Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Question 8

Practice essay / theory question 8 from the 2021 Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers Coordination .

Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Essay / Theory
Topic: Coordination
Question 8 IJMB_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2021 • BIOLOGY • essay

During a laboratory experiment, a student records the latency period and magnitude of the knee‑jerk (patellar) reflex in three subjects: Subject A (age 20, athletic), Subject B (age 55, sedentary) and Subject C (age 70, with peripheral neuropathy). The recorded latencies are 0.04 s, 0.07 s and 0.12 s respectively; the reflex amplitudes are 5 mV, 3 mV and 1 mV respectively.

Question Parts

( a )
Outline the neural pathway of the patellar reflex, identifying the type of neurons involved and the central integration site.
( b )
Analyse the differences in latency and amplitude among the three subjects, linking them to age‑related changes and neuropathic damage.
( c )
The student suggests that increasing the stimulus intensity could normalize the reflex amplitude in Subject C. Critically evaluate this suggestion, considering the concepts of recruitment, refractory periods, and safety.

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About This Question

This is Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 2021 Biology Question 8. It is one of the essay questions from the 2021 Ijmb Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers Coordination .

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