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Date May 2013 Marks available 2 Reference code 13M.3.HL.TZ2.5
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 2
Command term Identify Question number 5 Adapted from N/A

Question

The diagram shows the structure of the human ear.

Label structures I and II

I.  .............................................................

II.  .............................................................
 

[1]
a (i).

Outline how sounds are perceived in the cochlea, including the name of the cell type involved.

[1]
a (ii).

Identify a function of the parts of the brain by using numerals II to V to complete the chart. Hypothalamus has been completed for you.

[2]
c.

Discuss how the pupil reflex can be used as a test for brain death.

[2]
d.

Markscheme

I: pinna;
II: ear drum / tympanic membrane; (both needed)

a (i).

cilia/hair/hair bundles of hair cells vibrate with (cochlear) liquid/fluid movement

a (ii).

Award [1] for any two correct responses.

c.

a. pupil reflex is controlled by autonomic nervous system/brain/midbrain; (do not accept medulla)
b. light shone into the eye would normally cause pupil contraction;
c. no pupil reflex indicates that synapses are not functioning;
d. can indicate brain death but not necessarily / OWTTE;

d.

Examiners report

N/A

a (i).

Although most had an idea of the process of hearing, they were not not very successful in 5a (ii) because they could not outline the roles for all three of cilia, hair cells and cochlear fluid.

a (ii).
[N/A]
c.

Most candidates gained one mark for writing that the pupil constricts when a bright light is shone in the eyes, but didn't get much more; most ignored the mechanism or located it in the medulla oblongata, which is incorrect (the reflex pathway is located in the anterior part of the brain stem; although the medulla is the posterior part of the brain stem, the oversimplification of locating the pathway in the medulla, or stating that the autonomic nervous system is controlled by the medulla because other parts of the brain are not in the syllabus is incorrect); most missed the discussion element and confused probability and certainty of brain death.

d.

Syllabus sections

Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics) » A.2 The human brain
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