Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between anatomy and physiology?

Accepted Answer

Anatomy focuses on the structure of body parts, while physiology studies how those parts function.

Question 2

Arrange the following hierarchical levels of organization in the human body from simplest to most complex: organ, tissue, cell, organ system, chemical.

Accepted Answer

Chemical, cell, tissue, organ, organ system

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the heart to pump blood, which arises from the coordinated action of cardiac cells.

Question 4

A patient presents with low sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels. Which of the following best explains why monitoring heart rhythm is important in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalances can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about ions is correct?

Accepted Answer

A cation is a positively charged ion, while an anion is a negatively charged ion.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the concept of flux in physiology?

Accepted Answer

The movement of substances between compartments, often described by the equation $$ J = -D \frac{dC}{dx} $$

Question 7

Which of the following bonds is most likely to dissociate in water, and why is this important in physiology?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bonds, because they allow electrolytes to dissociate and conduct electrical signals in the body.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct comparison between a sodium atom (Na) and a sodium ion ($$Na^+$$)?

Accepted Answer

A sodium ion ($$Na^+) $$has lost one electron compared to a sodium atom (Na), making it positively charged.

Question 9

The vitamin D-folate hypothesis suggests which of the following about the evolution of human skin color?

Accepted Answer

Darker skin protects folate from UV degradation, while lighter skin allows for more vitamin D synthesis in low UV environments.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of B vitamins in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Serving as a major structural component of cell membranes.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes an electrolyte?

Accepted Answer

A substance that dissociates into ions in water and can conduct electricity.

Question 12

A patient with a history of liver damage is at risk for which of the following, and why?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalances, because the liver is involved in metabolism and regulation of many ions.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of mass balance in human physiology?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sodium excreted in urine equals the amount ingested, maintaining homeostasis.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible reason why social factors can influence physiology?

Accepted Answer

Access to nutritious food and healthcare can affect physiological health outcomes.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the concept of homeostatic control systems is important in physiology?

Accepted Answer

They maintain internal stability by regulating variables such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations.

Question 16

A patient is given intravenous fluids containing glucose and B-complex vitamins after excessive alcohol consumption. Which physiological principle is being applied?

Accepted Answer

Restoring mass balance and supporting metabolic processes disrupted by alcohol.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between structure and function in physiology?

Accepted Answer

The structure of a biological component determines its function, as seen in the way the shape of an enzyme's active site allows it to catalyze specific reactions.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a covalent bond relevant to human physiology?

Accepted Answer

The bond between two hydrogen atoms in a water molecule ($$H_2O).$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes why race is considered a social construct rather than a strictly genetic one?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation within so-called racial groups is often greater than between them, and social definitions of race do not align with genetic differences.

Question 20

A patient with low blood potassium ($$K^+) is at $$risk for which of the following complications, and why?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias, because $$K^+ is $$essential for normal electrical activity in the heart.

Introduction to Physiology & Core Concepts: Study Guide for Anatomy & Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards