Sensory Organs

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Anatomy › Sensory Organs

Questions 1 - 10
1

Which of the following is not considered to be a mechanoreceptor?

Free nerve ending

Pacinian corpuscle

Ruffini ending

Meissner's corpuscle

Merkel receptor

Explanation

Mechanoreceptors are associated with the perception of touch/proprioception. With this being said, free nerve endings give nociceptive sensory information to perceive pain and would not be considered mechanoreceptors, while all other options are.

2

Which of the following is not considered to be a mechanoreceptor?

Free nerve ending

Pacinian corpuscle

Ruffini ending

Meissner's corpuscle

Merkel receptor

Explanation

Mechanoreceptors are associated with the perception of touch/proprioception. With this being said, free nerve endings give nociceptive sensory information to perceive pain and would not be considered mechanoreceptors, while all other options are.

3

Which mechanoreceptors are located more superficially on the skin?

Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors

Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner's corpuscles

Ruffini endings and free nerve endings

Merkel receptor and Pacinian corpuscles

Meissner's corpuscles and Ruffini endings

Explanation

Both Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors are located superficially underneath the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. This allows these receptors to have a smaller receptor field where more sensitive sensory information can be picked up. To help remember this, use the following tip: "M&Ms (Meissner/Merkel) are small (small receptor fields) and lay on top (superficially) of your hand."

4

Which mechanoreceptors are located more superficially on the skin?

Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors

Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner's corpuscles

Ruffini endings and free nerve endings

Merkel receptor and Pacinian corpuscles

Meissner's corpuscles and Ruffini endings

Explanation

Both Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel receptors are located superficially underneath the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. This allows these receptors to have a smaller receptor field where more sensitive sensory information can be picked up. To help remember this, use the following tip: "M&Ms (Meissner/Merkel) are small (small receptor fields) and lay on top (superficially) of your hand."

5

What are astrocytes?

Cells that provide support and nutrition to neurons

Cells that insulate the axons of some neurons

Single nerve axons

Cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses

Explanation

Astrocytes provide support and nutrition to neurons within the brain and spinal cord. Myelin sheath insulates the axons of some neurons which allows them to conduct impulses faster. Nerve fibers are single nerve axons that are surrounded by a sheath of connective tissue. Nerves themselves are cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses.

6

Which fiber type is associated with chronic pain?

C fiber

A alpha

A beta

A delta

Ruffini endings

Explanation

C fibers are associated with chronic pain perception because they transmit "slow pain". This is due to the fibers being unmyelinated. In addition, these fibers send projections to the limbic system and the thalamus which causes the brain to develop chronic pain associations.

7

Which of the following describes the function of rod cells in vision?

Peripheral motion, especially in low light situations

Fine detail, which is why they are located at the fovea centralis

Vibrant colors

Circular shapes

Angles

Explanation

Rods are located in every part of the retina except the fovea centralis, which is where the cones that allow us to see most colors and detail are located. Rods are responsible for our peripheral vision, and are very sensitive to motion. Rods do not provide very good spatial differentiation, but their sensitivity to light is essential to providing definition.

8

Which fiber type is associated with chronic pain?

C fiber

A alpha

A beta

A delta

Ruffini endings

Explanation

C fibers are associated with chronic pain perception because they transmit "slow pain". This is due to the fibers being unmyelinated. In addition, these fibers send projections to the limbic system and the thalamus which causes the brain to develop chronic pain associations.

9

Which of the following describes the function of rod cells in vision?

Peripheral motion, especially in low light situations

Fine detail, which is why they are located at the fovea centralis

Vibrant colors

Circular shapes

Angles

Explanation

Rods are located in every part of the retina except the fovea centralis, which is where the cones that allow us to see most colors and detail are located. Rods are responsible for our peripheral vision, and are very sensitive to motion. Rods do not provide very good spatial differentiation, but their sensitivity to light is essential to providing definition.

10

What are astrocytes?

Cells that provide support and nutrition to neurons

Cells that insulate the axons of some neurons

Single nerve axons

Cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses

Explanation

Astrocytes provide support and nutrition to neurons within the brain and spinal cord. Myelin sheath insulates the axons of some neurons which allows them to conduct impulses faster. Nerve fibers are single nerve axons that are surrounded by a sheath of connective tissue. Nerves themselves are cordlike structures that transmit nerve impulses.

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