Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #471 : Gross Anatomy

Which of the following ligaments does not resist ankle inversion?

Possible Answers:

Anterior talofibular ligament

Deltoid ligament

Cervical ligament

Calcaneofibular ligament

Correct answer:

Deltoid ligament

Explanation:

The medial ankle ligaments primarily resist eversion. Accordingly, the deltoid ligament resists eversion, not inversion. Although the cervical ligament does resist ankle movements in multiple directions, it primarily resists inversion. The anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneoufibular ligament both resist inversion when the ankle ins plantarflexed and dorsiflexed, respectively.

Example Question #472 : Gross Anatomy

Which ligament, when sprained, is associated with a separated shoulder?

Possible Answers:

Deltoid ligament

Acromioclavicular ligament (AC)

Sternoclavicular ligament (SC)

Coracoclavicular ligament

Joint capsule

Correct answer:

Acromioclavicular ligament (AC)

Explanation:

The AC ligament is affected when a sprain occurs causing a "separated shoulder." This ligament connects the acromion to the clavicle.

Example Question #473 : Gross Anatomy

In which joint would you find the ligament of Wrisberg? 

Possible Answers:

Shoulder (glenohumeral joint)

Knee (tibiofemoral joint)

Ankle (talocrural joint)

Hip (coxafemoral joint)

Correct answer:

Knee (tibiofemoral joint)

Explanation:

The ligament of Wrisberg is better known as the posterior meniscofemoral ligament. As the name suggests, it is found in the knee. It extends from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the medial femoral condyle. Although its function is still being researched, current understanding suggests that the ligament stabilizes the meniscus to optimize contact between it and the femur.

Example Question #474 : Gross Anatomy

During muscle contraction, which component(s) of the sarcomere shorten(s)?

Possible Answers:

The I-band only

The H-zone only 

The A-band and H-zone

The H-zone and I-band

The A-band only

Correct answer:

The H-zone only 

Explanation:

Muscle contraction results in both the H-zone and I-bands shortening, but the A-band remains the same length (A band is Always the same). The Z-line is a static structure and doesn't change size. 

Example Question #475 : Gross Anatomy

Which portion of the stomach allows undigested food to be stored following a large meal?

Possible Answers:

Cardia

Pylorus

Fundus

Body

Correct answer:

Fundus

Explanation:

The fundus is the protruding upper left portion of the stomach. In the event that a great deal of food enters the stomach, the fundus will allow excess food to be stored until it is ready to be digested in the small intestine.

The body of the stomach is where most physical digestion occurs and some chemical digestion takes place. The cardia is the region joining the esophagus to the stomach and is characterized by the cardiac sphincter. The pylorus joins the stomach to the small intestine and contains the pyloric sphincter.

Example Question #476 : Gross Anatomy

What structures may be compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta?

Possible Answers:

Inferior vena cava, head of pancreas

Left gonadal vein, tail of pancreas

Superior mesenteric vein, transverse colon

Splenic vein, third part of duodenum

Left renal vein, third part of duodenum

Correct answer:

Left renal vein, third part of duodenum

Explanation:

The left renal vein and third part of the duodenum lie between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta.

Compression of the left renal vein will cause pooling of blood in the left gonadal vein and subsequent varicocele formation, known as nutcracker syndrome. Compression of the third part of the duodenum is known as superior mesenteric artery syndrome and will result in malnutrition and symptoms of small bowel obstruction.

The inferior vena cava lies to the right of the abdominal aorta, while the pancreas lies superior and anterior to the superior mesenteric artery. The left gonadal vein drains into the left renal vein and is to the left and inferior to the superior mesenteric artery. The splenic vein lies superior to the superior mesenteric artery and joins with the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein. The transverse colon lies anterior to the superior mesenteric artery.

Example Question #477 : Gross Anatomy

Which of the following organs is intraperitoneal?

Possible Answers:

Stomach

Kidneys

Bladder

Pancreas

Descending colon

Correct answer:

Stomach

Explanation:

Only the stomach is intraperitoneal from the listed structures. The peritoneum is a membrane within the abdominal cavity; organs contained within the membrane are considered intraperitoneal and are almost completely covered with visceral peritoneum.

The kidneys are retroperitoneal (posterior to the intraperitoneal space), while the bladder and descending colon are subperitoneal (below the intraperitoneal space). The pancreas is superior to the peritoneum.

Example Question #4 : Organs

Which of the following organs is involved in mechanical degradation of food, but is not involved in absorption?

Possible Answers:

Large intestine

Ileum

Jejunum

Stomach

Duodenum

Correct answer:

Stomach

Explanation:

The stomach is involved in mechanical degradation of food, as well as a small amount of chemical degradation. Its function is to break food down so that the nutrients and electrolytes from the food can be absorbed in the small intestine and large intestine. The duodenum, ileum, and jejunum are all parts of the small intestine, where the majority of chemical digestion and nutrient absorption takes place. Absorption of water and certain nutrients occurs in the large intestine.

Example Question #478 : Gross Anatomy

Which of the following organs synthesizes bile?

Possible Answers:

Gall bladder

Spleen

Duodenum

Stomach

Liver

Correct answer:

Liver

Explanation:

The liver synthesizes bile, however it is stored in the gall bladder. Bile is released into the duodenum of the small intestine in order to emulsify fats and aid in their digestion.

The spleen functions in to filter blood and identify potential pathogens. The stomach is involved in mechanical digestion and secretes pepsinogen to initiate protein digestion.

Example Question #6 : Organs

Which organ has both an endocrine and digestive fuction?

Possible Answers:

Liver

Appendix

Pancreas

Esophagus

Cecum

Correct answer:

Pancreas

Explanation:

The pancreas functions to secrete the digestive enzymes amylase, lipase, and trypsin, which break down carbohyrdates, lipids, and proteins, respectively. The endocrine role of the pancreas is to secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood glucose levels.

The function of the appendix is not well classified; it is considered a vestigial structure, which may have once aided in the breakdown of cellulose. The cecum is referred to as the "blind pouch" and is the first part of the ascending colon. The liver functions to manufacture and excrete bile, and removes toxins from the blood. The esophagus transports food that enters the mouth to the stomach. 

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