CLEP - Biology Vertebrate Organ Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient has their gallbladder surgically removed. Which of the following physiological processes would be most significantly impacted by this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The emulsification and digestion of fats in the small intestine.

Answer

The enzymatic digestion of proteins in the stomach.

Answer

The absorption of water and electrolytes in the large intestine.

Answer

The initial breakdown of carbohydrates by salivary amylase in the mouth.

Question 2

In the vertebrate nervous system, the rapid transmission of a nerve impulse along a myelinated axon, where the action potential 'jumps' from one Node of Ranvier to the next, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction

Answer

Synaptic transmission

Answer

A graded potential

Answer

The refractory period

Question 3

Which of the following structures within the nephron of a vertebrate kidney is primarily responsible for the initial filtration of blood under pressure?

Accepted Answer

Glomerulus

Answer

Loop of Henle

Answer

Collecting duct

Answer

Proximal convoluted tubule

Question 4

A red blood cell has just entered the right atrium of a human heart. Which of the following sequences correctly describes the path it will take to reach the aorta?

Accepted Answer

Right ventricle -> Lungs -> Left atrium -> Left ventricle

Answer

Right ventricle -> Left ventricle -> Lungs -> Left atrium

Answer

Left atrium -> Left ventricle -> Lungs -> Right ventricle

Answer

Lungs -> Right ventricle -> Left atrium -> Left ventricle

Question 5

In mammals, the contraction and flattening of which large, dome-shaped muscle is the primary driving force for inhalation?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Answer

Intercostal muscles

Answer

Pectoralis major

Answer

Abdominal muscles

Question 6

The regulation of blood calcium levels involves the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which raises calcium levels, and calcitonin, which lowers them. This is a primary example of:

Accepted Answer

Antagonistic hormonal action

Answer

A positive feedback loop

Answer

Gene amplification

Answer

Coenzyme activation