$$Osm = Molarity \times \text{number of particles per molecule}$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Teleological explanations focus on the purpose of a process, while mechanistic explanations focus on how the process occurs.

Question 2

A researcher is testing the effect of a new drug on blood glucose levels. In this experiment, which is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The blood glucose level measured after drug administration.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of glycosylated molecules in the human body?

Accepted Answer

They are involved in cell recognition and signaling.

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is most likely to be observed?

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia and muscle wasting

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of osmolarity ($$Osm) $$for a solution?

Accepted Answer

$$Osm = Molarity 	imes 	ext{number of particles per molecule}$$

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?

Accepted Answer

They stabilize the transition state, making it easier for reactants to be converted to products.

Question 7

A patient with Addison’s disease is likely to experience which of the following hormonal imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Decreased cortisol and aldosterone

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the absolute refractory period of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

No additional action potential can be generated, regardless of stimulus strength.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the visual pathway from the eye to the visual cortex?

Accepted Answer

Retina → Optic nerve → Optic chiasm → Optic tract → Lateral geniculate nucleus → Visual cortex

Question 10

A solution contains 0.2 mol/L NaCl and 0.1 mol/L glucose. What is the total osmolarity of the solution? (Assume NaCl dissociates completely.)

Accepted Answer

$$0.5\ Osm/L$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct application of Boyle’s Law to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

As lung volume increases, alveolar pressure decreases, causing air to flow into the lungs.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process of glycogenolysis?

Accepted Answer

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose

Question 14

A patient is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which hormone is most likely to be secreted in response?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of transferrin in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Transporting iron to the bone marrow

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between molarity and osmolality?

Accepted Answer

Molarity is moles of solute per liter of solution, while osmolality is osmoles of solute per kilogram of solvent.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of the all-or-none principle of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

An action potential either occurs fully or not at all, regardless of stimulus strength above threshold.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of endocytosis?

Accepted Answer

The cell membrane engulfs extracellular material, bringing it into the cell.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the composition of plasma?

Accepted Answer

Plasma contains water, proteins, electrolytes, and waste products.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of cytokines in hematopoiesis?

Accepted Answer

They regulate the production and differentiation of blood cells.

PHYS261 Midterm Study Guide: Key Concepts in Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions