Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #541 : Gross Anatomy

Which of the following choices is found in the spermatic cord?

Possible Answers:

Tunica vaginalis

Epididymis

Testes

Scrotum

Ductus deferens

Correct answer:

Ductus deferens

Explanation:

The contents of the spermatic cord include the following: ductus deferens, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves. These features are bundled together to connect the testes to the abdominal cavity. The spermatic cord is sensitive to torsion, in which the testes rotate within its sac and block bloody supply. This can lead to testicular damage within a couple of hours.

Example Question #542 : Gross Anatomy

The ovarian ligament connects __________.

Possible Answers:

the ovary to the urinary bladder

the ovary to the pelvis 

does not connect any of these

the ovary to the uterus

the ovary to the kidneys

Correct answer:

the ovary to the uterus

Explanation:

The ovarian ligament connects the uterus to the ovary. It is different from the suspensory ligament of the ovary, which binds the ovary to the pelvis. There is no ligament connecting the ovary to the urinary bladder or the kidneys. Adherences between the ovary and these organs would be pathological.

Example Question #543 : Gross Anatomy

The uterus normally lies __________ to the bladder.

Possible Answers:

posterior 

inferior

lateral

superior

anterior

Correct answer:

posterior 

Explanation:

The uterus is located in the pelvis and is positioned posterior (dorsal) to the bladder and anterior (rostral) to the rectum. The uterus can be divided into four segements: the fundus, corpus, cervix, and internal os. The human uterus is approximately 7.5 cm long and 4.5 cm in width. It is pear shaped. 

Example Question #544 : Gross Anatomy

Which of the following is not a part of the spermatic cord?

Possible Answers:

Pampiniform plexus

Ureter

Ductus deferens

Testicular artery 

Correct answer:

Ureter

Explanation:

The spermatic cord is formed by the vas deferens and surrounding tissue, it runs from the deep inguinal ring to each testicle. The spermatic cord contains the testicular artery, deferential artery, the cremasteric artery, the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, and the testicular nerves. The spermatic cord also contains the ductus (aka vas) deferens, the pampiniform plexus, and lympathic vessels. The spermatic cord is covered by the tunica vaginalis, which is a remnant of the process vaginalis (an embryonic developmental extension of the peritoneum that passed through the transversalis fascia).

The ureter is not part of the spermatic cord. 

Example Question #545 : Gross Anatomy

Which of these is not part of the male reproductive system?

Possible Answers:

Ductus deferens

Prostate

Vestibule

Bulbourethral glands

Correct answer:

Vestibule

Explanation:

The prostate gland and bulbourethral glands are glands of the male reproductive system which contribute secretions to seminal fluid. The ductus, or vas, deferens is a duct of the male reproductive system which opens into the urethra. The vestibule, however, is a part of the female reproductive system. It is an entrance of the vagina between the labia minora and has the hymen at the vaginal orifice.

Example Question #546 : Gross Anatomy

Which organ provides a normal site of fertilization?

Possible Answers:

Ovary

Uterus

Fallopian tube

Vagina

Correct answer:

Fallopian tube

Explanation:

Normal fertilization occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube (the wider region). The ovaries produce oocytes (eggs), one of which is released per month to be fertilized. If the egg is fertilized, it then travels to and embeds in the uterus, where it develops as a fetus. The vagina receives the penis and semen during sexual intercourse and later provides a passage for delivery of an infant.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

The central sulcus separates which two structures?

Possible Answers:

Frontal lobe and parietal lobe

Parietal lobe and occipital lobe

Frontal lobe and pre-frontal cortex

Right hemisphere and left hemisphere

Parietal lobe and temporal lobe

Correct answer:

Frontal lobe and parietal lobe

Explanation:

The sulci, or folds, of the brain help to compartmentalize activity and increase surface area. The central sulcus runs along the coronal plane, from right to left across the surface of the brain. The frontal lobe is anterior to the sulcus and the parietal lobe is posterior to the sulcus.

The lateral sulcus separates the parietal lobe and temporal lobe. The parietooccipital sulcus separates the parietal and occipital lobes.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following layers of the meninges is the innermost layer that lines the cerebral cortex?

Possible Answers:

Subarachnoid mater

Dura mater

Arachnoid mater

Pia mater

Correct answer:

Pia mater

Explanation:

The meninges are responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord. The tough dura mater is the outermost layer of the meninges, while the pia mater is the delicate inner layer that lines the brain and spinal cord.

In order from the outermost to innermost layer, the meninges are: dura mater, arachnoid mater, subarachnoid space, and pia mater. The arachnoid mater and subarachnoid space create separation and cushioning between the dura mater and pia mater.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following lobes of the brain has the function of processing auditory input and storing memory? 

Possible Answers:

Occipital lobe

Parietal lobe

Temporal lobe

Frontal lobe

Correct answer:

Temporal lobe

Explanation:

The temporal lobe is responsible for the interpretation of auditory stimuli. It also holds the hippocampus, a structure responsible for the formation and storage of memories.

The occipital lobe houses the visual cortex and the parietal lobe contains the somatosensory cortex (touch). The frontal lobe houses the motor cortex and functions in voluntary movement and conscious thought.

Example Question #4 : Identifying Structures Of The Brain

Which of the following is NOT a meningeal layer?

Possible Answers:

Pia mater

Dura mater

Subarachnoid mater

Arachnoid mater

Correct answer:

Subarachnoid mater

Explanation:

The meninges consist of three layers of connective tissue that surround the central nervous system. Dura mater is the thick outermost layer and serves to partition the central nervous system and meninges from the rest of the body. Arachnoid mater is the loose middle layer with a web-like appearance and helps cushion and protect the central nervous system. The subarachnoid space exists between the arachnoid and pia mater and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Pia mater is the delicate inner layer that adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, creating one final barrier.

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