Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals Flashcards

Which vein is located in the antecubital fossa and is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults?

Answer: Median cubital vein

The median cubital vein crosses the antecubital fossa and is the preferred venipuncture site due to its large size and relatively fixed position.

The renal pelvis collects urine from which structures before passing it to the ureter?

Answer: Major and minor calyces

Major and minor calyces drain urine from the renal papillae into the renal pelvis, which then funnels urine into the ureter.

Which layer of the skin contains the capillary loops that nourish the epidermis and is relevant to capillary puncture depth?

Answer: Dermis

Capillary loops are located in the dermis, so capillary puncture devices must penetrate into this layer without reaching deeper subcutaneous structures.

Which anatomical structure separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a key role in breathing?

Answer: Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is the primary muscle of respiration.

When a specimen collector examines a patient's arm and sees a bluish cord-like structure that rolls when palpated, this most likely indicates:

Answer: A vein suitable for venipuncture

Veins appear as bluish, compressible, cord-like structures that may roll under the skin when palpated, making them identifiable venipuncture targets.

The lymphatic system returns interstitial fluid to circulation primarily by draining into which vessels?

Answer: Subclavian veins

Lymph ultimately drains into the subclavian veins (via the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct), returning fluid to venous circulation.

Which plasma protein produced by the liver is responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure and is commonly measured in blood chemistry panels?

Answer: Albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and its oncotic effect keeps fluid within blood vessels; low levels can cause edema.