Special senses: cortical visual areas: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Special senses: cortical visual areas

Sample item

After a stroke involving the lateral occipitotemporal cortex, a man sees shapes normally but can no longer perceive colours, seeing the world in shades of grey. Which cortical area is most likely damaged?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Area V4

Area V4 in the ventral visual stream processes colour, and its damage causes cerebral achromatopsia. Area V5 (MT) processes motion, and its loss causes akinetopsia.

Option by option

  • A. Area V4 (correct)

    Correct. Damage to V4 causes loss of colour perception.

  • B. Area 4

    Area 4 is the primary motor cortex.

  • C. Primary auditory cortex

    The primary auditory cortex handles sound.

  • D. Area V5 (MT)

    V5 damage causes loss of motion perception, not of colour.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Area V4. Area V4 in the ventral visual stream processes colour, and its damage causes cerebral achromatopsia.

Why is "Area 4" not the answer?

Area 4 is the primary motor cortex.

Why is "Primary auditory cortex" not the answer?

The primary auditory cortex handles sound.

Why is "Area V5 (MT)" not the answer?

V5 damage causes loss of motion perception, not of colour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Special senses: cortical visual areas in Physiology. Area V5 (MT) processes motion, and its loss causes akinetopsia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Special senses: cortical visual areas?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.