Question 1

The idea that pain signals must pass through a type of "doorway" in the spinal cord is referred to as the __________ theory of pain.

Accepted Answer

The idea that pain signals must pass through a type of "doorway" in the spinal cord is referred to as the gate-control theory of pain. This theory proposes that the large nerve fibers that carry non-painful information can "close the gate" to pain signals transmitted by smaller nerve fibers, which can help to explain why distraction and other sensory experiences (such as rubbing a bumped elbow) can reduce pain perception.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary structure that allows one to maintain his or her balance?

Accepted Answer

The semicircular canals are part of the inner ear and are responsible for detecting rotational movements of the head, which is crucial for maintaining balance. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, while the middle ear helps to transmit sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear. The circular canals do not exist anatomically.

Question 3

Which of the following is the BEST description of the vestibular senses?

Accepted Answer

The vestibular senses have to do with movement and body position. These senses are responsible for detecting changes in the position and movement of the head, and help us maintain balance and orientation.

Question 4

Ines is learning ballet and is just starting on high-speed spins. Her teacher tells her that to avoid motion sickness, she should __________.

Accepted Answer

Focusing on a distant point can help reduce motion sickness during high-speed spins by providing a stable visual reference point. Avoiding poisons that mimic dizziness and plugging ears won't necessarily help with motion sickness, and holding arms over the head may throw off balance and actually increase the likelihood of motion sickness.

Question 5

Which skin receptors respond only to pressure?

Accepted Answer

Pacinian corpuscles are specialized skin receptors that respond only to pressure. They are located deep in the skin, and are sensitive to vibrations and changes in pressure.

Question 6

__________ is the mental process of making meaning of sensory information.

Accepted Answer

Sensation refers to the process of detecting external stimuli through the senses, while perception refers to the mental process of interpreting and making meaning of those stimuli. Therefore, perception is the best choice for this question.

Question 7

Which of the following is the BEST description of proprioception?

Accepted Answer

Proprioception refers to the sense of the position and movement of our body parts in relation to each other and to the ground. It is a type of kinesthetic sense that helps us maintain balance and perform coordinated movements. It is not related to touch, temperature, or pain sensations, and it has nothing to do with the position of the sun.

Question 8

Simon was diagnosed in childhood with a condition called CIPA, which stands for congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. This means that, in addition to being unable to feel pain, Simon is also unable to __________.

Accepted Answer

The condition of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis means the individual is unable to sweat or perspire, in addition to being unable to feel pain.

Question 9

Pain sensations in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints that are carried on large nerve fibers are called __________ pain.

Accepted Answer

Somatic pain refers to pain sensations in the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints that are carried on large nerve fibers. Visceral pain refers to pain sensations from internal organs, and referred pain is felt in a different area of the body from where the cause of the pain actually is. "Indigenous" is not a medical term used to describe pain.

Question 10

Hair follicle nerve endings respond to __________.

Accepted Answer

Hair follicle nerve endings are specialized sensory nerve structures that allow us to sense touch (mechanical changes) and can also contribute to the perception of pain, making them responsive to both stimuli.

Question 11

You hit yourself with a hammer and later suffer a deep ache. This is an example of __________ pain.

Accepted Answer

Somatic pain refers to pain that originates from the skin, muscles, bones, or joints, and is typically described as a sharp, throbbing, or aching sensation. In this case, hitting oneself with a hammer would cause somatic pain. Visceral pain refers to pain that originates from internal organs and is often described as a deep, dull ache. Pressure and free-standing are not types of pain.

Question 12

Perception is the __________.

Accepted Answer

Perception is the process of making meaning out of the sensations we experience at any given moment. It involves interpreting and organizing sensory information into something that is meaningful and understandable. Perception is a complex process that is influenced by a wide range of factors, including previous experience, expectations, and cognitive biases.

Question 13

The vestibular senses are concerned with __________.

Accepted Answer

The vestibular senses are concerned with movement and body position, such as detecting changes in balance and head movement.

Question 14

Psychological aspects of pain perception can influence the release of the neurotransmitters called __________, the body's natural version of morphine.

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are the neurotransmitters that act as the body's natural painkillers. These are released in response to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which can either increase or decrease the pain perception. The release of endorphins can help in reducing pain sensation, leading to feelings of euphoria or relaxation.

Question 15

The gate-control theory of pain suggests that the __________.

Accepted Answer

The gate-control theory of pain proposes that there is a "gate" located in the spinal cord, which that regulates the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This gate is influenced by both painful and non-painful stimuli, such as touch, and can be opened or closed to either increase or decrease pain perception. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the gate-control theory of pain.

Question 16

Proprioceptors signal __________.

Accepted Answer

Proprioceptors are specialized sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that provide information about the position of our limbs and body in space, also known as proprioception. They do not signal somatic pain, skin sensations or olfactory sensations.

Question 17

The reason that there are three semicircular canals is so that we __________.

Accepted Answer

The three semicircular canals are oriented perpendicular to each other and are each responsible for sensing motion in a different plane of movement (horizontal, vertical, and oblique). This allows us to have a complete understanding of our body's position and movement in three-dimensional space.

Question 18

Dizziness, nausea, and disorientation may result if the information from the eyes conflicts a little too much with the information from the vestibular organs, according to the __________ conflict theory of motion sickness.

Accepted Answer

The sensory conflict theory of motion sickness states that dizziness, nausea, and disorientation occur when there is a conflict between the sensory information from the eyes and vestibular organs. The other options (B, C, and D) are related to the vestibular organs but do not encompass the idea of conflicting sensory information.

Question 19

Closing your eyes and then touching your nose with your forefinger most accurately illustrates which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Touching your nose with your forefinger involves a sense of body position and movement, which is known as kinesthetic sense. Closing your eyes only heightens your reliance on this sense.

Question 20

Endorphins are the neural transmitters that __________.

Accepted Answer

Endorphins act as a natural version of morphine and provide pain relief.

Quiz 3: Sensation and Perception