NBSTSA Anatomy & Physiology for Surgical Technology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone?
- Zona glomerulosa (Correct answer)
- Zona fasciculata
- Zona reticularis
- Adrenal medulla
Correct answer: Zona glomerulosa
The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex and is the primary site of aldosterone synthesis.
Question 2: During surgery on the right colon, the surgical technologist must be aware that the right ureter crosses anterior to which vessel?
- Right common iliac artery (Correct answer)
- Right renal artery
- Inferior mesenteric artery
- Right gonadal artery
Correct answer: Right common iliac artery
The right ureter crosses anterior to the right common iliac artery at the pelvic brim, making it vulnerable during right colon and pelvic surgeries.
Question 3: Which type of epithelium lines the urinary bladder and allows for stretching as the bladder fills?
- Transitional epithelium (urothelium) (Correct answer)
- Simple squamous epithelium
- Stratified squamous epithelium
- Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Correct answer: Transitional epithelium (urothelium)
Transitional epithelium (urothelium) is unique to the urinary tract and can change shape, allowing the bladder to expand as it fills with urine.
Question 4: The phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm, originates from which cervical spinal levels?
- C3, C4, C5 (Correct answer)
- C1, C2, C3
- C5, C6, C7
- C4, C5, C6
Correct answer: C3, C4, C5
The phrenic nerve arises from cervical roots C3, C4, and C5, remembered by the mnemonic 'C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive.'
Question 5: Which structure in the knee joint prevents anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur?
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (Correct answer)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
The ACL runs from the anterior tibial plateau to the posterior femoral condyle, resisting anterior tibial translation relative to the femur.
Question 6: Which cranial nerve is at greatest risk during a parotidectomy due to its course through the parotid gland?
- Facial nerve (CN VII) (Correct answer)
- Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Correct answer: Facial nerve (CN VII)
The facial nerve divides into its five branches within the parotid gland, making it the primary structure at risk during parotid surgery.
Question 7: The sinoatrial (SA) node is located in which chamber of the heart?
- Right atrium (Correct answer)
- Left atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left ventricle
Correct answer: Right atrium
The SA node is embedded in the wall of the right atrium near the opening of the superior vena cava and initiates the cardiac impulse.
NBSTSA Anatomy & Physiology for Surgical Technology 4
Which layer of the adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone?