Sensory Systems Practice Questions

Q: Taste sensation is carried by all nerves except:

Trigeminal nerve. **Explanation:** The sensation of taste (gustation) is mediated by specialized chemoreceptors located in taste buds. These are innervated by three specific cranial nerves (CN VII, IX, and X). The **Trigeminal nerve (CN V)** is the correct answer because it does **not** carry special visceral afferent (taste) fibers; instead, it provides general somatic afference (touch, pain, and temperature) to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via its lingual branch. **Analysis of Options:** * **Facial Nerve (CN VII):** Carries taste from the **anterior 2/3rd** of the tongue via the **chorda tympani** nerve. * **Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX):** Carries taste from the **posterior 1/3rd** of the tongue (including the circumvallate papillae). * **Vagus Nerve (CN X):** Carries taste from the **extreme posterior part** of the tongue, the epiglottis, and the pharynx via the internal laryngeal nerve. * **Trigeminal Nerve (CN V):** While the lingual nerve (a branch of V3) physically carries the chorda tympani fibers to the tongue, the taste fibers themselves originate from the facial nerve, not the trigeminal. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS):** All taste fibers from CN VII, IX, and X terminate in the gustatory portion (rostral part) of the NTS in the medulla. * **Ageusia:** Loss of taste sensation. * **Papillae:** Taste buds are found on fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae. **Filiform papillae** are the most numerous but contain **no taste buds** (only tactile receptors). * **Pathway:** NTS → Thalamus (VPM nucleus) → Primary Gustatory Cortex (Insula and frontal operculum).

Q: Hot water bottles relieve pain from abdominal spasms by which mechanism?

Stimulation of touch receptors. ### Explanation The relief of pain via hot water bottles is a classic clinical application of the **Gate Control Theory of Pain**, proposed by Melzack and Wall. **Why Option A is Correct:** When a hot water bottle is applied to the skin, it provides thermal and tactile stimuli. These stimuli activate large-diameter, myelinated **A-beta (Aβ) sensory fibers** (responsible for touch and pressure). These fibers enter the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and stimulate inhibitory interneurons (specifically in the *substantia gelatinosa*). These interneurons release enkephalins, which inhibit the transmission of pain signals from small, unmyelinated **C-fibers** (carrying dull, aching pain from spasms) to the second-order projection neurons. Essentially, the "gate" for pain is closed by the stimulation of non-nociceptive touch/tactile receptors. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. Stimulation of cholinergic fibers:** Cholinergic fibers are primarily involved in the parasympathetic nervous system and neuromuscular junctions; they do not mediate the immediate sensory modulation of pain in the dorsal horn. * **C & D. Inhibition of receptors:** The mechanism is based on the **activation** of specific receptors (thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors) to override pain, rather than the inhibition of cold or heat receptors themselves. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gate Control Theory:** Large Aβ fibers "close" the gate; small C and Aδ fibers "open" the gate. * **Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):** Works on the same principle as the hot water bottle—stimulating Aβ fibers to suppress chronic pain. * **Substantia Gelatinosa (Lamina II):** The anatomical site in the dorsal horn where this "gating" occurs. * **Counter-irritation:** Rubbing a bumped knee or using liniments are other examples of Aβ fiber stimulation relieving pain.

Q: When light strikes the eye, there is an increase in which of the following?

The activity of transducin. ### Explanation The visual transduction cascade is a unique process where light stimulation leads to the **hyperpolarization** of photoreceptors (rods and cones), rather than depolarization. **1. Why Option A is Correct:** When light (photons) strikes the retina, it is absorbed by rhodopsin, converting 11-cis retinal to all-trans retinal. This activates **metarhodopsin II**, which in turn activates a G-protein called **transducin**. Transducin then activates cGMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE), which breaks down cGMP. The decrease in cGMP levels causes the closure of Na⁺ channels, leading to hyperpolarization. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B:** Because light causes hyperpolarization, it leads to a **decrease** in the release of the neurotransmitter (glutamate) from the synaptic terminals of photoreceptors. Photoreceptors release the most transmitter in the dark. * **Option C:** While 11-cis retinal is converted to all-trans retinal, the all-trans retinal is rapidly shuttled out of the photoreceptor to the **Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE)** for regeneration. Therefore, its concentration within the photoreceptor does not "increase" in a sustained manner during active signaling; rather, it is consumed. * **Option D:** The closure of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (which are permeable to both Na⁺ and Ca²⁺) leads to a **decrease** in intracellular calcium concentration during light exposure. ### High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls * **Dark Current:** In the dark, photoreceptors are depolarized (~ -40 mV) due to constant Na⁺ influx. Light "shuts off" this current. * **Vitamin A:** It is the precursor for 11-cis retinal. Deficiency leads to Nyctalopia (night blindness). * **RPE Function:** The Retinal Pigment Epithelium is essential for the reisomerization of all-trans retinal back to 11-cis retinal (the visual cycle). * **Second Messenger:** In phototransduction, the second messenger is **cGMP**, not cAMP.

Q: Perception of white light is due to:

Stimulation of red, blue and green cones equally. ### Explanation **Core Concept: The Young-Helmholtz Trichromatic Theory** The perception of color is based on the **Trichromatic Theory**, which states that the human retina contains three types of cone photoreceptors, each sensitive to a specific range of wavelengths: **S-cones (Blue)**, **M-cones (Green)**, and **L-cones (Red)**. The sensation of **white light** is a result of the simultaneous and **equal stimulation** of all three types of cones. When the brain receives balanced signals from the red, green, and blue cones, it interprets the combined input as white. This is an additive process; conversely, the absence of any cone stimulation results in the perception of black. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option D (Correct):** Equal stimulation of all three cone types (Red, Blue, and Green) is the physiological requirement for the perception of white light. * **Options A, B, and C (Incorrect):** If one cone type is stimulated significantly more than the others, the brain perceives a specific hue rather than white. For example, predominant stimulation of L-cones results in the perception of red, M-cones in green, and S-cones in blue. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Photopigments:** Cones contain **Photopsins** (Iodopsin), while rods contain **Rhodopsin**. * **Color Blindness:** The most common type is **Red-Green color blindness**, which is an **X-linked recessive** condition. It is most frequently due to the absence of red (Protanopia) or green (Deuteranopia) cones. * **Ishihara Charts:** These are the gold standard clinical tool used to screen for color vision deficiencies. * **Fovea Centralis:** This area of the retina contains the highest concentration of cones and lacks rods, making it the point of highest visual acuity and color perception.

Q: Proprioception is lost when which part of the spinal cord is injured?

Posterior column. The **Posterior Column-Medial Lemniscus (PCML) pathway** is the primary sensory tract responsible for conveying conscious proprioception (position sense), fine touch, vibration, and two-point discrimination. ### Why Posterior Column is Correct: The posterior column (composed of the **Fasciculus Gracilis** and **Fasciculus Cuneatus**) contains the central processes of first-order neurons. These fibers ascend ipsilaterally until they reach the medulla. Because these specific modalities are anatomically localized to the dorsal (posterior) aspect of the spinal cord, any injury to this region results in a loss of proprioception and vibration sense below the level of the lesion. ### Why Other Options are Incorrect: * **Lateral Column:** This region primarily contains the **Lateral Spinothalamic Tract** (pain and temperature) and the **Lateral Corticospinal Tract** (motor control). While the dorsal spinocerebellar tract (unconscious proprioception) is located here, "proprioception" in clinical exams typically refers to the conscious position sense carried by the posterior columns. * **Anterior Column:** This area houses the **Anterior Spinothalamic Tract** (crude touch and pressure) and the **Anterior Corticospinal Tract**. Injury here does not affect proprioception. ### NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls: * **Romberg’s Test:** A positive Romberg sign (swaying when eyes are closed) indicates a loss of conscious proprioception (sensory ataxia), often due to posterior column damage. * **Tabes Dorsalis:** A classic neurosyphilis manifestation characterized by the destruction of posterior columns. * **Vitamin B12 Deficiency:** Causes Subacute Combined Degeneration (SCD), which involves both the **Posterior Columns** and **Lateral Columns**. * **Brown-Séquard Syndrome:** Hemisection of the cord results in **ipsilateral** loss of proprioception and **contralateral** loss of pain/temperature.

Q: Which of the following is not a test for the integrity of the 9th cranial nerve?

Tongue protrusion. The 9th cranial nerve (Glossopharyngeal nerve) is a mixed nerve responsible for sensory, motor, and parasympathetic functions. Understanding its distribution is key to differentiating it from other cranial nerves. **Why Tongue Protrusion is the Correct Answer:** Tongue protrusion is a test for the **12th cranial nerve (Hypoglossal nerve)**. The hypoglossal nerve provides motor supply to all intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, except the palatoglossus (supplied by the Vagus nerve). When the 12th nerve is damaged, the tongue deviates toward the side of the lesion upon protrusion. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **Gag Reflex:** The Glossopharyngeal nerve provides the **sensory (afferent) limb** of the gag reflex, while the Vagus nerve (CN X) provides the motor (efferent) limb. * **Palate Symmetry:** While primarily a test for the Vagus nerve (CN X), the Glossopharyngeal nerve contributes to the pharyngeal plexus. In clinical practice, the elevation of the palate and uvula position are used to assess the integrity of the lower cranial nerves (IX and X) together. * **Taste:** The Glossopharyngeal nerve carries taste sensations from the **posterior 1/3rd of the tongue**. (Note: The anterior 2/3rd is supplied by the Chorda tympani branch of the Facial nerve). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia:** Characterized by paroxysmal, severe pain in the throat, ear, and base of the tongue, often triggered by swallowing. * **Secretomotor Function:** CN IX provides parasympathetic supply to the **parotid gland** via the otic ganglion. * **Sensory Supply:** It supplies the carotid body and carotid sinus (chemoreceptors and baroreceptors).

Question 1

Taste sensation is carried by all nerves except:

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal nerve

Answer

Facial nerve

Answer

Vagus nerve

Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 2

What is the effect of the destruction of one semicircular canal?

Accepted Answer

Sensation of the world spinning

Answer

Increased nausea and vomiting

Answer

Increased tendency to fall

Answer

None of the above

Question 3

In dark adaptation, what occurs?

Accepted Answer

No change in the dioptric power of the eye

Answer

Breakdown of rhodopsin

Answer

Increased threshold for vision

Answer

No role for cones

Question 4

Hot water bottles relieve pain from abdominal spasms by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of touch receptors

Answer

Stimulation of cholinergic fibers

Answer

Inhibition of cold receptors

Answer

Inhibition of heat receptors

Question 5

When light strikes the eye, there is an increase in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The activity of transducin

Answer

The amount of transmitter released from the photoreceptors

Answer

The concentration of all-trans retinal within the photoreceptors

Answer

The concentration of calcium within the photoreceptors

Question 6

Which of the following sensations is most affected by cortical lesions?

Accepted Answer

Proprioception

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Itch

Answer

Pain

Question 7

Perception of white light is due to:

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of red, blue and green cones equally

Answer

Stimulation of red cones more than blue or green

Answer

Stimulation of blue cones more than red or green

Answer

Stimulation of green cones more than blue or red

Question 8

Stress-induced analgesia occurs due to the release of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cannabinoids

Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Substance P

Question 9

Proprioception is lost when which part of the spinal cord is injured?

Accepted Answer

Posterior column

Answer

Lateral column

Answer

Anterior column

Answer

None of the above

Question 10

Which of the following is not a test for the integrity of the 9th cranial nerve?

Accepted Answer

Tongue protrusion

Answer

Gag reflex

Answer

Palate symmetry

Answer

Taste

Sensory Systems — MCQs

Sensory Systems — MCQs

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