Human Physiology Lab: Clinical Application Questions

Human Physiology Lab: Clinical Application Questions (Neuro Lab)

Overview

• Conducted by: Jayden Murray

• Instructor: Adam Stocker

• Date: February 2, 2026

Romberg Test

1. Peripheral senses critical for central postural control:

   • Vestibular system

   • Visual system

   • Proprioceptive system

     • Proprioceptors detect body position and movement in space, crucial for maintaining posture and balance.

2. Causes of proprioceptor impairment:

   • Age-related degeneration of sensory neurons.

   • Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

   • Injuries affecting the spinal cord or peripheral nerves.

   • Poor circulation or diabetes leading to neuropathy.

Measuring Two-Point Discrimination Threshold

3. Definition of two-point discrimination (TPD) test:

   • The two-point discrimination test measures the ability to perceive two distinct points of touch rather than one.

   • It assesses tactile acuity and spatial resolution of the somatosensory system.

4. Advantages of using TPD with calipers on patients:

   • Provides precise measurement of tactile perception threshold.

   • Can be easily standardized across different subjects.

   • Allows for systematic assessment of changes over time (e.g., pre and post intervention).

   • Non-invasive and straightforward to perform in a clinical setting.

5. Limitations of using TPD with calipers on patients:

   • May not accurately represent the functional ability of tactile perception in everyday life.

   • Factors such as anxiety or attention may influence results, leading to variability.

   • Requires training to ensure accurate application and interpretation of results.

Catch the Moving Ruler: Reaction Time Test

6. Definition of reaction time:

   • Reaction time refers to the elapsed time between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response.

   • It measures the speed of processing sensory input and executing motor output.

7. Importance of identifying a person's reaction time:

   • Reaction time can provide valuable insights into neurological function, cognitive processing speed, and overall health status.

   • Delays in reaction time may indicate potential dysfunction in neural pathways, warranting further assessment.

8. Mobile-based software application for reaction time testing:

   • Such apps are often not used in schools due to lack of standardization, concerns over reliability, and variations in smartphone technology.

   • Additionally, there may be limitations regarding the accessibility of technology and issues with screen response times.

9. Simpler, cheaper method to test reaction time:

   • The authors suggest the ruler drop method as a cost-effective and straightforward approach for measuring reaction time.

   • Involves dropping a ruler and having the participant catch it as fast as possible, measuring the distance fallen as an indicator of reaction speed.

10. Limitations of the ruler drop method:

    • Results can be inconsistent due to variations in the technique used by different individuals.

    • It lacks the precision and reliability of automated methods and may not accurately reflect true reaction time under varied circumstances.

Additional Source Questions (From Outside Source)

11. Type of nerve fibers transmitting painful stimuli:

    • Painful stimuli are primarily transmitted by A-delta fibers (myelinated, fast-conducting fibers) and C fibers (unmyelinated, slow-conducting fibers).

    • A-delta fibers are responsible for sharp, immediate pain, while C fibers transmit dull, throbbing pain signals.

12. Specific receptors for tasting sweet or sour:

    • Sweet sensations are primarily detected by chemoreceptors that bind to sugars or sugar substitutes, activating G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as T1R2 and T1R3.

    • Sour tastes are detected by ion channels responsive to hydrogen ions (H+), primarily through the protein PKD2L1, signaling acidity.