CMA Knowledge 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which gland is often called the 'master gland' because it regulates other endocrine glands?
- Thyroid gland
- Adrenal gland
- Pituitary gland (Correct answer)
- Pineal gland
Correct answer: Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland secretes tropic hormones that regulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads, earning it the 'master gland' title.
Question 2: In medical terminology, the prefix 'tachy-' means:
- Slow
- Painful
- Rapid or fast (Correct answer)
- Below normal
Correct answer: Rapid or fast
The prefix 'tachy-' means rapid or fast, as used in tachycardia (fast heart rate) and tachypnea (fast breathing).
Question 3: Which layer of skin contains the melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation?
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum basale (Correct answer)
- Dermis
- Hypodermis
Correct answer: Stratum basale
Melanocytes are located in the stratum basale (deepest epidermal layer) and produce melanin, which gives skin its color.
Question 4: What is the primary function of the large intestine?
- Absorb most nutrients from digested food
- Produce digestive enzymes
- Absorb water and form solid waste (Correct answer)
- Secrete bile for fat digestion
Correct answer: Absorb water and form solid waste
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and compacts it into feces for elimination.
Question 5: A medical assistant is reviewing a lab report and sees 'WBC 14,000/µL.' This finding suggests:
- Normal white blood cell count
- Leukopenia
- Leukocytosis (Correct answer)
- Thrombocytosis
Correct answer: Leukocytosis
A WBC count above 11,000/µL is called leukocytosis and often indicates infection, inflammation, or stress response.
Question 6: Which of the following correctly describes the anatomical position?
- Standing, arms at sides, palms facing backward
- Lying face down with arms extended
- Standing, arms at sides, palms facing forward (Correct answer)
- Sitting with legs crossed
Correct answer: Standing, arms at sides, palms facing forward
The standard anatomical position is upright stance with arms at the sides and palms facing anteriorly (forward).
Question 7: Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with night blindness?
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A (Correct answer)
- Vitamin B6
Correct answer: Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the synthesis of rhodopsin in rod cells; its deficiency impairs vision in low-light conditions, causing night blindness.
CMA Knowledge 5
Which gland is often called the 'master gland' because it regulates other endocrine glands?