The Ultimate Neuroscience Knowledge Test

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About This Quiz

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the brain and its impact on cognitive functions and behavior. This multidisciplinary science combines many sub-fields such as molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, biology, cytology, etc. What do you know about this topic? Let's find out with this test.

The Ultimate Neuroscience Knowledge Test - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of the basic tastes is involved with regulating levels of sodium in our body?

    • Salty

    • Sweet

    • Sour

    • Bitter

    • Umami

    Correct Answer
    A. Salty
    Explanation
    The basic taste involved in regulating levels of sodium in our body is salty. Salt, or sodium chloride, is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function. Our taste buds are sensitive to salty tastes, and consuming salt can trigger our body's thirst response and help regulate sodium levels.

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  • 3. 

    Which cranial nerve is responsible for taste?

    • Olfactory nerve (I)

    • Optic Nerve (II)

    • Facial nerve (VII)

    • Vestibulochlear (VIII)

    Correct Answer
    A. Facial nerve (VII)
    Explanation
    The facial nerve (VII) is responsible for taste. It contains taste fibers that innervate the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, allowing us to perceive different tastes such as sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. The olfactory nerve (I) is responsible for the sense of smell, the optic nerve (II) is responsible for vision, and the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) is responsible for hearing and balance.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following is NOT an example of adaptation?

    • The hot tub feeling painful at first but then normal after a few minutes

    • A loud noise causing the reflex turning of the head

    • Feeling your ring when you first put it on but not later in the day

    • Seeing better in darkness after a few minutes

    Correct Answer
    A. A loud noise causing the reflex turning of the head
    Explanation
    Adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to a stimulus or environment over time. The examples given in the question all involve some form of adaptation except for "A loud noise causing the reflex turning of the head." This is not an example of adaptation because it is a reflex action, which is an involuntary and immediate response to a stimulus. Adaptation, on the other hand, involves a gradual adjustment or change in response to a stimulus.

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  • 5. 

    Which sensory modality can communicate directly with the cortex without intermediary processing by the thalamus?

    • Hearing

    • Smell

    • Taste

    • Touch

    • Vision

    Correct Answer
    A. Smell
    Explanation
    Smell is the correct answer because the olfactory system is unique in that it bypasses the thalamus and sends sensory information directly to the cortex. This means that smell can directly communicate with the brain without the need for intermediary processing or filtering by the thalamus. Unlike other sensory modalities such as hearing, taste, touch, and vision, which rely on the thalamus to transmit information to the cortex, the olfactory system has a direct pathway to the brain.

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  • 6. 

    Cranial nerves.....

    • Are bundles of afferents only

    • Branch off of the spinal cord

    • Have efferent and/or afferent components

    • Are bundles of efferents only

    Correct Answer
    A. Have efferent and/or afferent components
    Explanation
    Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and different parts of the body. They can carry both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) components, allowing for bidirectional communication. This means that cranial nerves not only receive sensory information from the body and transmit it to the brain but also carry motor signals from the brain to various muscles and glands. Therefore, cranial nerves have efferent and/or afferent components.

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  • 7. 

    The spinothalamic and dorsal column pathways both comprise three neurons, with the second order neuron crossing the midline, and the third order neuron signaling from thalamus to cortex

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because both the spinothalamic and dorsal column pathways consist of three neurons. In both pathways, the second order neuron crosses the midline, allowing for the transmission of sensory information from one side of the body to the opposite side of the brain. The third order neuron then carries the signals from the thalamus to the cortex, where they are processed and perceived. Therefore, the statement accurately describes the organization of these two sensory pathways.

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  • 8. 

    There are more types of odorant receptors than there are taste receptors

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because odorant receptors are responsible for detecting and distinguishing various smells, and there are more than 400 different types of odorant receptors in the human body. On the other hand, taste receptors are responsible for detecting different tastes, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, and there are only around 25 different types of taste receptors. Therefore, there are indeed more types of odorant receptors than taste receptors.

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  • 9. 

    What is a glomerulus?

    • A synaptic location in the olfactory bulb that receives input from sensory cells with a particular odorant receptor 

    • A unit of the olfactory bulb that is activated in response to a particular chemical feature on an odorant

    • A neural unit within the olfactory bulb whose relative activation is coded along with all of the others to elicit the perception of distinct smells

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    A glomerulus is a neural unit within the olfactory bulb that receives input from sensory cells with a particular odorant receptor, is activated in response to a particular chemical feature on an odorant, and its relative activation is coded along with all of the other glomeruli to elicit the perception of distinct smells. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the statements mentioned are true about a glomerulus.

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  • 10. 

    Papilla are nodules on the surface of the tongue that increase the surface area for the taste buds (Also appear to aid in the mechanical handling of food, providing a rough surface)

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Papilla are indeed nodules on the surface of the tongue that increase the surface area for the taste buds. They help in enhancing the sense of taste by allowing more taste receptors to be present on the tongue. Additionally, papilla also appear to aid in the mechanical handling of food by providing a rough surface, which helps in manipulating and moving food around the mouth during chewing and swallowing.

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  • 11. 

    If I keep my focus on a spot in front of me and turn my head to the left, the ________ rectus muscle in my right eye will contract 

    • Lateral

    • Medial

    • Superior

    • Inferior

    Correct Answer
    A. Lateral
    Explanation
    When we turn our head to the left, the right eye needs to move towards the right to maintain a clear and focused vision. The muscle responsible for this movement is the lateral rectus muscle, which is located on the outer side of the eye. Therefore, when we turn our head to the left, the lateral rectus muscle in the right eye contracts to move the eye in the appropriate direction.

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  • 12. 

    Eye movement and adjustment of vision occurs because my head movement has been sensed by

    • The semicircular canals

    • The cochlea

    • The utricle

    • The saccule

    Correct Answer
    A. The semicircular canals
    Explanation
    The semicircular canals are responsible for sensing head movement and are part of the vestibular system in the inner ear. These canals contain fluid and hair cells that detect changes in the movement of the fluid when the head moves. This information is then sent to the brain, which helps in adjusting vision and maintaining balance. Therefore, the semicircular canals play a crucial role in sensing head movement and adjusting vision.

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  • 13. 

    Rods and cones.......

    • Are similar in that they contain the same types of opsins and pigments

    • Are similar in that they are both found at higher density within the fovea

    • Are different in that rods become saturated in daylight

    • Are different in that only cones are used for night vision

    Correct Answer
    A. Are different in that rods become saturated in daylight
    Explanation
    Rods and cones are different in that rods become saturated in daylight. This means that when there is too much light, rods are unable to respond effectively and their ability to detect light decreases. On the other hand, cones are responsible for color vision and are less sensitive to light, allowing them to function better in daylight conditions. This difference in saturation levels between rods and cones highlights their distinct roles in vision under different lighting conditions.

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  • 14. 

    Damage to the left optic tract would cause loss of vision in which of the following?

    • The left eye

    • The right eye

    • The left field of vision in both eyes

    • The right field of vision in both eyes

    Correct Answer
    A. The right field of vision in both eyes
    Explanation
    Damage to the left optic tract would cause loss of vision in the right field of vision in both eyes. The optic tracts carry visual information from the eyes to the brain. The left optic tract specifically carries information from the right visual field of both eyes. Therefore, damage to the left optic tract would result in the loss of vision in the right field of vision in both eyes.

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  • 15. 

    In thermoreceptors, which of the following is possible?

    • Sodium channels that open in response to cold found in the CNS

    • Sodium channels that open in response to warm found within the peripheral

    • Chloride channels that open in response to cold found in the CNS

    • Chloride channels that open in response to warm found within the peripheral

    Correct Answer
    A. Sodium channels that open in response to warm found within the peripheral
    Explanation
    Sodium channels that open in response to warm can be found within the peripheral. This means that when the temperature increases, these sodium channels in the peripheral thermoreceptors open, allowing sodium ions to enter the cell and generate an action potential. This information is important for the body to detect and respond to changes in temperature, allowing us to sense and regulate our body temperature accordingly.

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  • 16. 

    Which of the following statements is TRUE about taste buds?

    • Taste buds contain sensory cells that release neurotransmitters to gustatory afferents

    • Taste buds contain basal cells that release neurotransmitters to gustatory afferents

    • Taste buds are exposed to tastants at their basal pole

    • Taste buds are the little bumps on your tongue

    Correct Answer
    A. Taste buds contain sensory cells that release neurotransmitters to gustatory afferents
    Explanation
    Taste buds contain sensory cells that release neurotransmitters to gustatory afferents. This means that taste buds have cells that are responsible for detecting different tastes and sending signals to the brain through neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters then transmit the taste information to the gustatory afferents, which are the nerve fibers that carry the taste signals to the brain for processing.

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  • 17. 

    Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the reward pathway in the brain?

    • Serotonin

    • Acetylcholine

    • Dopamine

    • GABA

    Correct Answer
    A. Dopamine
    Explanation
    Dopamine is the neurotransmitter most closely linked to the brain's reward pathway. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of pleasure, motivation, and reward-driven behavior. When a person experiences something rewarding, dopamine is released in areas like the nucleus accumbens, reinforcing the behavior. While serotonin is associated with mood regulation, acetylcholine with muscle activation, and GABA with inhibitory functions, dopamine specifically drives the reward system, making it central to motivation and reinforcement.

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  • 18. 

    Signals from the retina to the ________ regulate circadian rhythms

    • Hypothalamus

    • Pretectum

    • Superior colliculus

    • Thalamus

    Correct Answer
    A. Hypothalamus
    Explanation
    The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms, including sleep-wake cycles. It receives signals from the retina, which contains specialized cells that detect light and darkness. These signals help to synchronize the body's internal clock with the external environment. The hypothalamus then sends signals to other parts of the brain and body to control various physiological processes, such as hormone production and body temperature, that are influenced by circadian rhythms. The other options, pretectum, superior colliculus, and thalamus, are not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.

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  • 19. 

    Which of the following is TURE on the cellular makeup of taste buds?

    • Contain the taste receptor cells, which are also known as gustatory cells 

    • Taste receptors are located around the small structures known as papillae found on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus, the cheek, and epiglottis

    • None of the above

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    All of the above is the correct answer because taste buds contain taste receptor cells, also known as gustatory cells. These taste receptor cells are located around the small structures called papillae, which can be found on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus, the cheek, and epiglottis. Therefore, all the statements mentioned in the options are true regarding the cellular makeup of taste buds.

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  • 20. 

    How do the sensory cells within the semicircular canals transduce the environmental stimulus?

    • Voltage gated sodium channel

    • Chemical activation of a GPCR

    • Mechanically gated ion channel

    • Closure of a chloride channel

    Correct Answer
    A. Mechanically gated ion channel
    Explanation
    The sensory cells within the semicircular canals transduce the environmental stimulus through mechanically gated ion channels. These channels open or close in response to mechanical forces, such as the movement of fluid within the semicircular canals. When the channels open, ions can flow into or out of the cell, generating an electrical signal that is then transmitted to the brain for interpretation. This mechanism allows the sensory cells to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, enabling us to perceive and sense changes in our body position and movement.

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  • 21. 

    The purpose of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is to....

    • Maintain balance and posture in response to head movements

    • Control our ocular muscles to produce accurate eye movements to new visual targets

    • Control our ocular muscles so that our gaze can remain fixed despite our head movements

    • Control our iris muscles to properly adjust pupil size for light

    Correct Answer
    A. Control our ocular muscles so that our gaze can remain fixed despite our head movements
    Explanation
    The purpose of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is to control our ocular muscles so that our gaze can remain fixed despite our head movements. This reflex allows us to maintain visual stability by coordinating the movement of our eyes with the movements of our head. When we move our head, the vestibular system detects the changes in position and velocity, and sends signals to the ocular muscles to counteract these movements and keep our gaze fixed on a target. This reflex is crucial for clear vision during head movements and helps us maintain visual focus and stability.

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  • 22. 

    Why do we perceive chile peppers as being hot?

    • Because they contain a chemical that decreases sodium permeability of nociceptors

    • Because they contain a chemical that activates Trpv channels on free nerve endings

    • Because they activate certain taste receptors and our insular cortex interprets this a hot taste 

    • Really? You think they're hot?

    Correct Answer
    A. Because they contain a chemical that activates Trpv channels on free nerve endings
    Explanation
    Chile peppers are perceived as hot because they contain a chemical that activates Trpv channels on free nerve endings. These channels are responsible for detecting and transmitting sensations of heat and pain. When the chemical in chile peppers binds to these channels, it triggers a response in the nerve endings, leading to the perception of heat. This is why chile peppers are often described as having a spicy or hot taste.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is NOT an adaptive value of having two types of nociceptors?

    • A slow pain signal to remind us to protect the painful area

    • A fast pain signal to help us escape the noxious stimulus

    • A slow pain signal to help us to learn not to repeat the action that caused the pain

    • A slow pain that suppresses mechanorception in the spinal cord

    Correct Answer
    A. A slow pain that suppresses mechanorception in the spinal cord
    Explanation
    Having two types of nociceptors allows for a fast pain signal to help us escape a noxious stimulus and a slow pain signal to remind us to protect the painful area and learn not to repeat the action that caused the pain. However, a slow pain that suppresses mechanoreception in the spinal cord is not an adaptive value of having two types of nociceptors. This answer suggests that the slow pain inhibits the ability to sense mechanical stimuli, which would be counterproductive for survival and protection.

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  • 24. 

    Which is FALSE when comparing lemniscal and spinothalamic pathways?

    • Both pathways "cross over" in the medulla

    • Both pathways are part of our somatosensory system

    • Both pathways have a 3rd order neuron that signals from the thalamus to the postcentral gyrus

    • Both pathways use 3 neurons

    Correct Answer
    A. Both pathways "cross over" in the medulla
    Explanation
    The statement that both pathways "cross over" in the medulla is true, not false. In the lemniscal pathway, the crossover occurs at the level of the medulla, while in the spinothalamic pathway, the crossover occurs at the level of the spinal cord. Therefore, this statement is incorrect when comparing the two pathways.

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  • 25. 

    What would be the visual field loss after lesion to the left optic tract 

    • Left visual field of both eyes

    • Right visual field of both eyes

    • Left and right visual field of the left eye

    • Left and right visual field of the right eye

    Correct Answer
    A. Right visual field of both eyes
    Explanation
    After a lesion to the left optic tract, there would be a loss of the right visual field in both eyes. This is because the left optic tract carries visual information from the right visual field of both eyes. Therefore, damage to the left optic tract would result in the loss of the corresponding visual field.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following regarding sound transduction is FALSE?

    • Louder sounds cause increased potassium influx

    • Hair cells release neurotransmitter onto afferents of CN VI

    • Movement of the hair cells against the tectoral membrane opens potassium channels

    • Low frequency sounds are sensed toward the apex of the cochlea

    Correct Answer
    A. Hair cells release neurotransmitter onto afferents of CN VI
  • 27. 

    If a person had a unilateral lesion to the right side of their lower thoracic spinal cord....

    • Touch sensation in their left leg would be impaired

    • Proprioception in their right leg would be impaired

    • Pain in their right leg would be impaired

    • Thermosensation in their left leg would be impaired

    • A & c

    • B & d

    Correct Answer
    A. B & d
    Explanation
    A unilateral lesion to the right side of the lower thoracic spinal cord would result in impairment of proprioception in the right leg (option b) because the proprioceptive pathway from the lower extremities crosses over to the opposite side of the spinal cord at the level of the lower thoracic region. Additionally, pain sensation in the right leg would be impaired (option d) because the spinothalamic pathway, which carries pain sensation, also crosses over to the opposite side of the spinal cord at the level of the lower thoracic region.

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  • 28. 

    What is the molecular mechanism behind the ability to taste sour?

    • Protons cause depolarization by entering sensory cells through sodium channels and by closing potassium channels 

    • Protons cause depolarization of sensory cells by binding to GPCRs

    • Protons cause depolarization of sensory cells by blocking sodium channels

    • Protons cause depolarization by entering sensory cells through sodium channel by opening potassium channels

    Correct Answer
    A. Protons cause depolarization by entering sensory cells through sodium channels and by closing potassium channels 
    Explanation
    Protons cause depolarization by entering sensory cells through sodium channels and by closing potassium channels. This explanation suggests that when protons enter sensory cells through sodium channels, it leads to depolarization, which is a change in the electrical potential of the cell. Additionally, the closing of potassium channels also contributes to the depolarization process. This mechanism is responsible for the ability to taste sour, as the presence of protons triggers these cellular changes in sensory cells.

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  • 29. 

    Which of the following statements regarding phototransduction and visual processing is TRUE?

    • Newly synthesized pigments are needed to replace those in opsins that have bleached after photoactivation

    • Cones have high spatial acuity due to a large degree of signal convergence onto the ganglion cells

    • Light leads to hyperpolarization of bipolar cells because they express inhibitory glutamate receptors

    • Trauma affecting the ventral stream dramatically impairs the ability to perceive motion

    Correct Answer
    A. Newly synthesized pigments are needed to replace those in opsins that have bleached after photoactivation
    Explanation
    Phototransduction is the process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the retina. In this process, the pigments in the opsins of the photoreceptor cells get bleached after being exposed to light. To maintain sensitivity to light, newly synthesized pigments are needed to replace the bleached ones. This ensures that the photoreceptor cells can continue to respond to light stimuli. Therefore, the statement "Newly synthesized pigments are needed to replace those in opsins that have bleached after photoactivation" is true in the context of phototransduction and visual processing.

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  • 30. 

    If a Meissner neuron had mechanosensitive receptors that were permeable to chloride only,

    • Applying heat would result in hyperpolarization

    • Applying pressure would result in depolarization

    • Applying pressure would result in hyperpolarization

    • Applying heat would result in depolarization

    Correct Answer
    A. Applying pressure would result in hyperpolarization
    Explanation
    If a Meissner neuron had mechanosensitive receptors that were permeable to chloride only, applying pressure would result in hyperpolarization. This is because when pressure is applied, the mechanosensitive receptors would open, allowing chloride ions to enter the neuron. The influx of chloride ions would cause the inside of the neuron to become more negative, leading to hyperpolarization.

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  • 31. 

    All neural sensory stimuli are processed and filtered by the thalamus before taken to their proper region of the cortex

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The thalamus is a crucial relay station in the brain that receives sensory information from various sensory organs and filters and processes it before sending it to the appropriate regions of the cortex. This ensures that the sensory stimuli are properly organized and interpreted by the brain. Therefore, it can be concluded that all neural sensory stimuli are indeed processed and filtered by the thalamus before being taken to their proper region of the cortex, making the statement true.

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  • 32. 

    Which of the following is an example of integration with the somatic nervous

    • The vestibular system controlling ocular muscles

    • The smell of lavender causing feelings of calm

    • Pain causing an increase in heartrate

    • A salty taste causing salivation

    Correct Answer
    A. The vestibular system controlling ocular muscles
    Explanation
    The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. It receives information from the inner ear and helps control eye movements to ensure visual stability during head movements. This integration between the vestibular system and the somatic nervous system allows for coordinated movement of the ocular muscles, ensuring that the eyes remain focused on a target despite changes in head position or movement. Therefore, the example provided is an illustration of integration with the somatic nervous system.

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  • 33. 

    Why are we able to escape from a painful stimulus before we learn to avoid the action that caused the pain?

    • C fibers are faster than A-delta fibers

    • C fibers are slower than A-delta fibers

    • Pain signals are slowed by descending modulation

    • The spinothalamic tract is faster than the lemniscal tract

    Correct Answer
    A. C fibers are slower than A-delta fibers
    Explanation
    C fibers are slower than A-delta fibers. This means that the pain signals transmitted by C fibers take longer to reach the brain compared to the signals transmitted by A-delta fibers. As a result, we are able to escape from a painful stimulus before we learn to avoid the action that caused the pain. This is because the immediate reaction to pain, such as pulling our hand away from a hot stove, is a reflex response that is mediated by the faster A-delta fibers. By the time the slower C fibers transmit the pain signals to the brain and we become aware of the pain, we have already taken action to remove ourselves from the source of the pain.

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  • 34. 

    How does the unmami taste stimulate neurotransmission

    • Alkaloids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates hyperpolarization

    • Amino acids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates hyperpolarization

    • Alkaloids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates depolarization

    • Amino acids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates depolarization

    Correct Answer
    A. Amino acids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates depolarization
    Explanation
    Amino acids bind to GPCRs, which stimulates depolarization. GPCRs, or G-protein coupled receptors, are a type of cell membrane receptor that are involved in signal transduction. When amino acids bind to GPCRs, it triggers a series of intracellular events that ultimately lead to depolarization of the cell membrane. This depolarization allows for the transmission of signals between neurons, facilitating neurotransmission.

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  • 35. 

    What would be the visual field loss after lesion to the left optic nerve?

    • Left visual field or both eyes

    • Right visual field of both eyes

    • Left and right visual fields of the left eye

    • Left and right visual field of the right eye

    Correct Answer
    A. Left and right visual fields of the left eye
    Explanation
    After a lesion to the left optic nerve, there would be a loss of visual field in both the left and right visual fields of the left eye. This is because the optic nerve carries visual information from the left eye to the brain, and a lesion in this nerve would disrupt the transmission of visual signals from both the left and right visual fields of the left eye. The right eye, on the other hand, would not be affected by this specific lesion.

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  • 36. 

    Why does light cause photoreceptor hyperpolarization?

    • Opsin GPCR activation leads to opening of chloride channels

    • Opsin GPCR activation stimulates an enzyme to degrade cGMP, leading to the opening of sodium channels

    • Opsin GPCR activation stimulates an enzyme to degrade cGMP, leading to closure of sodium channels

    • Pigment activation stimulates an enzyme, which closes opsin channels

    Correct Answer
    A. Opsin GPCR activation stimulates an enzyme to degrade cGMP, leading to closure of sodium channels
    Explanation
    Opsin GPCR activation stimulates an enzyme to degrade cGMP, leading to closure of sodium channels. This is because cGMP is necessary for keeping the sodium channels open. When the enzyme degrades cGMP, it causes a decrease in its concentration, leading to the closure of sodium channels. This closure of sodium channels results in hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor, as the influx of positive ions is inhibited.

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  • 37. 

    Which retinal pathway destination is responsible for reflex control of pupil size

    • Hypothalamus

    • Pretectum/midbrain

    • Occipital lobe

    • Superior colliculus

    Correct Answer
    A. Pretectum/midbrain
    Explanation
    The pretectum/midbrain is responsible for reflex control of pupil size. This region of the brain receives information about the amount of light entering the eye from the retina and sends signals to the muscles of the iris to adjust the size of the pupil accordingly. This reflexive response helps regulate the amount of light that reaches the retina, ensuring optimal visual acuity in different lighting conditions. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating many physiological processes, but not specifically pupil size. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing, while the superior colliculus is involved in visual attention and eye movements, but not pupil size control.

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  • 38. 

    Which of the following related population coding is FALSE?

    • Spinothalamic afferents can sense a range of temperature

    • Genetic loss of a single type of opsin affects perception of multiple colors

    • Taste sensory cells express one type of taste receptor

    • Olfactory sensory cells signal to organized areas of the olfactory bulb 

    Correct Answer
    A. Taste sensory cells express one type of taste receptor
    Explanation
    The statement that taste sensory cells express one type of taste receptor is false. Taste sensory cells actually express multiple types of taste receptors, each responsible for detecting a different taste sensation such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This allows us to perceive a wide range of flavors in the foods we eat.

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  • 39. 

    Which of the following statements regarding CNVIII afferent processing is TRUE?

    • Vestibular afferents synapse with the cochlear nuclei

    • Sound localization by interaural delay depends on the simultaneous excitation of neurons at a particular location in the superior olive

    • Auditory afferents can engage core muscles to maintain posture in response to head tilt

    • Sound localization by interaural intensity involves using only one ear 

    Correct Answer
    A. Sound localization by interaural delay depends on the simultaneous excitation of neurons at a particular location in the superior olive
  • 40. 

    Gustatory afferents found within the peripheral are find where?

    • The gustatory nucleus in the medulla

    • The insular cortex

    • The thalamus

    • In a taste bud

    Correct Answer
    A. The gustatory nucleus in the medulla
    Explanation
    Gustatory afferents are sensory nerve fibers that carry information about taste from the tongue to the brain. These afferents are found within the peripheral taste buds located on the tongue. Once the taste information is received by the taste buds, it is transmitted to the gustatory nucleus in the medulla, which is a region in the brainstem. Therefore, the correct answer is the gustatory nucleus in the medulla.

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  • 41. 

    Which of the following is TRUE regarding the anatomy of sensation and perception

    • Perception is a function of cortical processing

    • Cranial nerve damage would alter sensation but not perception

    • Perception occurs in the PNS

    • Sensation can be influenced by brain injury while perception cannot

    Correct Answer
    A. Perception is a function of cortical processing
    Explanation
    Perception is a function of cortical processing, meaning that the brain's cortex plays a crucial role in processing sensory information and interpreting it as meaningful perceptions. This suggests that perception involves higher-level cognitive processes and is not solely dependent on the sensory organs themselves.

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  • 42. 

    For a left side unilateral lesion of the thoracic (chest region) spinal cord, which of the following would be the observed pathology?

    • No pain in the right leg, no touch sensation in the right leg

    • No pain in the left leg, no touch sensation in the right leg

    • No pain in the right leg, no touch sensation in the left leg

    • No pain in the left leg, no touch sensation in the left leg

    Correct Answer
    A. No pain in the right leg, no touch sensation in the left leg
    Explanation
    A left side unilateral lesion of the thoracic spinal cord would affect the nerve fibers that carry pain sensation from the right leg and touch sensation from the left leg. This means that there would be no pain sensation in the right leg and no touch sensation in the left leg.

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  • 43. 

    Which is the proper sequence of events in phototransduction within a rod or cone 

    • Light activates opsin, opens sodium channels, depolarization

    • Light activities opsin, opens potassium channels, hyperpolarization

    • Light activities opsin, closes sodium channels, hyperpolarization

    • Light activities opsin, closes chloride channels, depolarization

    Correct Answer
    A. Light activities opsin, closes sodium channels, hyperpolarization
    Explanation
    Phototransduction is the process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the retina. In rods and cones, light activates opsin, a protein that triggers a series of events. One of these events is the closing of sodium channels, which leads to hyperpolarization of the cell. Hyperpolarization means that the cell's membrane potential becomes more negative, making it less likely to generate an action potential. This is the correct sequence of events in phototransduction within a rod or cone.

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  • 44. 

    Why are rods said to have low acuity?

    • Rods have high photosensitivity 

    • Rods are used for monochromatic vision

    • Rods are found in high density in the fovea

    • Rods send convergent signals to ganglion cells

    Correct Answer
    A. Rods have high photosensitivity 
    Explanation
    Rods are said to have low acuity because they have high photosensitivity. This means that they are highly sensitive to light and can detect even small amounts of light. However, rods are not as effective in distinguishing fine details and colors as cones, which have lower photosensitivity but higher acuity. Therefore, rods are primarily responsible for vision in low light conditions and for detecting motion, but they do not provide sharp and detailed vision.

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  • 45. 

    Which of the following explains the "gate" of ascending pain modulation in the spinal cord?

    • Activation of touch receptors inhibits firing of an inhibitory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent

    • Activation of touch receptors stimulates firing of an excitatory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent

    • Activation of touch receptors inhibits firing of an excitatory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent

    • Activation of touch receptors stimulates firing of an inhibitory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent

    Correct Answer
    A. Activation of touch receptors stimulates firing of an inhibitory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent
    Explanation
    The "gate" of ascending pain modulation in the spinal cord refers to the mechanism by which touch stimuli can modulate the transmission of pain signals. When touch receptors are activated, they stimulate the firing of an inhibitory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent. This inhibitory neuron then suppresses the transmission of pain signals, effectively closing the "gate" and reducing the perception of pain. Therefore, the correct answer is "Activation of touch receptors stimulates firing of an inhibitory neuron that synapses onto a second order spinothalamic afferent."

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  • 46. 

    Opioid receptors inhibit neurotransmission by....

    • Closing voltage gated calcium channels

    • Opening K chennels

    • Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels

    • A & b

    • A, b, & c

    Correct Answer
    A. A & b
    Explanation
    Opioid receptors inhibit neurotransmission by closing voltage-gated calcium channels and opening K channels. This means that when opioids bind to their receptors, it prevents the influx of calcium ions into the neuron, which reduces the release of neurotransmitters. Additionally, it opens potassium channels, allowing potassium ions to exit the neuron, further inhibiting neurotransmission. Therefore, the correct answer is a & b.

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  • 47. 

    Merkel receptors...

    • Have small receptive fields and are good at detecting fine detail

    • Have small receptive fields and are good at detecting stretch

    • Have small receptive fields and are good at detecting vibration

    • Have large receptive fields and are good at detecting pressure

    Correct Answer
    A. Have small receptive fields and are good at detecting fine detail
    Explanation
    Merkel receptors have small receptive fields, meaning they are sensitive to small areas of the skin. This allows them to detect fine detail, such as texture and edges. They are not specialized in detecting stretch, vibration, or pressure, which are functions of other types of receptors.

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  • 48. 

    Why do anti-inflammatory drugs help with pain

    • Because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which can activate nociceptors

    • Because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which can sensitize nociceptors

    • Because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which can activate opioid receptors

    • A & b

    • A, b, & c

    Correct Answer
    A. A & b
    Explanation
    Anti-inflammatory drugs help with pain because they inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which can activate nociceptors and sensitize nociceptors. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that contribute to the inflammatory response and can increase the sensitivity of pain receptors. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation.

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  • 49. 

    Which of the following statements describes a way that a primary afferent is different from an alpha motor neuron

    • Primary afferents have their cell bodies in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord

    • The trigger zone of primary afferents can be far from the cell body

    • Primary afferents use only graded potentials

    • Primary afferents are not myelinated

    Correct Answer
    A. The trigger zone of primary afferents can be far from the cell body
    Explanation
    Primary afferents are sensory neurons that transmit information from the periphery to the central nervous system. Unlike alpha motor neurons, which are responsible for sending signals from the central nervous system to the muscles, primary afferents have their cell bodies located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Additionally, a key difference is that the trigger zone of primary afferents can be far from the cell body. This means that the initiation of an action potential can occur at a distance from the main body of the neuron. This is in contrast to alpha motor neurons, where the trigger zone is typically located closer to the cell body.

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  • Sep 03, 2024
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