Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between mechanistic and teleological explanations in physiology?

Accepted Answer

Mechanistic explanations describe the 'how' a process occurs, while teleological explanations describe the 'why' it occurs.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing a drop in blood pH from 7.4 to 7.1. Which of the following best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

The blood is becoming more acidic due to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the mathematical definition of pH?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10} \left( [H^+] \right)$$

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback mechanism in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin and glucagon

Question 5

Which organ system is primarily responsible for the synthesis and release of regulatory molecules?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine system

Question 6

What are the two major fluid compartments of the human body?

Accepted Answer

Extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the law of mass balance in physiology?

Accepted Answer

The amount of a substance in the body remains constant if input equals output.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic/immune system?

Accepted Answer

Transport of oxygen between cells

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow direct communication between adjacent cells.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of microvilli in epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Increase surface area for absorption

Question 11

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the synthesis of proteins in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct order of levels of organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, biosphere

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the musculoskeletal system?

Accepted Answer

Support and movement

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of cilia in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Move and beat back and forth in a wave-like pattern to sweep materials

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Release of oxytocin during childbirth

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Transport of materials between all cells of the body

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the mitochondria in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Production of ATP

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of food into particles that can be transported into the body; elimination of some wastes

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the nucleus in animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Storage and protection of genetic material

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of the urinary/renal system?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of water and solutes in the internal environment; waste removal

Introduction to Physiology: Organization, Homeostasis, and Cellular Structure

Study Guide - Practice Questions