C) sclera
D) cornea
E) conjunctiva

Question 45

The lens

A) is biconcave.
B) focuses light on the retina.
C) floats in the vitreous humor.
D) is attached to the retina by suspensory ligaments.
E) is normally opaque.

Question 46

Which of the following structures is part of the vascular tunic?

A) Iris
B) Retina
C) Optic disc
D) Fovea centralis
E) Cornea

Question 47

The ________ separates the posterior chamber from the vitreous chamber.

A) iris
B) choroid
C) lens
D) sclera

Question 48

Which of the following are associated with the retina?

A) Lens and cones
B) Ciliary muscles and iris
C) Pupil and cornea
D) Suspensory ligaments
E) Rods and cones

Question 49

Blood vessels enter the eye and nerve processes exit the eye at the ________.

A) optic disc
B) macula lutea
C) sensory retina
D) fovea centralis
E) pupil

Question 50

Glaucoma can result from

A) inhibition of the circulation of aqueous humor.
B) damage to the suspensory ligament.
C) a decrease in the number of cones.
D) opacity of the lens.
E) increased amounts of vitreous humor.

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT an intrinsic eye muscle?

A) Ciliary muscles
B) Inferior oblique muscle
C) Sphincter pupillae muscle
D) Dilator pupillae muscle

Question 52

Which of the following functions is carried out by both aqueous and vitreous humor?

A) Cleanses the eye
B) Nourishment of the eye
C) Refraction of light rays
D) Generation of a visual image
E) Controls the amount of light entering the eye

Question 53

In bright sunlight, the diameter of the pupil ________ due to contraction of the ________.

A) decreases; ciliary muscles
B) increases; dilator pupillae
C) decreases; sphincter pupillae
D) decreases; suspensory ligaments
E) increases; ciliary ring

Question 54

Vitreous humor

A) is produced on a daily basis.
B) is less viscous than aqueous humor.
C) does not contribute to intraocular pressure.
D) helps to hold the lens and retina in place.
E) is located in the anterior chamber.

Question 55

The optic disc

A) is located in the vascular tunic.
B) is the site of greatest visual acuity.
C) is also called the macula lutea.
D) is on the anterior surface of the eye.
E) contains no photoreceptor cells.

Question 56

The contractile structure that surrounds the pupil is the ________.

A) iris
B) ciliary ring
C) sclera
D) ciliary muscle
E) retina

Question 57

The ciliary body

A) contains rods and cones.
B) is continuous with the sclera.
C) consists of a ciliary ring and ciliary processes.
D) produces vitreous humor.
E) is photosensitive.

Question 58

The transparent anterior portion of the fibrous tunic is the ________.

A) iris
B) retina
C) cornea
D) choroid
E) pupil

Question 59

Increased fluid accumulation in the cornea would result in

A) a scattering of light rays.
B) loss of pigment in the eye.
C) a decrease in the strength of the tissue.
D) an increase in the ability to transmit light to the retina.
E) blockage of light rays.

Question 60

The anterior and posterior chambers of the eye are separated by the ________.

A) lens
B) retina
C) cornea
D) iris
E) optic disc

Question 61

When rhodopsin is exposed to light,

A) more rhodopsin is formed.
B) retinal separates from opsin.
C) the cones generate action potentials.
D) free retinal is converted to vitamin A.
E) retinal becomes more attached to opsin.

Question 62

Night blindness could be caused by

A) a lack of cones.
B) a lack of iodopsin.
C) a lack of rhodopsin.
D) too much vitamin A in the diet.
E) a lack of vitamin C in the diet.

Question 63

When you try to focus on the tip of your nose,

A) the pupils dilate.
B) the ciliary muscles relax.
C) the lens becomes more spherical.
D) the tension on the suspensory ligament increases.
E) the lens becomes flatter.

Question 64

Light refracts as it passes through the

A) vitreous humor, sclera, and iris.
B) lens, aqueous humor, and sclera.
C) cornea, retina, and vitreous humor.
D) lens, cornea, and humors of the eye.
E) sclera, iris, and retina.

Question 65

Color vision

A) is a function of cone cells.
B) is most acute in dim light.
C) is interpreted in the cerebellum.
D) depends on the amount of available rhodopsin.
E) is the interaction between rods and cones.

Question 66

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the retina?

A) Ganglion cells
B) Photoreceptors
C) Optic chiasm
D) Optic disc
E) Fovea centralis

Question 67

Which of the following statements concerning vision is false?

A) Rods cannot detect color.
B) The visual pigment of cones is iodopsin.
C) Most of the optic tract axons terminate in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.
D) Association neurons in the inner retinal layers modify signals of rods and cones.
E) Most of the optic tract axons terminate in the medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.

Question 68

Albinism in which there is an absence of melanin pigment would affect the individual's

A) color perception.
B) visual acuity and prevent scattering of light inside the eye.
C) protection of the optic nerves from damage.
D) ability to remove wastes from the eye.
E) total vision, as it always results in blindness.

Question 69

Which of the following is correctly matched?

A) Sclera - ciliary body
B) Iris - sphincter pupillae
C) Retina - canal of Schlemm
D) Vitreous humor - anterior chamber
E) Aqueous humor - vitreous chamber

Question 70

The main factor affecting depth of focus is ________.

A) convergence
B) accommodation
C) the shape of the lens
D) the size of the lens
E) the size of the pupil

Question 71

To which colors are the three different kinds of cones sensitive?

A) Blue, red, and yellow
B) Red, blue, and green
C) Red, violet, and yellow
D) Violet, green, and blue
E) Orange, indigo, and violet

Question 72

Amanda has no visual impairments, but has noticed that in order to see clearly she must hold books farther from her face in order to read. What is happening to Amanda's vision?

A) Her lens is becoming more rigid with age.
B) Her lens is becoming more opaque with age.
C) Her lens is becoming more convex with age.
D) Her vitreous humor is becoming thicker with age.
E) Her lens is becoming more flexible with age.

Question 73

For distant vision,

A) the lens is more spherical.
B) the suspensory ligaments relax.
C) the ciliary muscles are relaxed.
D) light is refracted more by the lens than by the humors.
E) the lens is thickened.

Question 74

What is activated when light causes 11-cis-retinal to convert to all-trans-retinal?

A) Opsin
B) Transducin
C) ATP
D) Glutamate

Question 75

To focus on objects closer than 20 feet,

A) the lens must become flatter.
B) the cornea must move inward.
C) the ciliary muscles must contract.
D) the suspensory ligaments increase tension on the lens.
E) the retina must bend.

Question 76

Light and dark adaptation involve

A) pupillary reflexes.
B) variations in rod and cone function.
C) changes in the amount of available rhodopsin.
D) All of the choices are correct.

Question 77

Humans are able to distinguish several million shades of color because

A) humans have large retinas.
B) humans have binocular vision.
C) they have many different types of cone cells.
D) different proportions of cone cells respond to each wavelength of light.
E) humans have more cones than rods.

Question 78

Rhodopsin is found in the ________.

A) rods
B) cones
C) choroid
D) pigmented retina
E) amacrine cells

Question 79

As an object moves closer to the eye,

A) the lens flattens.
B) the eyes rotate medially.
C) the ciliary muscles relax.
D) the diameter of the pupil increases.
E) the eye blinks.

Question 80

Rods, a type of photoreceptor cell, respond to light (stimulus) by

A) depolarizing.
B) repolarizing.
C) hypopolarizing.
D) hyperpolarizing.
E) opening Na⁺ channels in the plasma membrane.