Chapter 6 - The Visual System Quiz 1
- 1.
The parvocellular and magnocellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus...
- A.
(A) may belong to different visual systems.
- B.
(B) analyze the same kind of information from the visual field.
- C.
(C) are connected to the nasal and temporal halves of the retina, respectively.
- D.
(D) receive input from the contralateral and ipsilateral halves of the visual field, respectively.
- E.
(E) B and C are correct.
Correct Answer
A. (A) may belong to different visual systems.Explanation
The parvocellular and magnocellular layers of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus may belong to different visual systems. This suggests that these layers may process and analyze different types of visual information.Rate this question:
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- 2.
People with the form of color blindness known as deuteranopia
- A.
Lack "red" cones.
- B.
Have poor visual acuity.
- C.
Have "red" cones filled with "green" photopigment.
- D.
Have "green" cones filled with "red" photopigment.
- E.
Have color pigments within their rods.
Correct Answer
D. Have "green" cones filled with "red" pHotopigment.Explanation
People with deuteranopia, a type of color blindness, have "green" cones in their eyes that are filled with "red" photopigment. This means that their green cones are not able to detect and differentiate between different shades of green and red, leading to difficulties in perceiving these colors accurately.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A disease that attacks the photoreceptors of the retinal periphery would be expected to
- A.
Impair night vision.
- B.
Disrupt color vision.
- C.
Impair eye movements.
- D.
Impair vision for fine detail.
- E.
Diminish our ability to perceive depth.
Correct Answer
A. Impair night vision.Explanation
If a disease attacks the photoreceptors of the retinal periphery, it would affect the ability to see in low light conditions, which is known as night vision. The photoreceptors in the retinal periphery are responsible for detecting light in dimly lit environments, so if they are impaired, it would result in a decrease in the ability to see in the dark. Therefore, impairing night vision is the expected outcome in this scenario.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Another term for the primary visual cortex is
- A.
Area 51.
- B.
The striate cortex.
- C.
The opercular cortex.
- D.
The calcarine cortex.
- E.
The chiasmic cortex.
Correct Answer
B. The striate cortex.Explanation
The primary visual cortex is also known as the striate cortex. This area of the brain is responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes. It is located in the occipital lobe at the back of the brain. The term "striate" refers to the striped appearance of this area when viewed under a microscope, due to the arrangement of nerve cells. The other options (area 51, the opercular cortex, the calcarine cortex, and the chiasmic cortex) are not accurate terms for the primary visual cortex.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A key function of rod photoreceptors is to
- A.
Detect colors.
- B.
Detect fine details in the visual field.
- C.
Detect light under low levels of illumination.
- D.
Detect light under high levels of illumination.
- E.
Detect the texture of the visual scene.
Correct Answer
C. Detect light under low levels of illumination.Explanation
Rod photoreceptors are specialized cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in low light conditions, also known as scotopic vision. They contain a pigment called rhodopsin, which is highly sensitive to light and allows them to detect even small amounts of light. This sensitivity enables rod photoreceptors to function effectively in low levels of illumination, allowing us to see in dimly lit environments. In contrast, cone photoreceptors are responsible for color vision and detecting fine details in the visual field, but they are less sensitive to light and primarily function in bright light conditions, known as photopic vision.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Purity is to wavelength saturation as intensity is to
- A.
(A) hue
- B.
(B) brightness
- C.
(C) fuzziness
- D.
(D) apparent brightness
- E.
(E) B and D are correct
Correct Answer
E. (E) B and D are correctExplanation
The analogy in this question is comparing two pairs of related concepts. The first pair is purity and wavelength saturation, which are both related to the quality of color. Purity refers to how pure or saturated a color is, while wavelength saturation refers to the specific wavelength of light that is present in a color. The second pair is intensity and brightness, which are both related to the strength or amount of light. Intensity refers to the overall strength or power of light, while brightness refers to the perceived strength or luminosity of light. Therefore, the correct answer is (E) B and D are correct, as both brightness and apparent brightness are related to the concept of intensity.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is true of the thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)?
- A.
Each layer of the LGN receives information from both eyes.
- B.
The LGN is comprised of six similar layers.
- C.
The inner four layers of the LGN are termed the parvocellular layers.
- D.
The outer four layers of the LGN are termed the magnocellular layers.
- E.
The cell bodies of the inner two layers of the LGN are larger than those of the outer four layers.
Correct Answer
E. The cell bodies of the inner two layers of the LGN are larger than those of the outer four layers.Explanation
The thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is composed of six layers, with the inner two layers being larger in size compared to the outer four layers. This size difference in cell bodies is a characteristic feature of the LGN. Each layer of the LGN receives information from both eyes, and the inner four layers are referred to as the parvocellular layers, while the outer four layers are referred to as the magnocellular layers.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The optic nerve is formed by axons that arise from the ________ retinal cells.
- A.
Ganglion
- B.
Photoreceptor
- C.
Horizontal
- D.
Amacrine
- E.
Bipolar
Correct Answer
A. GanglionExplanation
The optic nerve is formed by axons that arise from the ganglion retinal cells. These ganglion cells are located in the innermost layer of the retina and are responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. The axons of the ganglion cells converge at the optic disc to form the optic nerve, which carries the visual signals to the brain for processing.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The color attribute of ________ corresponds to that of light wavelength.
- A.
Saturation
- B.
Brightness
- C.
Hue
- D.
Intensity
- E.
Contrast
Correct Answer
C. HueExplanation
The color attribute of hue corresponds to that of light wavelength. Hue refers to the purest form of a color, and it is determined by the dominant wavelength of light. It represents the specific shade or tint of a color and is independent of its brightness or intensity. Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color, brightness refers to the amount of light in a color, intensity refers to the strength or vividness of a color, and contrast refers to the difference between light and dark areas in an image.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is true of the process of sensory transduction?
- A.
Transduction refers to the speed at which a sensory message travels toward the brain.
- B.
An external energy induces changes in muscle fiber contractions.
- C.
The intensity of an external stimulus is related to the firing rate of the receptor.
- D.
Most receptors show an action potential when stimulated with an external stimulus.
- E.
Sensory cell receptor potentials directly control the release of neurotransmitters.
Correct Answer
E. Sensory cell receptor potentials directly control the release of neurotransmitters.Explanation
The correct answer is that sensory cell receptor potentials directly control the release of neurotransmitters. This means that when a sensory cell is stimulated by an external stimulus, it generates receptor potentials which then trigger the release of neurotransmitters. This process allows for the transmission of sensory information from the sensory cell to the brain. It is important to note that transduction refers to the conversion of one form of energy into another, and in the context of sensory transduction, it specifically refers to the conversion of a sensory stimulus into an electrical signal.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Retinal ganglion cells of the "ON" type described by Kuffler
- A.
Fire randomly to light and dark conditions.
- B.
Record an excitatory burst of potentials to a light placed within a circular center.
- C.
Show suppressed numbers of potentials to a light placed within a circular center.
- D.
Show an increased number of potentials when a light was placed onto a ring surrounding the center.
- E.
Show a change in response rate to movement.
Correct Answer
B. Record an excitatory burst of potentials to a light placed within a circular center.Explanation
The correct answer is "record an excitatory burst of potentials to a light placed within a circular center." This means that when a light is presented in the center of the receptive field of an ON-type retinal ganglion cell, it will generate a burst of electrical activity, indicating an excitatory response. This response is specific to the center of the receptive field and not the surrounding ring, as mentioned in the other options.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In the epilogue on case studies, Carlson argues that
- A.
Valid conclusions can only be drawn from groups of brain-damaged persons.
- B.
Brain modules can be proven to control individual behaviors.
- C.
A case study involves the intensive study of disabilities noted in groups of people.
- D.
Brain damage is usually similar from case to case.
- E.
Certain case study results can be used to eliminate the role of a brain module in a specific behavior.
Correct Answer
E. Certain case study results can be used to eliminate the role of a brain module in a specific behavior.Explanation
Certain case study results can be used to eliminate the role of a brain module in a specific behavior. This means that by studying specific cases of brain damage and observing the resulting behaviors, researchers can determine if a particular brain module is responsible for that behavior. If a behavior is consistently absent in individuals with damage to a specific brain module, it suggests that the module plays a crucial role in controlling that behavior. This supports Carlson's argument that case studies can help in understanding the functions of different brain modules.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Prosopagnosia is
- A.
An inability to distinguish colors.
- B.
The inability to recognize a particular face.
- C.
Usually accompanied by achromatopsia.
- D.
A difficulty in recognizing objects by texture cues.
- E.
A problem in linking remote memories with new memories.
Correct Answer
B. The inability to recognize a particular face.Explanation
Prosopagnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize or remember faces. People with prosopagnosia may have difficulty recognizing familiar faces, including those of family members, friends, or even their own reflection in the mirror. This condition is not related to color perception or the ability to distinguish colors. It is a specific impairment in facial recognition, often caused by damage or dysfunction in the brain's face-processing areas. It is different from achromatopsia, which is a separate condition involving the inability to perceive colors.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following is a binocular cue for depth perception?
- A.
Perspective
- B.
Relative retinal size
- C.
Retinal disparity
- D.
Relative apparent movement
- E.
Loss of detail due to atmospheric haze
Correct Answer
C. Retinal disparityExplanation
Retinal disparity is a binocular cue for depth perception. This refers to the slight difference in the location of the visual images on the retinas of both eyes. When an object is closer to us, the retinal disparity increases, and when an object is farther away, the retinal disparity decreases. Our brain uses this information to perceive depth and judge the distance of objects in the environment. Therefore, retinal disparity is an important cue for our visual system to determine the depth and three-dimensional aspects of our surroundings.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is true of the process of sensory transduction?
- A.
Receptors show action potentials to external stimuli.
- B.
The intensity of an external stimulus is related to the firing rate of the receptor.
- C.
Receptors convert an external energy into graded changes in receptor membrane potential.
- D.
Most receptors show an action potential when stimulated with an external stimulus.
- E.
Transduction refers to the speed at which a sensory message travels toward the brain.
Correct Answer
B. The intensity of an external stimulus is related to the firing rate of the receptor.Explanation
The correct answer is "The intensity of an external stimulus is related to the firing rate of the receptor." This statement is true because sensory transduction is the process by which sensory receptors convert external stimuli into electrical signals. The firing rate of the receptor is directly proportional to the intensity of the stimulus, meaning that a stronger stimulus will result in a higher firing rate of action potentials in the receptor. This allows the brain to perceive the intensity of the stimulus based on the frequency of action potentials received from the receptor.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Area V6 of primate extrastriate cortex is critical for the analysis of
- A.
Color
- B.
Depth perception.
- C.
Movement.
- D.
Object texture.
- E.
Form.
Correct Answer
A. ColorExplanation
Area V6 of primate extrastriate cortex is critical for the analysis of color because it is involved in the processing and perception of visual motion. This area receives input from the primary visual cortex and is responsible for integrating information about motion, direction, and speed. While other areas of the extrastriate cortex may be involved in the analysis of depth perception, object texture, and form, color processing is specifically associated with area V6.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Visual information from the retina is carried by ________ to the ________.
- A.
Short axon fibers; optic chiasm
- B.
Ganglion cell axons; thalamic medial geniculate nucleus
- C.
Axons from bipolar cells; thalamic medial geniculate nucleus
- D.
Ganglion cell axons; thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus
- E.
Ganglion cell axons; striate cortex
Correct Answer
D. Ganglion cell axons; thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleusExplanation
Visual information from the retina is carried by ganglion cell axons to the thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is true of most color-sensitive ganglion cells?
- A.
The cells are not organized in a center-surround fashion until this information reaches the thalamus.
- B.
The ganglion cells respond to pairs of primary colors such as red-green or blue-yellow.
- C.
These ganglion cells receive information from certain rods in the periphery of the retina.
- D.
These cells also code for the relative brightness of colors.
- E.
All of the above are correct.
Correct Answer
B. The ganglion cells respond to pairs of primary colors such as red-green or blue-yellow.Explanation
Most color-sensitive ganglion cells respond to pairs of primary colors such as red-green or blue-yellow. This means that these cells are able to detect and distinguish between different combinations of these primary colors, which are fundamental in the perception of color. This response to pairs of primary colors is an important aspect of color vision and is a characteristic feature of these ganglion cells.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is NOT true of sensory receptor function?
- A.
Sensory receptors detect physical stimuli.
- B.
Sensory receptors undergo an action potential when stimulated with an external stimulus.
- C.
Sensory receptors show graded membrane potentials when stimulated.
- D.
Sensory potentials are eventually translated into action potentials.
Correct Answer
B. Sensory receptors undergo an action potential when stimulated with an external stimulus.Explanation
Sensory receptors do not undergo an action potential when stimulated with an external stimulus. Instead, they generate graded membrane potentials, which are then translated into action potentials by the sensory neurons connected to the receptors. The action potentials are then transmitted to the central nervous system for further processing.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When a photopigment is exposed to light, the pigment
- A.
Turns a rosy pink.
- B.
Is released from the axon terminal.
- C.
Degrades into an opsin and a retinal.
- D.
Joins an opsin with a retinal.
- E.
Undergoes a change in electrical charge.
Correct Answer
C. Degrades into an opsin and a retinal.Explanation
When a photopigment is exposed to light, it undergoes a process called photodegradation, where it breaks down into two components: an opsin and a retinal. This breakdown is necessary for the photopigment to transmit the signal of light detection to the brain. The opsin and retinal then work together to initiate a series of chemical reactions that ultimately result in the generation of an electrical signal, which is sent to the brain for visual processing. Therefore, the correct answer is that the photopigment degrades into an opsin and a retinal.Rate this question:
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- 21.
People with visual agnosias have normal acuity, but are unable to recognize objects.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
This statement is true. Visual agnosia is a condition where individuals have normal visual acuity, meaning their eyesight is normal, but they are unable to recognize or identify objects. This can occur due to damage or dysfunction in specific areas of the brain responsible for object recognition. People with visual agnosia may still be able to see objects clearly, but they are unable to process or make sense of the visual information they receive. Therefore, their ability to recognize objects is impaired.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Neurons in area V5 are sensitive to movement.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neurons in area V5, also known as the middle temporal area (MT), are indeed sensitive to movement. This area of the brain is responsible for processing visual motion information. Studies have shown that neurons in V5 respond selectively to specific directions and speeds of visual stimuli, indicating their sensitivity to movement. This sensitivity allows us to perceive and track moving objects in our visual field.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The striate cortex refers to the primary visual cortex.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The striate cortex is indeed another term for the primary visual cortex. It is the first area in the brain that receives and processes visual information from the eyes. This region plays a crucial role in basic visual processing, such as detecting edges, shapes, and colors. Therefore, the statement "The striate cortex refers to the primary visual cortex" is true.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Neurons within the blob portion of the cortical modules are insensitive to color.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because neurons within the blob portion of the cortical modules are actually sensitive to color. The blobs are specialized regions in the visual cortex that respond to color stimuli. They contain neurons that are responsible for color processing and play a crucial role in color perception. Therefore, the statement suggesting that neurons within the blob portion of the cortical modules are insensitive to color is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 25.
A cell in the visual cortex that has a "complex" receptive field may serve as a movement detector.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A cell in the visual cortex with a "complex" receptive field is capable of detecting movement. This is because complex receptive fields are designed to respond to specific visual stimuli, such as edges or motion. As a result, these cells are able to detect and process information related to movement in the visual field. Therefore, the statement that a cell with a complex receptive field may serve as a movement detector is true.Rate this question:
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