B.Pharm. Bachelor of Pharmacy Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of muscle tissue is characterized by involuntary control and intercalated discs?
- Skeletal muscle
- Cardiac muscle (Correct answer)
- Smooth muscle
- Striated voluntary muscle
Correct answer: Cardiac muscle
Cardiac muscle is involuntary and has intercalated discs that allow rapid electrical conduction between cells.
Question 2: The primary function of the nephron loop (loop of Henle) in the kidney is to:
- Filter blood plasma
- Create an osmotic gradient in the medulla (Correct answer)
- Secrete hydrogen ions
- Produce renin
Correct answer: Create an osmotic gradient in the medulla
The loop of Henle establishes a concentration gradient in the renal medulla that enables urine concentration.
Question 3: Which cranial nerve is responsible for the majority of parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal organs?
- Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
- Vagus (CN X) (Correct answer)
- Facial (CN VII)
- Trigeminal (CN V)
Correct answer: Vagus (CN X)
The vagus nerve (CN X) carries parasympathetic fibers to the heart, lungs, and most abdominal viscera.
Question 4: During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, rising estrogen levels primarily stimulate:
- Progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum
- LH surge triggering ovulation (Correct answer)
- FSH surge from the anterior pituitary
- Endometrial shedding
Correct answer: LH surge triggering ovulation
A sustained rise in estrogen triggers a positive feedback LH surge that induces ovulation around day 14.
Question 5: Surfactant produced by type II pneumocytes in the lungs primarily functions to:
- Facilitate gas exchange across the alveolar membrane
- Reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse (Correct answer)
- Trap pathogens entering the respiratory tract
- Increase oxygen solubility in alveolar fluid
Correct answer: Reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
Surfactant lowers surface tension in alveoli, preventing their collapse at the end of expiration.
Question 6: The sinoatrial (SA) node sets the heart rate by spontaneously depolarizing due to:
- Influx of sodium ions through fast Na+ channels
- Slow inward Ca2+ current and reduced K+ outflow (funny current) (Correct answer)
- Release of acetylcholine from sympathetic terminals
- Activation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors
Correct answer: Slow inward Ca2+ current and reduced K+ outflow (funny current)
SA node pacemaker potential results from HCN channels (funny current) allowing Na+/Ca2+ influx and gradual K+ channel closure.
Question 7: Which structure connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and equalizes pressure across the tympanic membrane?
- External auditory meatus
- Cochlear duct
- Eustachian (auditory) tube (Correct answer)
- Semicircular canal
Correct answer: Eustachian (auditory) tube
The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure between the middle ear and atmosphere, important for proper hearing.
