CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating blood calcium levels?
- Insulin
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Correct answer)
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
Correct answer: Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) raises blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, kidney reabsorption, and intestinal absorption of calcium.
Question 2: An age-related change in the integumentary system that increases fall risk is:
- Increased melanin production
- Thickening of the epidermis
- Decreased subcutaneous fat padding (Correct answer)
- Faster wound healing
Correct answer: Decreased subcutaneous fat padding
Loss of subcutaneous fat with aging reduces padding over bony prominences and can impair balance and thermoregulation.
Question 3: The organ responsible for producing bile to aid in fat digestion is the:
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Liver (Correct answer)
- Stomach
Correct answer: Liver
The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to emulsify fats.
Question 4: Which age-related change affects the respiratory system and reduces lung efficiency?
- Increased lung elasticity
- Strengthening of respiratory muscles
- Decreased alveolar surface area (Correct answer)
- Increased oxygen diffusion capacity
Correct answer: Decreased alveolar surface area
Aging reduces the number and surface area of functional alveoli, decreasing the area available for gas exchange.
Question 5: The mitral valve controls blood flow between the:
- Right atrium and right ventricle
- Left atrium and left ventricle (Correct answer)
- Left ventricle and aorta
- Right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Correct answer: Left atrium and left ventricle
The mitral (bicuspid) valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle and prevents backflow of blood.
Question 6: Which change in the nervous system is a normal part of aging?
- Faster nerve conduction velocity
- Increased number of neurons
- Slowed reaction time and nerve conduction (Correct answer)
- Enhanced short-term memory
Correct answer: Slowed reaction time and nerve conduction
Normal aging causes gradual loss of neurons and slowed nerve conduction, resulting in slower reaction times and reflexes.
Question 7: Which structure in the digestive system absorbs most nutrients from food?
- Stomach
- Large intestine
- Small intestine (Correct answer)
- Esophagus
Correct answer: Small intestine
The small intestine, with its villi and microvilli, is the primary site of nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes 3
Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating blood calcium levels?