Anatomy Exam Anatomy and Physiology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of epithelium lines the alveoli of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange?
- Stratified squamous epithelium
- Simple columnar epithelium
- Simple squamous epithelium (Correct answer)
- Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium
Correct answer: Simple squamous epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium forms an extremely thin layer ideal for rapid diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide across alveolar walls.
Question 2: Which structure in the brainstem controls respiratory rate?
- Cerebellum
- Hypothalamus
- Medulla oblongata (Correct answer)
- Thalamus
Correct answer: Medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata contains the respiratory centers (dorsal and ventral groups) that set the basic rhythm of breathing.
Question 3: Which plasma protein is most responsible for maintaining oncotic (colloid osmotic) pressure in the blood?
- Fibrinogen
- Globulin
- Albumin (Correct answer)
- Hemoglobin
Correct answer: Albumin
Albumin, the most abundant plasma protein, exerts the greatest oncotic pressure, pulling water back into capillaries.
Question 4: What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
- Transport oxygen in the bloodstream
- Reduce surface tension in alveoli to prevent collapse (Correct answer)
- Filter inhaled particles
- Facilitate gas exchange across the alveolar membrane
Correct answer: Reduce surface tension in alveoli to prevent collapse
Surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension so alveoli remain open at the end of expiration.
Question 5: Which section of the large intestine is most commonly affected in appendicitis?
- Sigmoid colon
- Transverse colon
- Cecum (Correct answer)
- Ascending colon
Correct answer: Cecum
The appendix is a small projection from the cecum, so appendicitis involves inflammation in the cecal region.
Question 6: During an action potential, what causes the initial depolarization phase?
- Potassium ions rushing into the cell
- Chloride ions leaving the cell
- Sodium ions rushing into the cell (Correct answer)
- Calcium ions entering the cell
Correct answer: Sodium ions rushing into the cell
Voltage-gated sodium channels open and Na⁺ rapidly flows into the neuron, causing membrane potential to rise from -70 mV toward +30 mV.
Question 7: Which of the following correctly describes the anatomical position?
- Standing upright, arms at the sides, palms facing backward
- Lying face-up with arms extended overhead
- Standing upright, arms at the sides, palms facing forward (Correct answer)
- Standing upright, arms crossed over the chest
Correct answer: Standing upright, arms at the sides, palms facing forward
Anatomical position is defined as standing erect, feet together, arms at the sides with palms facing anteriorly (forward).
Anatomy Exam Anatomy and Physiology 5
Which type of epithelium lines the alveoli of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange?