Skip to main content
Sign in Create a free account
Varsity Tutors
Sign in Sign up

Practice Test 2 - Anatomy and Physiology

18 of the 20 questions below are in this test; the other 2 can't be scored yet. Answer them in any order, then submit to see your score and every explanation.

  1. In a nephron, filtration occurs at the glomerulus, selective reabsorption happens in the proximal tubule, concentration occurs in the loop of Henle, and fine-tuning takes place in the distal tubule. Each region contains specialized epithelial cells adapted for its specific function. This functional specialization within a single structural unit exemplifies:
  2. A patient receives supplemental oxygen therapy, raising their arterial PO₂ from 55 mmHg to 120 mmHg. Their breathing rate decreases from 24 to 18 breaths per minute. However, when a different patient with normal PO₂ (95 mmHg) receives the same oxygen therapy (raising PO₂ to 120 mmHg), no change in breathing occurs. What explains this difference?
  3. A patient receives an intravenous infusion of 0.9% NaCl (isotonic saline). Assuming the solution distributes only within the extracellular fluid compartment, what is the primary effect on fluid compartment volumes?
  4. A 28-year-old woman has been taking a medication that blocks the action of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) for the past month. Her complete blood count now shows a white blood cell count of 2,800/μL (normal: 4,500-11,000/μL). Which aspect of hematopoiesis has been most directly affected by this medication?
  5. A woman begins taking a combined oral contraceptive pill containing synthetic estrogen and progestin. After three months of use, her natural menstrual cycles have been suppressed. Which of the following best explains the primary mechanism by which these synthetic hormones prevent ovulation?
  6. During cardiogenic shock, a patient's blood pressure drops to 70/40 mmHg and cardiac output decreases to 3.2 L/min (normal 4.5-5.5 L/min). Which compensatory change would be MOST effective at maintaining perfusion to vital organs?
  7. In a patient with heart failure, the left ventricle's pumping ability is reduced. Which sequence of events would most likely occur as a compensatory response?
  8. A strength training study examines motor unit adaptations after 12 weeks of resistance exercise. Post-training, subjects show a 40% increase in maximum force, but EMG analysis reveals no change in the total number of motor units that can be recruited. Motor unit firing rates increase by an average of 15%. Which additional adaptation most likely accounts for the remaining force increase?
  9. Use the table showing normal volumes of serous fluid in body cavities. A patient has 500 mL of fluid removed during thoracentesis. Based on these normal values, what does this finding indicate about the patient's condition?
  10. During cold exposure, sympathetic nervous system activation causes both vasoconstriction of skin blood vessels and stimulation of sweat glands. Why doesn't sweating occur during cold-induced sympathetic activation?
  11. Based on this clinical presentation, which sequence of events most likely led to the observed fever?
  12. A patient with type B-negative blood has been receiving multiple transfusions over several months. Recent cross-matching shows unexpected agglutination with some type B-negative donor units that should be compatible. The patient's antibody screen is positive for anti-E antibodies. What is the most likely explanation for this incompatibility?
  13. In the HPT axis, which change most directly reduces thyroid gland stimulation during negative feedback?
  14. Refer to the diagram showing fat digestion and absorption. A patient has normal pancreatic lipase levels but defective bile acid synthesis. Which step in the process would be most directly impaired?
  15. When lifting a backpack, what is the role of tendons in muscle movement?
  16. Based on these observations, what is the most likely mechanism of action for Drug B?
  17. Based on the clinical data provided above, which integrated physiological response pattern best explains the patient's current homeostatic state?
  18. A cyclist's core body temperature rises from 37.0°C to 38.5°C during prolonged exercise in warm conditions. Which thermoregulatory response sequence is most likely occurring?
  19. During the isovolumetric contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, ventricular volume remains constant while pressure increases. This occurs because:
  20. During blood typing, a donor's blood shows agglutination with anti-A serum and anti-Rh serum, but no agglutination with anti-B serum. However, when the donor's plasma is mixed with known type B red blood cells, no agglutination occurs. What is unusual about this donor's blood?

Practice tests