Final: Clicker Palooza

Question 1

Special senses:

a) are transduced by special populations of cells in the head.

b) include proprioception.

c) use receptor cells that are all neurons.

d) cannot recover if the receptor cells are damaged.

Answer 1

a) are transduced by special populations of cells in the head.

Question 2

Which is TRUE regarding taste sensation?

a) Bitter tastant receptors are ionotropic.

b) Cranial nerves 7, 8, and 9 carry gustatory information.

c) The sense of taste for salt is transduced via a sodium channel.

d) Taste receptor cells are neurons.

Answer 2

d) Taste receptor cells are neurons.

Question 3

Which is TRUE regarding olfaction?

a) Cranial nerve II carries this sense.

b) The neurotransmitter released by olfactory receptors is serotonin.

c) Primary olfactory cortex is located in the parietal lobe.

d) GOLF activates adenylyl cyclase during transduction.

Answer 3

d) GOLF activates adenylyl cyclase during transduction.

Olfactory receptors in the nose detect odor molecules and initiate a signaling cascade that involves the G protein GOLF (olfactory G protein), which in turn activates adenylyl cyclase. This leads to an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels within the olfactory receptor neuron, triggering an action potential that is transmitted to the brain for odor perception.

Question 4

Olfactory information travels to primary olfactory cortex:

a) directly with no thalamic relay.

b) via the lateral nucleus of the thalamus.

c) in a one-cell pathway without synapses.

d) in the occipital lobe.

Answer 4

a) directly with no thalamic relay.

Olfactory information is unique in that it bypasses the thalamus and travels directly to the primary olfactory cortex, which is located in the temporal lobe. This direct pathway allows for rapid processing of olfactory information and is different from most other sensory systems, which typically relay through the thalamus before reaching the cortex.

Question 5

The light path through the eye encounters _______, then _______, then ________.

a) Retinal ganglion cells, bipolar cells, photoreceptors

b) Bipolar cells; retinal ganglion cells; photoreceptors

c) Photoreceptors; bipolar cells; retinal ganglion cells

d) Retinal ganglion cells, photoreceptors, bipolar cells

Answer 5

a) Retinal ganglion cells, bipolar cells, photoreceptor

Question 6

Absorbing the energy of a photon of light changes the molecular shape of _______ from cis to trans conformation.

a) Opsin
b) Transducin
c) Retinal
d) cGMP
e) Phosphodiesterase

Answer 6

c) Retinal

Question 7

Information from the left visual field:

a) Is only transmitted via the left eye

b) Is only transmitted via the right eye.

c) Is only transmitted via the nasal hemiretina from both eyes.

d) Is only processed in the right primary visual cortex.

Answer 7

d) Is only processed in the right primary visual cortex

Question 8

Which is a structure of the inner ear?

a) Eustachian tube
b) Organ of Corti
c) Malleus
d) Eardrum
e) Pinna

Answer 8

b) Organ of Corti

Explanation: The Organ of Corti is a structure located in the cochlea of the inner ear and is responsible for transducing sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The Eustachian tube, malleus, eardrum, and pinna are all associated with the middle or outer ear.

Question 9

In the auditory pathway, information:

a) Partially decussates in the medulla

b) Fully decussates at the level of the thalamus

c) Remains ipsilateral all the way to auditory cortex

d) Partially decussates at the auditory chiasm

Answer 9

a) Partially decussates in the medulla

Explanation: In the auditory pathway, information partially decussates (crosses over) in the medulla. Specifically, fibers from the cochlear nuclei in the brainstem cross to the contralateral side before ascending to the superior olivary complex and ultimately reaching the auditory cortex. This partial decussation allows for integration of auditory information from both ears.

Question 10

Vestibular input to the ________ allows fine-tuning of motor planning, and error correction against perturbations in balance

a) primary vestibular cortex
b) VP nucleus of thalamus
c) cerebellum
d) oculomotor neurons

Answer 10

c) cerebellum

Question 11

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
1. Rod photoreceptors

Answer 11

Rod photoreceptors - FALSE.

Rod photoreceptors are not neurons; they are specialized sensory cells in the retina responsible for detecting light.

Question 12

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
2. Cone photoreceptors

Answer 12

Cone photoreceptors - FALSE.

Similar to rod photoreceptors, cone photoreceptors are specialized sensory cells in the retina and are not neurons.

Question 13

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
3. Retinal ganglion cells

Answer 13

Retinal ganglion cells - TRUE.

Retinal ganglion cells are neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain.

Question 14

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
4. Taste receptor cells

Answer 14

Taste receptor cells - FALSE.

Taste receptor cells are specialized epithelial cells, not neurons.

Question 15

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
5. Vestibular hair cells

Answer 15

Vestibular hair cells - FALSE.

Vestibular hair cells are not neurons; they are mechanoreceptor cells responsible for detecting motion and orientation.

Question 16

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:

6. Olfactory receptor cells

Answer 16

Olfactory receptor cells - FALSE.

Olfactory receptor cells are specialized epithelial cells in the nose that detect odors; they are not neurons.

Question 17

TRUE (A) or FALSE (B)
The following cell types are NEURONS:
7. Somatic mechanoreceptor cells

Answer 17

Somatic mechanoreceptor cells - FALSE. Somatic mechanoreceptor cells are not neurons; they are specialized cells that detect mechanical stimuli in the skin and other tissues.

Question 18

Sensation requires all of these, EXCEPT:

a) A brain region for integration

b) Conscious awareness and interpretation

c) A sensory receptor to transduce the stimulus

d) A neural pathway to carry the information

e) ALL OF THE ABOVE are necessary for sensation.

Answer 18

e) ALL OF THE ABOVE are necessary for sensation.

Question 19

The spinothalamic pathway:

a) Collects information primarily from free (non- encapsulated) nerve endings

b) Has second-order neurons that decussate in medulla

c) Carries proprioceptive information

d) Receives signals from non-neuronal receptors

e) Only carries cranial nerve input

Answer 19

a) Collects information primarily from free (non- encapsulated) nerve endings

Explanation: The spinothalamic pathway is involved in the transmission of pain, temperature, and crude touch sensations. It primarily collects information from free nerve endings, which are the simplest and most common type of sensory receptor. These nerve endings are found in the skin and various internal organs and are responsible for detecting a wide range of stimuli, including temperature, pressure, and pain.

Question 20

Your sibling applies a painful pinch to your inner arm. What somatosensory pathway carries the sensation to your brain?

a) Dorsal column-medial lemniscus
b) Trigeminothalamic
c) Anterolateral/Spinothalamic
d) Spinocerebellar

Answer 20

c) Anterolateral/Spinothalamic

Question 21

The larger, lateral fasciculus portion of the descending corticospinal pathway:

a) controls distal limbs.

b) decussates within the spinal cord at every level.

c) remains ipsilateral from motor cortex all the way to target muscle.

d) originates in the lateral aspect of motor cortex.

Answer 21

a) controls distal limbs.

Question 22

Hyporeflexia and flaccid paralysis are common with ________ damage and cause a deficit in the ________ side to the injury site.

a) Lower motor neuron, ipsilateral
b) Lower motor neuron, contralateral
c) Upper motor neuron, ipsilateral
d) Upper motor neuron, contralateral

Answer 22

a) Lower motor neuron, ipsilateral

Question 23

The basal ganglia “motor loop:”

a) Includes an odd number of inhibitory synapses in the direct pathway

b) Includes an odd number of inhibitory synapses in the indirect pathway

c) Is involved in initiation but not termination of movement

d) Uses glutamate, dopamine and glycine as primary neurotransmitters

Answer 23

b) Includes an odd number of inhibitory synapses in the indirect pathway

Explanation: The basal ganglia motor loop includes both direct and indirect pathways. The indirect pathway involves an odd number of inhibitory synapses, while the direct pathway involves an even number of inhibitory synapses. The basal ganglia are involved in the initiation, execution, and termination of movement, not just initiation. The primary neurotransmitters used in the basal ganglia are dopamine and GABA (not glutamate or glycine), with dopamine playing a key role in modulating the activity of the basal ganglia circuitry.

Question 24

The cerebellum has a smoothing function on motor outputs, primarily due to:

a) Increasing tension in opposing muscles to prevent sudden jerks during muscle contraction

b) Allowing the nerve to recruit more motor units

c) Comparing the intent (motor output) with result (sensory feedback) and adjusting in real time

d) Slowing the muscle contraction response by decreasing motor neuron firing rate

Answer 24

c) Comparing the intent (motor output) with result (sensory feedback) and adjusting in real time

Explanation: The cerebellum is involved in motor coordination and error correction. It receives input about intended movements from the motor cortex and compares it with sensory feedback from the muscles and joints about the actual movement. By detecting and correcting errors in movement, the cerebellum helps to smooth out and refine motor outputs, ensuring coordinated and precise movements.

Question 25

Which of the following is a single-innervation target in the Autonomic Nervous System, receiving only Sympathetic (not Parasympathetic) innervation?

a) Pulmonary blood vessels in the lungs
b) Sweat glands
c) Stomach
d) Heart
e) Salivary gland

Answer 25

a) Pulmonary blood vessels in the lungs

Question 26

The craniosacral division of the autonomic nervous system:

a)Forms synapses within chain ganglia alongside the spinal column

b) Contains noradrenergic neurons

c) Is responsible for “rest and digest” responses

d) Activates the adrenal medulla

e) Contains primarily single-innervation targets with no opposing activation from the other ANS division

Answer 26

c) Is responsible for “rest and digest” responses d) Activates the adrenal medulla

Question 27

Which is NOT a function of the Parasympathetic ANS?

a) Defecation
b) Dilation
c) Urination
d) Salivation
e) Lacrimation

Answer 27

b) Dilation

Question 28

Which functions are homeostatically regulated by hypothalamic nuclei?

a) Appetitive behavior and satiety
b) Aging and senesence
c) Water balance and blood osmolarity
d) A and B above
e) A and C above

Answer 28

e) A and C above

Explanation: Hypothalamic nuclei play a crucial role in the homeostatic regulation of various physiological functions, including appetitive behavior and satiety (related to food intake and energy balance) and water balance and blood osmolarity (related to fluid balance and osmoregulation). Aging and senescence are more complex processes that involve various systems and are not directly regulated by hypothalamic nuclei in the same way as the other functions listed.

Question 29

Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland?

a) Oxytocin
b) Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone
c) Growth Hormone
d) Cortisol
e) Endorphins

Answer 29

a) Oxytocin

Explanation: Oxytocin is a hormone that is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a role in various physiological processes, including uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) is secreted by the hypothalamus to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Endorphins are neuropeptides produced by the body that act as natural painkillers.

Question 30

The HPA axis is activated during:

a) Short-term stress response
b) Long-term stress response
c) Fight or flight ”E situation” events
d) SLUDD mode

Answer 30

b) Long-term stress response

Explanation: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated during long-term stress responses. It is involved in the body’s reaction to stress and helps to regulate various processes, including metabolism, immune response, and behavior, to maintain homeostasis during prolonged stressors. Short-term stress responses are more associated with the sympathetic nervous system and the “fight or flight” response, which involves the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. “SLUDD mode” refers to the parasympathetic nervous system’s control over activities such as salivation, lacrimation, urination, digestion, and defecation, which are not directly related to the HPA axis or stress responses.

Question 31

Which process is most associated with initial LEARNING?

a) Synaptic remodeling
b) Protein synthesis
c) LTP/LTD
d) New gene expression

Answer 31

a) Synaptic remodeling

Explanation: Initial learning is often associated with synaptic remodeling, which refers to the structural and functional changes that occur at synapses, the connections between neurons. These changes can include the formation of new synapses, strengthening or weakening of existing synapses (LTP/LTD), and changes in the structure of dendrites and axons. While protein synthesis and new gene expression are also important for long-term changes associated with memory formation and storage, synaptic remodeling is more closely linked to the initial stages of learning.