Human Anatomy and Physiology : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

The epidermis is formed by the outermost cells of the skin and is formed by multiple layers. What is the name of the layer of epidermis that is closest to the dermis?

Possible Answers:

Stratum lucidum 

Stratum granulosum

Stratum spinosum

Stratum basale

Stratum corneum 

Correct answer:

Stratum basale

Explanation:

The epidermis is composed of multiple layers of cells that are (from the outside to the inside): stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The stratum basale is separated from the dermis by a basement membrane.

Example Question #42 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Where is the apex (tip) of the adult heart located?

Possible Answers:

In the second intercostal space near the left midclavicular line

Near the left sternal line in the second intercostal space

In the fifth intercostal space near the left midclavicular line.

Near the left parasternal line in the fourth intercostal space

Near the right midaxillary line in the fifth intercostal space 

Correct answer:

In the fifth intercostal space near the left midclavicular line.

Explanation:

The apex of the heart in the adult is located near the left midclavicular line in the fifth intercostal space where the the apical heart pulse can be measured. Vertical surface lines are used to pinpoint major anatomical sites on the thorax.The midclavicular line is a line that runs vertically from a point that is midway on the clavicle, between the jugular notch and the acromion process of the scapula. The midaxillary line is a line that runs vertical from the axilla (armpit). The parasternal line is located midway between the sternal and midclavicular lines. The sternal line is a vertical line parallel to the margin of the sternum on either side.

Example Question #43 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Which of the following is not one of the "4 T's" that describe the most common causes of anterior mediastinal masses?

Possible Answers:

Thymoma/Thymic Carcinoma

Thyroid mass

Tamponade of the heart

"Terrible" Lymphoma

Teratoma (germ cell tumors)

Correct answer:

Tamponade of the heart

Explanation:

The "4 T's" that describe the most common causes of anterior mediastinal masses are:

1) Thymoma/Thymic carcinoma

2) Teratoma (germ cell tumors)

3) Thyroid mass (goiter, cancer, nodule, etc...)

4) "Terrible" Lymphoma

The only answer choice that is not one of the classic "4 T's" is tamponade of the heart. Cardiac tamponade describes when fluid accumulates in the potential space between the heart and the pericardium, compressing the myocardium. Tamponade does not describe a solitary mass, but rather describes fluid. Furthermore, the heart is located in the middle mediastinum, not the anterior mediastinum. The anterior mediastinum's posterior border is the pericardium.

Example Question #44 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Which of the following structures is secondarily retroperitoneal?

Possible Answers:

Kidneys

Descending colon

Abdominal aorta

Thoracic portion of esophagus

Ureters

Correct answer:

Descending colon

Explanation:

The only structure listed that is secondarily retroperitoneal is the descending colon. All of the other structures listed (kidneys, ureters, abdominal aorta, thoracic portion of esophagus) are primarily retroperitoneal, not secondarily.

A secondarily retroperitoneal structure is a structure that originally was suspended by a mesentery, but through the body's developmental phases traveled behind the peritoneum. Other secondarily retroperitoneal structures include the pancreas (except the tail), the duodenum (except the proximal aspect of the first segment), and the ascending and descending colon.

A primarily retroperitoneal structure is a structure that has been retroperitoneal throughout all of the organism's developmental phases.

Example Question #45 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Which of the following cardiac structures is responsible for preventing the back flow of blood or prolapse of a valve within the heart?

Possible Answers:

Moderator band

Christa terminalis

Papillary muscles

Chordae tendineae

Left ventricular myocardium

Correct answer:

Papillary muscles

Explanation:

Papillary muscles are located in the heart's ventricles and attach to the cusps of atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) via chordae tendineae (think of this as the tendon of the papillary muscle). Papillary muscles contract during systole (ventricular contraction) to prevent prolapse of these valves and to prevent the back flow of blood. 

Example Question #758 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

What is the largest organ of the body?

Possible Answers:

Stomach

Skin

Heart 

Brain

Correct answer:

Skin

Explanation:

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It consists of the superficial epidermis, a deeper dermis, and an even deeper fatty layer called the hypodermis. The skin has protective and sensory functions and is important in body temperature regulation, absorption, and production of vitamin D.

Example Question #46 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

In the adult, the caudal tip of the spinal cord is typically found at which of the following levels?

Possible Answers:

Disc between L4 and L5

Space between the L5 spinous process and the sacrum

Disc between L1 and L2

Intercristal line (the high point of the iliac crests)

Correct answer:

Disc between L1 and L2

Explanation:

In human adults the spinal cord (caudal tip) usually ends between the L1 and L2 vertebrae. As there is anatomical variation the spinal cord can end between T12 and L3 and still be considered normal, however the spinal cord typically ends between the L1 and L2 vertebrae.

In newborns the caudal tip is usually found at the level of L3. 

Example Question #760 : Human Anatomy And Physiology

What are glands that secrete their product by the bursting of the cells called?

Possible Answers:

apocrine glands

merocrine glands

endocrine glands

holocrine

Correct answer:

holocrine

Explanation:

Holocrine glands are exocrine glands that involve the rupture of the plasma membrane. In doing so, it involves the destruction of the cell. Apocrine glands only involve the shedding of the cytoplasm.

Example Question #47 : Identifying Other Anatomical Structures

Where do B-lymphocytes differentiate and mature in the body?

Possible Answers:

Thymus

Pancreas

Lymph nodes

Bone marrow

Correct answer:

Bone marrow

Explanation:

B-lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow. They can also be created and matured in the liver. Both types of lymphocyte originate from stem cells in the bone marrow, but differ in their site of maturation.

T-lymphocytes mature in the thymus, where they interact with "self antigens." This process ensures that T-lymphocytes do not interact with antigens found in the body. If the immature cell interacts with self antigens, the T-lymphocyte will be destroyed. Mature T-lymphocytes that still react to self antigens can cause allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.

Mature lymphocytes are most commonly found in the lymph nodes, where they screen the plasma and fluids for antigens.

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