SHS Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the skin serves as the primary barrier against chemical exposure in occupational settings?
- Dermis
- Epidermis (Correct answer)
- Hypodermis
- Subcutaneous layer
Correct answer: Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and acts as the first line of defense against chemicals, pathogens, and physical hazards.
Question 2: A worker's blood pH drops to 7.28 after prolonged exposure to CO2. Which condition does this describe?
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis (Correct answer)
- Metabolic acidosis
Correct answer: Respiratory acidosis
Elevated CO2 from hypoventilation or exposure causes respiratory acidosis, lowering blood pH below the normal range of 7.35–7.45.
Question 3: Which type of muscle tissue is found in the walls of blood vessels and is controlled involuntarily?
- Cardiac muscle
- Skeletal muscle
- Smooth muscle (Correct answer)
- Striated muscle
Correct answer: Smooth muscle
Smooth muscle lines blood vessels, the digestive tract, and airways, and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system without conscious control.
Question 4: In the context of occupational health, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important because it measures:
- Lung capacity for oxygen exchange
- The kidney's ability to filter toxins from blood (Correct answer)
- Liver enzyme activity for detoxification
- Red blood cell production rate
Correct answer: The kidney's ability to filter toxins from blood
GFR quantifies how much blood the kidneys filter per minute, making it a key indicator of renal function when assessing nephrotoxic chemical exposure.
Question 5: Which division of the autonomic nervous system triggers the 'fight-or-flight' response during a workplace emergency?
- Somatic nervous system
- Parasympathetic division
- Central nervous system
- Sympathetic division (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sympathetic division
The sympathetic division releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to muscles during acute stress.
Question 6: A safety specialist notes that a chemical causes 'peripheral neuropathy' in exposed workers. Which body system is primarily affected?
- Endocrine system
- Peripheral nervous system (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic system
- Musculoskeletal system
Correct answer: Peripheral nervous system
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often caused by neurotoxic solvents, heavy metals, or organophosphates.
Question 7: Which anatomical structure connects muscle to bone and is commonly injured in repetitive strain occupational injuries?
- Ligament
- Cartilage
- Tendon (Correct answer)
- Bursa
Correct answer: Tendon
Tendons transmit the force of muscle contraction to bones and are vulnerable to overuse injuries such as tendinitis in repetitive manual tasks.
SHS Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals 2
Which layer of the skin serves as the primary barrier against chemical exposure in occupational settings?