Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the circulatory system in maintaining homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It transports nutrients, gases, and wastes to and from all cells.

Question 2

A patient has a hematocrit of 30%. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The patient is likely experiencing anemia due to low red blood cell production.

Question 3

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining osmotic balance between blood and interstitial fluid?

Accepted Answer

Albumins

Question 4

What is the role of erythropoietin in red blood cell production?

Accepted Answer

It triggers stem cells in the red bone marrow to produce more red blood cells when oxygen levels are low.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why red blood cells are able to efficiently transport oxygen?

Accepted Answer

They have a biconcave shape and lack a nucleus, maximizing surface area for gas exchange.

Question 6

A person at high altitude experiences an increase in hematocrit. What is the physiological explanation for this change?

Accepted Answer

Low oxygen availability triggers erythropoietin release, increasing red blood cell production.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in hemostasis following a blood vessel injury?

Accepted Answer

Vascular spasm → Platelet plug formation → Blood clotting

Question 8

Which of the following statements about hemoglobin is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules.

Question 9

A patient with liver failure develops jaundice. What is the underlying cause of the yellowing of the skin and eyes?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of bilirubin due to improper excretion into bile.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the fate of iron from old red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

It is returned to red bone marrow for reuse in new hemoglobin molecules.

Question 11

Which hormone regulates platelet production, and where is it primarily produced?

Accepted Answer

Thrombopoietin; produced in the liver and kidneys

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of gamma globulins in plasma?

Accepted Answer

Fighting infection and disease

Question 13

A patient is found to have a high number of neutrophils in their blood. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The patient is fighting a bacterial infection.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why mature red blood cells cannot repair themselves?

Accepted Answer

They lack a nucleus and organelles.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct consequence of blood doping in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood viscosity, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of phagocytosis in the context of red blood cell recycling?

Accepted Answer

Macrophages in the liver and spleen engulf and digest old red blood cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a component of plasma?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of fibrin in blood clotting?

Accepted Answer

It forms an interlocking web of fibers that traps blood cells and platelets.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why red blood cells make ATP via anaerobic pathways?

Accepted Answer

They lack mitochondria and therefore cannot perform aerobic respiration.

Question 20

A patient has a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of prothrombin activator. What would be the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The patient would have impaired blood clotting and increased risk of bleeding.

Blood: Structure, Function, and Homeostasis in Human Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions