RH Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology 2 — 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 cortical layer and is the sole site of aldosterone production.
Question 2: During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, which hormone primarily drives estrogen production by granulosa cells?
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (Correct answer)
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
Correct answer: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH stimulates granulosa cells to aromatize androgens into estrogen during the follicular phase.
Question 3: A patient presents with pitting edema, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Which pathophysiological mechanism best explains the edema?
- Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
- Decreased plasma oncotic pressure (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic obstruction
- Increased capillary permeability
Correct answer: Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
Loss of albumin through the kidneys reduces plasma oncotic pressure, allowing fluid to shift into interstitial spaces.
Question 4: The sinoatrial (SA) node is located in which part of the heart?
- Left atrial wall near the mitral valve
- Right atrial wall near the superior vena cava (Correct answer)
- Interventricular septum
- Right ventricular apex
Correct answer: Right atrial wall near the superior vena cava
The SA node sits in the posterior wall of the right atrium near the junction with the superior vena cava.
Question 5: Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is responsible for contact dermatitis caused by poison ivy?
- Type I (IgE-mediated)
- Type II (cytotoxic)
- Type III (immune complex)
- Type IV (delayed/cell-mediated) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Type IV (delayed/cell-mediated)
Poison ivy triggers a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction mediated by sensitized T lymphocytes, peaking 48–72 hours after exposure.
Question 6: Which cells in the pancreas secrete glucagon to raise blood glucose?
- Alpha cells (Correct answer)
- Beta cells
- Delta cells
- PP cells
Correct answer: Alpha cells
Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans secrete glucagon in response to low blood glucose.
Question 7: The process by which the kidneys regulate blood pH by excreting or retaining bicarbonate is called:
- Respiratory compensation
- Renal buffering
- Metabolic regulation
- Tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate
Renal tubules can selectively reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate ions to maintain acid-base balance over hours to days.
RH Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology 2
Which layer of the adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone?