CMA Anatomy and Physiology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes and Merkel cells?
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum basale (Correct answer)
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum lucidum
Correct answer: Stratum basale
The stratum basale (deepest epidermal layer) contains stem cells for regeneration, melanocytes, and Merkel cells.
Question 2: What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
- Transport oxygen across the alveolar membrane
- Reduce surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse (Correct answer)
- Filter inhaled particles before reaching alveoli
- Produce mucus to trap pathogens
Correct answer: Reduce surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse
Surfactant, produced by type II alveolar cells, reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing them from collapsing during exhalation.
Question 3: The median cubital vein, commonly used for venipuncture, is located at which anatomical site?
- Dorsal surface of the hand
- Medial aspect of the wrist
- Antecubital fossa of the elbow (Correct answer)
- Popliteal fossa of the knee
Correct answer: Antecubital fossa of the elbow
The median cubital vein crosses the antecubital fossa (inner elbow) and is the preferred site for routine blood draws.
Question 4: Which structure connects a muscle to a bone?
- Ligament
- Tendon (Correct answer)
- Cartilage
- Fascia
Correct answer: Tendon
Tendons are dense fibrous connective tissue bands that attach muscles to bones, transmitting the force of muscle contraction.
Question 5: The hormone insulin is produced by which cells of the pancreas?
- Alpha cells
- Delta cells
- Beta cells (Correct answer)
- Acinar cells
Correct answer: Beta cells
Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas secrete insulin in response to elevated blood glucose.
Question 6: Which spinal vertebrae form the neck region?
- Thoracic (T1–T12)
- Lumbar (L1–L5)
- Cervical (C1–C7) (Correct answer)
- Sacral (S1–S5)
Correct answer: Cervical (C1–C7)
The seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) make up the neck region and support the skull.
Question 7: Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response?
- Somatic nervous system
- Parasympathetic division
- Sympathetic division (Correct answer)
- Enteric nervous system
Correct answer: Sympathetic division
The sympathetic division triggers the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and mobilizing energy.
CMA Anatomy and Physiology 4
Which layer of the skin contains melanocytes and Merkel cells?