How many NESA Biology questions cover Technologies and Disorders?

AusGrader has 9 NESA Biology questions on Technologies and Disorders, all with instant AI grading and detailed marking feedback.

NESA (HSC) Biology — Technologies and Disorders Questions & Answers | AusGrader

Q15

2025

NESA

1 mark

Q15

1 mark

Cochlear implants assist with hearing. The following are five steps involved in the process.

The sound signal is turned into electrical impulses.
The implant sends electrical impulses to the electrodes in the cochlea.
Sounds are picked up by the microphone.
The auditory nerve picks up and sends electrical impulses to the brain.
The electrical impulses are transmitted across the skin to the implant.

Which is the correct order for this process?

A

1, 4, 3, 2, 5

B

1, 3, 2, 4, 5

C

3, 1, 5, 2, 4

D

3, 1, 2, 5, 4

Q1

2023

NESA

1 mark

Q1

1 mark

A cochlear implant is a device that is used to assist with hearing loss.

What does the cochlear implant electrode array stimulate?

A

Hairs

B

Ossicles

C

Oval window

D

Auditory nerve

Q24

2023

NESA

6 marks

Q24a

3 marks

Explain how problems with the structure and function of the eye can cause a named visual disorder.

The lens of the eye refracts light from the environment on the retina. Cataracts are a visual disorder caused by the clouding of the lens which is normally clear. Clouding stops light passing through the lens leading to blurry vision.

Marking Criteria

Descriptor	Marks
Names a visual disorder Relates problems with eye structure and function to the visual disorder	3
Names a visual disorder Sketches in general terms the cause of a visual disorder in relation to structure and/or function	2
Provides some relevant information	1
None of the above	0

Q24b

3 marks

Describe ONE technology that is used to assist with the effects of a named visual disorder.

A technology that assists with the effects of a visual disorder is laser surgery. One type of laser surgery is LASIK. It is used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism which are caused by refraction errors in the eye which can be caused by problems with the shape of the cornea. In LASIK surgery a thin flap is opened on the surface of the cornea a laser then reshapes the cornea to provide the correct refraction and the flap is laid back into place.

Marking Criteria

Descriptor	Marks
Provides characteristics and features of a technology that is used to assist with the effects of a visual disorder	3
Outlines a technology that assists with the effects of a visual disorder	2
Provides some relevant information	1
None of the above	0

Q37

2022

SCSA

20 marks

Q37

Two unrelated patients; X and Y, visited the same neurosurgeon. The patients had very similar names, and both had a form of brain damage. The neurosurgeon asked Patient X to complete a point-to-point movement test, where the index finger touches the nose and then touches the outstretched finger of the neurosurgeon. He was also asked to walk across the room while the neurosurgeon observed his stability. Patient X found this very strange, as these tests were not what he normally experienced. He has a benign growth below the hypothalamus, reducing levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. When Patient X questioned this, the neurosurgeon realised he had mixed up the two patients and mistakenly thought he was seeing Patient Y.

Q37a

12 marks

Using the information above, identify the part of the brain damaged in both patients (X and Y), describe the role of these parts in normal body functioning and describe the effects damage to these structures would have on both patients.

An example response:

For patient X, the affected part is the anterior pituitary. Its role is to produce hormones, release hormones, and maintain homeostasis. The possible effects of damage include hypothyroidism, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

For patient Y, the affected part is the cerebellum, which coordinates voluntary motor movement and maintains balance. Possible effects of damage include weak muscles, slurred, speech, and abnormal eye movements.

Marking Criteria

Patient X

Descriptor	Marks
Identifies the affected part as the Anterior Pituitary	1
1 mark for each correct point (any 2 of): produces hormones releases hormones maintain homeostasis	2
1 mark for each correct point (any 3 of): hypothyroidism/reduced thyroxine fatigue/reduced energy levels/weakness/lethargy/reduced metabolic rate loss of appetite slow heart rate feeling cold (especially in hands and feet) increase weight/fluid retention	3

Patient Y

Descriptor	Marks
Identifies the affected part as the Cerebellum	1
1 mark for each correct point (any 2 of): coordination of voluntary motor movement balance/equilibrium/posture muscle tone	2
1 mark for each correct point (any 3 of): loss of coordination of motor movement the inability to judge distance and when to stop the inability to perform rapid alternating movements movement tremors staggering, wide based walking tendency toward falling weak muscles slurred speech abnormal eye movements	3

Q37b

8 marks

Describe how the hypothalamus and pituitary work together to achieve their main function.

An example response:

Hormones are produced in the hypothalamus, and are transported down the axons. Hormones are stored in posterior lobe and released via nervous stimulation.

Hormones are produced in the anterior lobe Inhibiting and releasing factors secreted by hypothalamus determine the release of hormones. Blood vessels connect hypothalamus with the anterior lobe, and released via hormonal stimulation.

Marking Criteria

Posterior pituitary

Descriptor	Marks
States that hormones are produced (in cell bodies located) in the hypothalamus or not produced by the pituitary	1
Describes that hormones are transported down the axons or neurosecretory cells	1
States that hormones are stored in the posterior lobe	1
Identifies that they are released via nervous stimulation	1

Anterior pituitary

Descriptor	Marks
States that hormones are produced in the anterior lobe	1
Explains that inhibiting and releasing factors secreted by the hypothalamus determine the release of hormones	1
Describes that blood vessels (hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system) connect the hypothalamus with the anterior lobe or that it travels in the blood	1
Identifies that they are released via chemical or hormonal stimulation	1

NESA Biology Technologies and Disorders

Patient X

Patient Y

Posterior pituitary

Anterior pituitary

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