Sense Organs

1989 Paper 1 Question 11

11. An experiment was carried out in which a naked man was asked to stand still inside a
room where he was subjected to different air temperatures. Shortly after he had reached
an equilibrium state at each temperature, and based on measurements of a number of
parameter then made, the following graph were obtained :

(a) What evidence can be obtained from the graphs that various methods were
employed by the body to increase heat loss ? Briefly explain how each of these
operates.
(N.B. Reference to metabolic activity is NOT required ) (3 marks)

(b) Account for the changes in skin temperature when the air temperature
(i) fell from 29 to 24, and
(ii) rose from 31 to 34. (4 marks)

(c) Explain why the metabolic rate was lowest in the range of air temperature between
29 and 31, and then increased when the air temperature either fell below or
 rose above this range.
(4 marks)
(d) Suggest a possible cause for the increase in metabolic rate when the air
temperature fell from 29 to 24. (1 mark)

(e) By means of diagram, show the mechanism operating in the body of this person to
detect changes in air temperature and to stimulate the appropriate responses so
as to maintain his body temperature. (5 marks)

(f) If the man was given the freedom to reduce heat loss when the air temperature
was at 24, suggest TWO possible ways of doing so. Briefly explain how each of
them works.
(3 marks)

Ans

1989 Paper 1 Question 12

12. Sound must exceed a certain intensity in order to be heard. The threshold intensity for
detecting sounds across the audible frequency spectrum can be determined in an
individual by presenting to the person sounds of various frequencies and intensity levels.
The following results are the average threshold responses of two samples of people to
sound presented from a loudspeaker placed directly in front of them in a soundproof
room:

Sound threshold intensity (dB)

Sound frequency (Hz)
Young adults (20 years) Aged adults (60 years)
20 78 78
60 42 42
250 17 17
500 12 12
1000 8 8
2000 5 5
3000 3 10
4000 3 22
5000 7 33
8000 16 44
10000 18 52
 16000 22 69

(a) Present the above results in graphical form on the semi-logarithmic paper provided
on the opposite page (using the logarithmic scale for sound frequency, and the
linear scale for sound threshold intensity). (5 marks)

(b) With reference to the graph for young adults :

(i) What is the most sensitive frequency range of the ear ? What other
information can you obtain from the shape of this graph ? (2 marks)

(ii) Describe and explain how the graph would be affected if there were excess
wax accumulation in the external ear canal. (3 marks)

(iii) One must speak louder in order to be heard in noisy surroundings. On the basis of this,
plot another graph (label it as graph C) on the same graph paper you used in (a) to show the
threshold response that would be obtained if the experiment were performed in a room with a
low frequency background noise from an air-conditioner. This noise is of different intensities at
different frequencies as shown below :

Sound frequency (Hz) Sound intensity (dB)

20 500 20
600 10
800 5
above 1000 0 (2 marks)

(c) With reference to the two graphs you have drawn in (a), what kind of information
can you obtain about the hearing ability of aged adults ? (2 marks)

(d) Aged individuals normally have no difficulty in hearing conversations projected at

an intensity of 30 dB. Deduce the possible frequency range for normal human
conversation. (2 marks)

(e) By means of a flowchart only, briefly outline the mechanism by which sound is
transmitted through the middle and inner ear. (4 marks)

12. If you attempt this question, fill in the details in the first three boxes above and tie
this sheet inside your answer book.
 Ans

1990 Paper 2 Question 6

6. (a) Discuss the thermoregulatory function performed by the mammalian skin. (10
marks)

(b) Briefly describe FIVE other functions of the mammalian skin and their significance.
(10 marks)

Ans

1991 Paper 2 Question 3

3. (a) (i) Draw a labelled diagram to show the structure of the mammalian ear.
Annotate your diagram to describe briefly the function of each labelled
structure. (10 marks)

(ii) Explain how acceleration of the head is detected. (4 marks)

(b) Describe the structure and the function of the human retina. (6 marks)

Ans

1992 Paper 2 Question 6

6. Discuss how the structure of the ear is related to its functions in hearing and balance in
terrestrial mammals. (20 marks)

Ans
1995 Paper 2 Question 2
2. (a) A blindfolded man is walking on a narrow plank. Discuss in detail the roles of the
following organs in maintaining his balance while walking:

(i) ear (5 marks)

(ii) brain (5 marks)

(iii) spinal cord (5 marks)

(b) When a man is walking, the motor signals that reach the leg muscles are
transmitted in the nervous system in a unidirectional way. Give a full explanation
for this unidirectional transmission.
(5 marks)

Ans

1998 Paper 1 Question 3

3. In the mammalian ear, sensory receptors in the semicircular canals and the cochlea are
activated by fluid movement inside the ear. Describe how fluid movement is brought
about by natural stimulations and how this activates the two types of sensory receptors.
(7 marks)

Ans

Solution
1989 Paper 1 Question 11 Solution
11. (a) When air temperature rose to above 31C, there were rapid increases of
vaporization of sweat from body surface and the rate of blood flow in
skin blood vessels increased.
Increased vaporization from skin implies increased sweat production
increased evaporative heat loss.
Increased blood flow in skin blood vessels implies dilation of skin blood
vessels more heat brought from body core to surface and dissipated
to the surroundings by convection conduction and radiation
(3)

(b) (i) Rate of heat delivered from the body core to the skin remained
almost unchanged as indicated by the relatively constant blood
flow to the skin The decrease in skin temperature is the result of
increasing heat loss (mainly by convection) due to the steepening
of the temperature gradient between the body and the surrounding
air. (2)
(ii) The change represents a balance between the increase in the rate
of heat delivered from the body core to the skin due to the rise in
skin blood flow and the marked increase of vaporization of sweat
and hence evaporative heat loss from the body surface.
(2)

(c) Between 29C and 31C, least energy is required to maintain the body
temperature No active means of trying to increase heat loss or to
increase heat production.
1
Below 29C, the increase in metabolic rate parallels the rise in heat loss,
indicating that the processes for increasing heat production to balance
the heat loss are responsible for the change in metabolic rate.
2
Above 31C, metabolic rate becomes higher because active means of
increasing heat loss from the body (e.g. increase in sweat production,
and vasodilation of skin blood vessels) are involved. 1)
 OR this might be due to increased metabolism of the peripheral tissue as
skin temperature approaches core temperature 1)
any 1
(4)
(d) Involuntary muscle contraction (shivering)
(1)

(e) Diagram indication involvement of the following

1 the thermoregulatory centers at the hypothalamus.
1
2 changes in air temperature detected by skin thermoreceptors.
1
3 changes in the temperature of blood detected by hypothalamic
thermoreceptors.
1
4 the heat loss / conservation responses.
1
5 the feedback mechanism.
1
(5)
For example :
Air-temperature

Skin cold Skin warm

receptor receptor

Thermoregulatory
centres in
hypothalamus

Heat gain Heat loss

Thermoreceptor in
hypothalamus
(Spinal cord, viscera)

Constriction of skin blood vessels Temperature of Dilation of skin blood vessels

Contraction of erector-pili muscle Relaxation of erector-pili muscle
blood
of hair of hair
Shivering sweating
Exercising
 (f) Putting on clothes.

The clothes can provide insulator, and hence reduce heat loss by
convection forms the body surface to the surrounding air.
1
Curling up

Adopting a curled up body posture can reduce heat loss by decreasing
the exposed surface area of the body.
1
(3)
OR
Other suitable answers
each)x2
with correct explanations 1
each)x2
(3)

1989 Paper 1 Question 12 Solution

12. (a) Refer to graph :
Title of graph
1
Properly drawn and fully labelled x and y axes
1
Plot the 2 sets of data correctly using different symbols and lines for the 2 graphs
2
Give a key to each graph
1
(5)
(b) (i) Sensitivity is greatest in the range 3000 4000 Hz.
1
Auditory threshold is sound frequency dependent : further
elaboration e.g. high threshold for sound < 500 Hz and > 10000
Hz, low threshold for sound around 4000 Hz.
1
(2)
 (ii) The whole curve will shift upward in a uniform manner, i.e. higher
sound intensity threshold will be required for the whole frequency
spectrum.
1
Wax accumulation in the external ear canal interferes with the
transmission of airborne sound to the tympanic membrane.
1
Therefore, higher sound intensity is required to activate the
sensory mechanism of the inner ear.
1
(3)
(iii) Refer to graph
(2)

(c) Hearing ability declines with age, particularly in high frequency range.
(2)

(d) About 120 4700 Hz.

(2)

(e) Flowchart indicating involvement of the following :

1. tympanic membrane

2. Ear ossicle transmission

amplification

3. vibration of endolymph inside cochlea

4. basilar membrane

5. sensory hair cells

6. tectorial membrane

7. auditory nerve

N.B. Deduct mark from total if answer not in the form of a flowchart.
(4)
 For example :
sound wave

vibration of tympanic membrane

vibration of ear ossicles

vibrations amplified and set up pressure waves in fluid of the cochlea

vibration of basilar membrane

hairs of sensory hair cells touch the tectorial membrane (hair cell stimulated)

nerve impulse generated and transmitted to brain via auditory nerve
1990 Paper 2 Question 6 Solution
6. (a) Mammals maintain a constant body temperature, often one much higher
than the surroundings. This leads to continuous heat loss to the
surroundings. 1
The skin plays an important role in temperature regulations as its large
surface area is a potential site for heat loss.
1
Therefore the skin must be a good heat insulator,
1
and this is fullfilled by the layer of subcutaneous fat,

and by the hairs.

(Mentioning of seasonal changes in the subcutaneous fat layer and the
hairs 1)
Hair can be raised or lowered

by erector pili muscles

to trap more or less air in a shell layer over the skin

Still air is a poor conductor so more air leads to lower heat loss
1
More blood can be brought nearer the skin surface by vasoconstriction
of shunt vessels

thus opening peripheral capillaries more widely to bring

more blood to surface causing it to cool more rapidly
1
(or vice-versa-explanation of vasodilation of "shunts"
2)
Sweat glands caused to produce sweat from tissue fluid; mostly water

When sweat pours onto body surface and evaporates, heat
energy is lost to the environment
1
Processes controlled by hypothalamus which receives (core)
blood and is activated to stimulate
1
hair erection, vasoconstriction in cold temperatures ;
1
vasodilation, non-erection of hair and sweating in hot temperatures
1
(any 10 coherently expressed)
max. (10)
 (b) List of functions :
(10)
mechanical protection / prevents entry of pathogens / antigens
light (radiation) protection
camouflage
waterproofing / dehydration protection
touch / sensitivity to pain, pressure, temperature
i.e. sensory
vitamin D conversion
other functions related to epidermal tissues
e.g. scent glands for defence as in skunks
for sexual recognition as in dogs
for recognition of members of their own species
nails, hooves and claws - for defence or offence
any 5 of above (2 marks each) - a brief description of each function and its
significance is expected.

1991 Paper 2 Question 3 Solution

3. (a) (i) Diagram : neatness and clarity

2

Labels and annotations : ( each, 1 each)

max. 8
 Pinna
collects and focuses sound waves and directs them along the
ear canal (capable of rotating to help locating the source of a
sound in some mammals).
Tymcanic membrane (eardrum)
vibrates in accordance with the impringing sound waves
Ear ossicles (bones)
amplify and transmit the vibrations to the oval windows
Eustachian tube
connecting the middle ear with the pharynx, ensures that the
air pressures on the two sides of the tympanic membrane are
equal (by swallowing action)
Vestibular apparatus (semicircular canals / ampulla / utriculus /
sacculus)
for detection of acceleration and the position of head with
respect to gravity
Cochlea
for auditory function
Round windows
for releasing the hydrostatic pressure inside the inner ear

(10)
(ii) Each of the three semicircular canals is arranged in a plane at right
angles to the other two. This ensure sensitivity to angular
movement in any plane.
(Thus, angular acceleration of the head in any one plane will be
detected by the canals.)
1
Due to the inertia of the endolymph within the canals,

the gelatinous cupula of the ampulla gets deflected in a direction
opposite to that in which the head is moving
1
Sensory hairs at the base of the cupula detect the displacement
and send impulses to the brain via the Vestibular nerve.

Linear accelerations are detected by otolith organs shearing force
acting on hairs on surface of receptor hair cells
1
(4)
(b) Two types of photoreceptors : rods and cones

cones : for colour vision and day vision

3 cone types differ in their visual pigments

Rods : for night vision

Differential distribution of rods and cones;
2
blind spot, yellow spot and their significance
Explanation of retinal convergence / visual acuity
bonus-1
The receptor mechanism :
2
Light bleaches the visual pigments of the photoreceptors and triggers off
potential chances in the receptors;
Light energy is transformed into nerve impulse in cells within the retina;
visual signal in the form of action potential is then transmitted to the
brain
Resynthesis of visual pigments to maintain the photoreceptors ability to
respond to light.

(6)

1992 Paper 2 Question 6 Solution

6. Hearing (outer, middle and inner ear) :

(a) Outer ear - pinna, external auditory canal and tympanic membrane
pinna strengthened by elastic cartilage - for protection,
its shape is suited for sound localisation and collection
external auditory canal - provides a passage for sound waves
tympanic membrane - thin and elastic, able to vibrate, thereby changing
sound waves to mechanical vibrations
2
(b) Middle ear -
3 middle ear bones or ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes) - arranged to
form a lever system so that they oscillate in synchrony with the tympanic
membrane;
2
to amplify the magnitude of vibration and allow effective transmission
from air medium (outer ear) to fluid medium (inner ear)
Eustachian tube - equalize air pressure difference between middle ear
and mouth to avoid damages of the tympanic membrane due to
atmospheric pressure changes.
1

(c) Inner ear - oval windows, cochlea (with 3 fluid-filled canals namely scala
vestibuli, scala media, scala tympani), round windows
sound pressure is transmitted from the stapes via the oval windows into
the cochlea fluid in inner ear is set into motion; since fluid is
incompressible, pressure is released via the round windows; (diagram)
4
receptors cells (hair cells) - located on the basilar membrane in scala
media; vibration of this membrane causes bending of the hairs against
the tectorial membrane; this shearing force activates the hair cells which
in turn excites the associated auditory nerve (the auditory part of the
VIIIth cranial nerve) (diagram)
4
auditory nerve - transmite sound to higher auditory centres (e.g. cortex)
in the form of action potential.
1

Balance (inner ear) :

(a) Semicircular canals -
4
3 fluid-filled canals (on each side of the head) are oriented at right
angles to one anotherl; (angular) acceleration of head movements
in 3-dimensional space causes fluid displacement, this introduces
shearing force which acts on hair cells
Description of the structure of macula, ampulla and the density of
endolymph and the gelatinous mass.

(b) Otolith organs (horizontal - oriented utricle, vertical-oriented

 asccule)
2
static head tilts (orientation of body with respect to gravity) and
linear accelerations introduce shearing force on the otolithic
sensory epithelium where the hair cells are located.

shearing force causes bending of the hairs on Vestibular receptors

(hair cells) in the inner ear;
hair cells in turn excites the associated vestibular nerve (the
equilibrium or Vestibular par of the VIIIth cranial nerve) transmits
signal (in the form of action potential) to the brain.
2

max. (8)
max. (20)

1995 Paper 2 Question 2 Solution

2. (a) (i) Three semi-circular canals () in the inner ear () contain receptors,
the canals are arranged at right angles to each other (). When the
head is displaced () in any one plane, cupula / gelatinous mass ()
in one or more of the canals will be deflected to the opposite
direction () of head movement by the inertia of the endolymph ().
Sensory receptors / hair cells at the base of the cupula generate
nerve impulses to the brain (). Tilting of the head () also activates
the utricle (utriculus) () and saccule () (sacculus). Their sensory
hair cells generate nerve impulses to the brain (brain stem). (1)
6
(max. 5)
(ii) * No marks will be awarded if the word brain is used instead of cerebrum and
cerebellum.

*Cerebrum () *Cerebellum ()
receives impulses from touch 1. impulses from the canals, utriculus, and
receptors on foot (). sacculus about the position of the head
()
2. impulses from the limb receptors (muscle
 / joint). ()
process the information () 5
coordinates ()
1. muscular activities in the leg or leg
muscles ().
2. reflexes in the body () to maintain
balance ().

The medulla / brain stem also assists to maintain the equilibrium state of the
body. 1
(max. 5)

(iii) The spinal cord relays sensory impulses () along sensory

neurones () from the limb receptors () via the spinal nerves to the
brain ().
2

The interneurons and motor neurones () of the spinal cord relay

motor impulses () from the brain () to the leg muscles () via the
spinal nerves to effect co-ordinated movement () and to keep
body in equilibrium position ().
3

The spinal cord serves as a pathway to allow the two-way

conduction of nervous impulses to and / or from the brain and the
leg muscles. (1 + 1 mark only)

(5)
(b) The unidirectional transmission is mainly determined at synapse ()/
neural-muscular junction.
Only the pre-synaptic element / synaptic knob () possesses synaptic
vesicles () that contain neurotransmitter (). Upon arrival of a nerve
impulse, such neurotransmitter is released ()v and it diffuses across a
synaptic cleft () for relaying information to the opposite side. only the
post-synaptic membrane () possesses receptors () to specifically
combine with the neurotransmitter (), leading to post-synaptic
depolarization () and propagation of nerve impulse.
5
(5)
(Bonus : mention of refractory period of nerve fibre also plays a role in uni-
 directional transmission (1))

1998 Paper 1 Question 3 Solution

3. semicircular canals : when the head is rotated() / moved, the endolymph
inside the canals is moved() in the opposite direction of
movement due to inertia (), displaces() the gelatinous
mass (cupulae) () in the ampullae () which deflects ()
the hairs of the sensory receptors()
max.3
cochlea : sound() sets the ear drum to vibrate(), this vibration is conducted
along the ear ossicles()/ bones to the oval window(), perilymph is
disturbed / vibrated() the endolymph in the cochlea is disturbed(),
endolymph movement sets the basilar membrane into vibration(),
this deflects the hair of the hair cells ()
3

(7)