D312 Final Exam Review Practice Questions and Answers
Student Name
Western Governors University
D312 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
Prof. Name
Date
Anatomy and Physiology Comprehensive Review
Question 1
Which of the following is considered one of the essential characteristics of life?
a. Cognition
b. Self-awareness
c. Perception
d. Metabolism
Answer: d. Metabolism
Metabolism is a fundamental process that sustains all living organisms by converting nutrients into energy necessary for growth, repair, and maintenance of body functions. This process involves both anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions, ensuring cellular and systemic balance (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 2
Which system of the body is responsible for initiating immune responses?
a. Cardiovascular
b. Endocrine
c. Lymphatic
d. Respiratory
Answer: c. Lymphatic
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in defending the body against infection by producing lymphocytes and filtering harmful substances. It complements the circulatory system and includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and lymph vessels that collectively maintain immunity and fluid balance (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 3
Which statement is true of homeostatic mechanisms?
a. They help keep the body’s internal environment consistent.
b. They occur only when a body is in optimal condition.
c. They are generally a result of severe malnourishment.
d. They are most likely to occur in people who are comatose.
Answer: a. They help keep the body’s internal environment consistent.
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal condition despite external changes. It involves feedback systems—primarily negative feedback loops—that regulate variables like temperature, pH, and glucose levels to ensure survival (Guyton & Hall, 2020).
Question 4
An ionic bond will form when two ions have what relationship to each other?
a. One neutral atom, one positively charged
b. Electrically neutral
c. Oppositely charged
d. Similarly charged
Answer: c. Oppositely charged
Ionic bonds form when positively charged (cation) and negatively charged (anion) ions attract one another. This type of bonding creates stable compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl), crucial for various physiological processes (Timberlake, 2020).
Question 5
Which of the following is a substance that, when added to a chemical solution, prevents large changes in the pH of the solution?
a. Binder
b. Buffer
c. Effector
d. Transmitter
Answer: b. Buffer
Buffers are essential in maintaining pH balance within the body. For instance, the bicarbonate buffer system stabilizes blood pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases, ensuring proper enzymatic function and metabolic activity (Campbell et al., 2021).
Question 6
Which type of chemical bond features an unequal sharing of electrons between two atoms, resulting in slight positive and negative charges?
a. Hydrogen
b. Ionic
c. Nonpolar covalent
d. Polar covalent
Answer: d. Polar covalent
A polar covalent bond occurs when atoms share electrons unequally, creating dipoles with partial positive and negative ends. This property gives molecules like water their unique solvent characteristics (Reece et al., 2020).
Question 7
Which of the following reactions is a major buffer in bodily fluids?
(Carbonic acid-bicarbonate reaction)
Answer: Carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system
This system regulates blood pH through reversible reactions between carbon dioxide and water, forming carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. This reaction stabilizes blood pH around 7.4 (Guyton & Hall, 2020).
Question 8
Inorganic chemistry generally deals with substances that do not contain:
a. Carbon
b. Glucose
c. Oxygen
d. Sodium
Answer: a. Carbon
Inorganic chemistry studies compounds lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds, including salts, metals, and minerals—many of which are vital in body processes such as nerve transmission and muscle contraction (Timberlake, 2020).
Question 9
What organelle is continuous with an animal cell’s outer nuclear membrane?
a. Endoplasmic reticulum
b. Golgi apparatus
c. Lysosome
d. Ribosome
Answer: a. Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) connects directly with the nuclear envelope, allowing communication and transport of materials like proteins and lipids between the nucleus and cytoplasm (Alberts et al., 2022).
Question 10
Which of the following structural features of the plasma membrane results from the unequal distribution of ions inside and outside the cell?
a. Fluid nature
b. Membrane potential
c. Polar head group with a nonpolar tail
d. Stabilization by cholesterol molecules
Answer: b. Membrane potential
The plasma membrane maintains an electrical potential difference due to varying ion concentrations, crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 11
What organelle is responsible for protein and lipid modification, packaging, and distribution throughout the cell?
a. Golgi apparatus
b. Lysosome
c. Mitochondrion
d. Proteasome
Answer: a. Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids synthesized by the ER. It forms vesicles that transport materials to their target destinations (Alberts et al., 2022).
Question 12
The four characteristic functions of a cell are metabolism, synthesis, communication, and which of the following?
a. Anaerobic respiration
b. Hydration
c. Osmosis
d. Reproduction
Answer: d. Reproduction
Cell reproduction ensures growth, tissue repair, and species continuity. Through mitosis, cells divide to produce genetically identical copies (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
D312 Final Exam Review Practice Questions and Answers
Question 13
Which of the following provides energy for cellular respiration?
a. PKU
b. ATP
c. DNA
d. RNA
Answer: b. ATP
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as the primary energy currency of the cell, storing and transferring energy required for metabolic reactions (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 14
When adenosine diphosphate (ADP) gains an inorganic phosphate group, it becomes:
a. ATP
b. AMP
c. RNA
d. TEM
Answer: a. ATP
The phosphorylation of ADP to ATP stores energy derived from nutrient breakdown, which is later used for cellular processes such as muscle contraction and active transport (Reece et al., 2020).
Question 15
At what stage of the menstrual cycle do LH levels begin to increase?
a. Menses
b. Ovulation
c. Proliferative phase
d. Secretory phase
Answer: b. Ovulation
Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges during ovulation, triggering the release of an egg from the ovary. This marks the midpoint of the menstrual cycle (Hall, 2021).
Question 16
The walls of the intestines and stomach are composed of which type of muscle tissue?
a. Cardiac
b. Skeletal
c. Smooth
d. Synergistic
Answer: c. Smooth
Smooth muscle tissue lines hollow organs like the stomach and intestines, contracting involuntarily to move substances through the digestive tract (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 17
Starting from the surface and moving inward, what are the layers of the integumentary system?
a. Dermis, epidermis, hypodermis
b. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
c. Epidermis, hypodermis, dermis
d. Hypodermis, dermis, epidermis
Answer: b. Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
The skin comprises three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle connective layer), and hypodermis (subcutaneous fat layer).
| Skin Layer | Function |
|---|---|
| Epidermis | Protection and waterproofing |
| Dermis | Contains nerves, glands, and hair follicles |
| Hypodermis | Stores fat, insulates, and anchors skin |
Question 18
In humans, the integumentary system produces what vitamin?
a. A
b. B
c. D
d. K
Answer: c. Vitamin D
The integumentary system synthesizes vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. A deficiency may lead to conditions such as rickets or osteoporosis (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 19
Melanin is produced in which of the following cells?
a. Cornified cells
b. Keratinocytes
c. Melanocytes
d. Melanosomes
Answer: c. Melanocytes
Melanocytes, located in the basal layer of the epidermis, generate melanin—a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melanin also protects underlying tissues from harmful UV radiation (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 20
The release of histamines in the integumentary system causes which of the following?
a. Intestinal bleeding
b. Migraine headaches
c. Blood in stool
d. Skin redness and swelling
Answer: d. Skin redness and swelling
Histamine, released by mast cells during inflammatory or allergic reactions, increases capillary permeability, resulting in redness, swelling, and itching (Hall, 2021).
Question 21
In the “ABCDE” rule of detecting melanoma, what symptom is represented by the “E”?
a. Epidermis
b. Evolving
c. Excess
d. Exposure
Answer: b. Evolving
In dermatology, the “ABCDE” rule helps identify melanoma. “E” represents Evolving, indicating changes in a mole’s shape, size, or color.
| ABCDE Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry |
| B | Border irregularity |
| C | Color variation |
| D | Diameter >6mm |
| E | Evolving characteristics |
Question 22
As humans age, what causes wrinkled skin?
a. Elastic fibers and adipose tissue decrease
b. Collagen fibers decrease in number
c. Faster division of skin cells
d. Increased flexibility and elasticity of connective tissues
Answer: a. Elastic fibers and adipose tissue decrease
Aging leads to a reduction in collagen and elastin fibers and the loss of subcutaneous fat, resulting in thinner, less elastic skin (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 23
Which of the following is a factor that contributes to wrinkling in aging skin?
a. Increase in collagen
b. Increase in melanin
c. Loss of adipose tissue
d. Decrease in temperature regulation
Answer: c. Loss of adipose tissue
Subcutaneous fat provides structure and cushioning beneath the skin. With age, this layer thins, causing sagging and wrinkling (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 24
Human skin becomes drier with age due to a decrease in:
a. Elasticity
b. Sebaceous gland activity
c. Keratinocyte division
d. Vitamin D production
Answer: b. Sebaceous gland activity
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum to lubricate and moisturize the skin. Reduced activity of these glands during aging results in dryness and increased irritation (Hall, 2021).
Question 25
Which cranial suture joins the parietal bones along the skull’s midline (superior view)?
a. Coronal
b. Lambdoid
c. Occipitomastoid
d. Sagittal
Answer: d. Sagittal
The sagittal suture connects the two parietal bones at the top of the skull, forming a midline seam important for cranial stability (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 26
Which of the following statements about bone marrow is true?
a. In adult long bones, yellow marrow is mostly replaced by red marrow.
b. The adult hipbone contains no red marrow.
c. Red marrow is the site of blood cell formation.
d. Red marrow contains mostly adipose tissue.
Answer: c. Red marrow is the site of blood cell formation.
Red bone marrow contains stem cells that produce red and white blood cells and platelets—a process known as hematopoiesis (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 27
Which of the following demonstrates that the skeletal system provides storage for the body?
a. Blood cells are produced within red bone marrow.
b. Calcium and phosphorus are released from bones when blood levels decrease.
c. Smooth cartilage covers bone ends.
d. The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by the cranium and vertebrae.
Answer: b. Calcium and phosphorus are released from bones when blood levels decrease.
The skeletal system stores and releases minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for metabolic balance and nerve function (Hall, 2021).
Question 28
What are the two principal minerals stored in bone?
a. Calcium and iron
b. Calcium and magnesium
c. Calcium and phosphorus
d. Phosphorus and iron
Answer: c. Calcium and phosphorus
These minerals contribute to bone hardness and strength while serving as reservoirs for metabolic needs (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 29
In which way do chondrocytes receive nutrients?
a. Delivery from blood vessels through cartilage matrix
b. Delivery from blood vessels through perichondrium layer
c. Diffusion through cartilage matrix
d. Transport from stem cells
Answer: c. Diffusion through cartilage matrix
Because cartilage lacks blood vessels, nutrients diffuse through the matrix to nourish chondrocytes (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 30
What type of cartilage plays a part in long bone growth and repair?
a. Collagen
b. Elastic cartilage
c. Fibrocartilage
d. Hyaline cartilage
Answer: d. Hyaline cartilage
Hyaline cartilage forms the growth plates in long bones and provides smooth surfaces for joint movement (Hall, 2021).
Question 31
Two systems for classifying joints are based on:
a. Joint cavity size and ability to regenerate damage
b. Location and size
c. Range of motion and type of connective tissue holding them together
d. Size and number of muscular connections
Answer: c. Range of motion and type of connective tissue holding them together
Joints are classified structurally (fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial) and functionally (immovable, slightly movable, freely movable) (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
| Classification Type | Basis | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Structural | Tissue type | Synovial joint |
| Functional | Movement range | Ball-and-socket |
Question 32
Joints connecting two bones that contain fibrocartilage are called:
a. Sutures
b. Symphyses
c. Synchondroses
d. Syndesmoses
Answer: b. Symphyses
Symphyses, such as the pubic symphysis, are cartilaginous joints where fibrocartilage unites bones, allowing limited movement (Marieb & Hoehn, 2019).
Question 33
In which kind of bone would an epiphyseal plate be found?
a. Flat
b. Irregular
c. Long
d. Short
Answer: c. Long
Epiphyseal plates (growth plates) are present in long bones like the femur and tibia and are essential for longitudinal growth (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
Question 34
Which factor initially stimulates bone growth and is responsible for the burst of growth at puberty?
a. Growth hormone
b. Thyroid hormone
c. Sex hormones
d. Increased nutrient intake
Answer: c. Sex hormones
Estrogen and testosterone promote bone growth during puberty by stimulating osteoblast activity (Hall, 2021).
Question 35
Which characteristic makes skeletal muscle unique from other kinds of muscle?
a. It can be moved voluntarily.
b. It has a single nucleus.
c. It contracts spontaneously.
d. It is non-striated.
Answer: a. It can be moved voluntarily.
Skeletal muscle operates under conscious control, allowing movement and posture maintenance (Tortora & Derrickson, 2022).
References
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Morgan, D., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2022). Molecular Biology of the Cell (7th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Campbell, N. A., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Reece, J. B. (2021). Biology (12th ed.). Pearson.
Guyton, A. C., & Hall, J. E. (2020). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (14th ed.). Elsevier.
Hall, J. E. (2021). Guyton and Hall Physiology Review (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2019). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson.
Timberlake, K. C. (2020). Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (13th ed.). Pearson.
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2022). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (16th ed.). Wiley.