$\text{Mass flow} = \text{Concentration} \times \text{Volume flow}$

Question 1

Which of the following best defines physiology?

Accepted Answer

The study of the function of living organisms and their parts.

Question 2

A patient is unable to maintain a stable internal temperature despite changes in the environment. Which concept does this scenario best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Failure of homeostasis

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a mechanistic explanation in physiology?

Accepted Answer

The contraction of cardiac muscle cells causes the heart to pump blood.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT one of the four major themes in physiology?

Accepted Answer

Genetic inheritance

Question 5

If the rate of mass flow into a compartment is greater than the rate of mass flow out, what will happen to the mass in that compartment over time?

Accepted Answer

It will increase.

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents mass flow?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Mass flow} = 	ext{Concentration} 	imes 	ext{Volume flow}$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes clearance in physiology?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which a substance is removed from the body.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a steady state but NOT equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Constant ion concentrations inside a cell maintained by active transport.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a component of a physiological control system?

Accepted Answer

Amplifier

Question 10

A patient’s blood glucose level is regulated by insulin. In this scenario, what is the regulated variable and what is the set-point?

Accepted Answer

Blood glucose is the regulated variable; the normal blood glucose concentration is the set-point.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between local control and long-distance control?

Accepted Answer

Local control occurs within a tissue, while long-distance control involves the nervous or endocrine system.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a feedforward control mechanism?

Accepted Answer

A response that anticipates a change and prepares the body before it occurs.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of positive feedback?

Accepted Answer

Release of oxytocin during labor contractions

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a response loop and a feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

A response loop detects change and initiates a response, while a feedback loop modifies the response based on the outcome.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes what happens to set-points in biological rhythms?

Accepted Answer

Set-points can change in a predictable pattern, such as circadian rhythms.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct example of mass balance in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sodium excreted in urine equals the amount ingested.

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents clearance?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Clearance} = \frac{	ext{Excretion rate}}{	ext{Concentration of substance in plasma}}$

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of failing homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Development of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Question 20

Which of the following best distinguishes equilibrium from steady state?

Accepted Answer

Steady state maintains constant conditions with energy input, while equilibrium does not require energy input.

Introduction to Physiology: Core Concepts and Control Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions