Controversy surrounds the use of zinc-containing nasal sprays as a cold remedy, since they have been associated with anosmia (loss of smell). If true, this is likely due to the sprays damaging which tissue?

Question

A.  central nervous system
B.  osmic nerve
C.  peripheral nervous system
D.  neuroglial system

Clarify Question
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
What type of thinking is required?

Gather Content
What do you already know about olfaction? What other information is related to the question?

Choose Answer
Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?

Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

C.  peripheral nervous system

Clarify Question
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        · This question is asking about the difference between receiving olfactory stimuli and perceiving them.
What type of thinking is required?
Choose from the following samples to streamline your writing:
        · Apply level:
            o You are being asked to take what you already know and use, or apply, it to olfaction.

Gather Content
What do you already know about olfaction? What other information is related to the question?
        · Olfaction, or the sense of smell, is a component of the nervous system.
        · Dendrites in the nasal mucosa receive signals in the form of molecules.
        · Once a molecule binds with a receptor on a dendrite, a signal is sent to the central nervous system so the molecule can be recognized.

Choose Answer
Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        · The recognition of a scent occurs in the brain, so damage to the central nervous system could alter the perception of smell, but it would not stop the passage of a signal from the nose.
        · The neuroglia are support cells for neurons, but they do not receive or perceive sensory input.
        · Damage to olfactory receptors or to peripheral nerves would likely result in lack of olfaction.

Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        · Apply level:
            o Answering this question correctly depended on your ability to use olfaction in a new situation. If you got an incorrect answer, did you remember that scents are received in the nose, but are perceived in the brain? Did you have trouble extending olfaction to determine the correct answer?