ACSM-EP Anatomy & Physiology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which metabolic process produces the most ATP per molecule of glucose under aerobic conditions?
- Glycolysis alone
- Beta-oxidation
- Oxidative phosphorylation via the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain (Correct answer)
- Substrate-level phosphorylation
Correct answer: Oxidative phosphorylation via the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain
Oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain yields approximately 30-32 ATP per glucose molecule, far exceeding anaerobic pathways.
Question 2: The rotator cuff is composed of which four muscles?
- Deltoid, pectoralis minor, teres major, subscapularis
- Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis (Correct answer)
- Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoid, biceps brachii
- Trapezius, rhomboid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus
Correct answer: Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis
SITS is the mnemonic: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis form the rotator cuff.
Question 3: During prolonged submaximal aerobic exercise, the primary substrate shift that occurs after ~20-30 minutes is toward:
- Increased reliance on carbohydrate only
- Increased fat oxidation and decreased carbohydrate use (Correct answer)
- Exclusive use of protein catabolism
- Decreased overall substrate utilization
Correct answer: Increased fat oxidation and decreased carbohydrate use
As glycogen stores deplete during prolonged exercise, free fatty acid oxidation progressively increases to spare carbohydrate.
Question 4: The adrenal medulla releases which catecholamines in response to acute exercise stress?
- Cortisol and aldosterone
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine (Correct answer)
- Insulin and glucagon
- Testosterone and DHEA
Correct answer: Epinephrine and norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine as part of the sympathetic fight-or-flight response during exercise.
Question 5: Which joint in the lower extremity is classified as a hinge joint, allowing primarily flexion and extension?
- Hip joint
- Ankle (talocrural) joint
- Knee joint (Correct answer)
- Subtalar joint
Correct answer: Knee joint
The knee (tibiofemoral) joint is primarily a modified hinge joint allowing flexion and extension, with slight rotation when flexed.
Question 6: Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for generating the contractile force for pumping blood?
- Epicardium
- Myocardium (Correct answer)
- Endocardium
- Pericardium
Correct answer: Myocardium
The myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle cells that generate pumping force.
Question 7: Wolff's Law states that bone adapts its structure in response to:
- Hormonal fluctuations only
- Mechanical loads placed upon it (Correct answer)
- Nutritional calcium intake alone
- Age-related remodeling cycles
Correct answer: Mechanical loads placed upon it
Wolff's Law describes how bone remodels and strengthens along lines of mechanical stress, making weight-bearing and resistance exercise important for bone density.
ACSM-EP Anatomy & Physiology 5
Which metabolic process produces the most ATP per molecule of glucose under aerobic conditions?