Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #751 : Gross Anatomy

What lymphatic structure drains the left upper extremity and thorax as well as the lower extremities?

Possible Answers:

Right lymphatic duct

Inferior vena cava (IVC)

Hepatic vein

Superior vena cava (SVC)

Thoracic lymphatic duct

Correct answer:

Thoracic lymphatic duct

Explanation:

The correct answer is the thoracic lympahtic duct. It drains the entire body excluding the right upper extremity and face. The venous system is separate from the lymphatic system, thus the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and hepatic vein are incorrect answers. The thoracic lymphatic duct enters the venous circulation at the left subclavian vein.

Example Question #752 : Gross Anatomy

What structure is responsible for draining the right upper extremity, right face, and right thorax?

Possible Answers:

Right lympathic duct

Superior vena cava (SVC)

Thoracic lymphatic duct

Inferior vena cava (IVC)

Hepatic vein

Correct answer:

Right lympathic duct

Explanation:

The correct answer is the right lympahtic duct. It drains the right side of the body except for the right lower extremity which is drained by the thoracic duct. The venous system is separate from the lymphatic system, thus the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and hepatic vein are incorrect answers. The thoracic lymphatic duct enters the venous circulation at the right subclavian vein.

Example Question #753 : Gross Anatomy

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 corneum 

Stratum spinosum

Stratum granulosum

Stratum basale

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 #754 : Gross Anatomy

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

Possible Answers:

Near the left parasternal line in the fourth intercostal space

In the fifth intercostal space near the left midclavicular line.

Near the left sternal line in the second intercostal space

Near the right midaxillary line in the fifth intercostal space 

In the second intercostal space near the left midclavicular line

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 #281 : Organs

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

Possible Answers:

Tamponade of the heart

Teratoma (germ cell tumors)

Thyroid mass

"Terrible" Lymphoma

Thymoma/Thymic Carcinoma

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 #282 : Organs

Which of the following structures is secondarily retroperitoneal?

Possible Answers:

Thoracic portion of esophagus

Abdominal aorta

Descending colon

Ureters

Kidneys

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 #283 : Organs

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:

Chordae tendineae

Christa terminalis

Moderator band

Papillary muscles

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 #284 : Organs

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

Possible Answers:

Space between the L5 spinous process and the sacrum

Disc between L1 and L2

Disc between L4 and L5

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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors