Human Anatomy and Physiology : Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

During ventricular contraction, the papillary muscles are __________, the chordae tendinae are __________, and the mitral valve is __________

Possible Answers:

tense . . . tense . . . open

tense . . . relaxed . . . closed

relaxed . . . relaxed . . . closed

tense . . . tense . . . closed

relaxed . . . relaxed . . . open

Correct answer:

tense . . . tense . . . closed

Explanation:

During ventricular contraction, both atrioventricular valves (the mitral and tricuspid valve) should be closed in order to prevent backflow of blood into the atria. The papillary muscles and chordae tendinae must both be tense in order to keep this valve closed. 

Example Question #3 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

Which of the following is not a formed element of blood?

Possible Answers:

Lymphocytes

Platlets

Plasma

Monocytes

Correct answer:

Plasma

Explanation:

Plasma is not a formed element of blood. Plasma is the extracellular matrix of blood. Platelets are small fragments of cells that assist clotting. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells, as are monocytes. Red blood cells are the other formed element found in blood.

Example Question #4 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

What are erythrocytes?

Possible Answers:

White blood cells

Platelets

Extracellular matrix of blood

Red blood cells

Correct answer:

Red blood cells

Explanation:

Erythrocytes are also known as red blood cells. White blood cells come in a variety of types such as lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils. Platelets are small fragments of cells that assist clotting. The extracellular matrix of blood is plasma. 

Example Question #5 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

What are eosinophils?

Possible Answers:

A type of white blood cell that are typically involved in fighting parasite infections

A type of white blood cell that contain granules that cause inflammation when released

A type of white blood cell that contains granules that are used to kill infectious organisms

A type of red blood cell 

Correct answer:

A type of white blood cell that are typically involved in fighting parasite infections

Explanation:

Eosinophils are white blood cells that are involved in fighting parasitic infections. Basophils cause inflammation when their histamine-containing granules are released. Neutrophils contain granules that are used to kill infectious organisms. The only type of red blood cell is an erythrocyte. Note that eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils are named after the types of stains for which they show preferential affinity (eosinophils have a high affinity for the stain eosin, basophils are best seen when stained with a basic dye, and neutrophils are best seen when stained with a neutral dye).

Example Question #6 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

What is the composition of a red blood cell's plasma membrane?

Possible Answers:

18% protein, 79% lipid, 3% carbohydrate

80% protein, 17% lipid, 4% carbohydrate

76% protein, 24% lipid, 0% carbohydrate

80% protein, 17% lipid, 4% carbohydrate

Correct answer:

18% protein, 79% lipid, 3% carbohydrate

Explanation:

The correct composition of a red blood cell membrane is 18% protein, 79% lipid, and 3% carbohydrate. A myelin membrane around nerve cells is 76% protein and 24% lipid and an inner mitochondiral membrane is 80% protein, 17% lipid, and 4% carbohydrate. 

Example Question #7 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

Which of the following is not a factor that affects blood pressure?

Possible Answers:

Blood volume

Peripheral resistance

Blood viscosity 

Cardiac output

Blood type

Correct answer:

Blood type

Explanation:

Factors that affect blood pressure include: cardiac output, blood volume (approximately 5 liters for the average adult), blood viscosity, and peripheral resistance. Blood type (A, AB, B, O) plays no role in a person's blood pressure. 

Example Question #8 : Help With Other Circulatory Physiology

From where do the left and right coronary arteries branch?

Possible Answers:

Directly from the left ventricle

Pulmonary artery

Aortic root

Descending aorta

Ascending aorta

Correct answer:

Aortic root

Explanation:

The left and right coronary arteries branch from the aortic root. This is the portion of the aorta just beyond the aortic valve. Since these arteries supply the heart and the heart must supply the rest of the body, it makes sense for the heart to have top priority.

The ascending aorta just after the aortic root, but before the aortic arch, is the only part of the aorta without branching. The pulmonary artery takes blood to the lungs to be oxygenated. The descending aorta has numerous branches supplying the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

Example Question #71 : Circulatory And Respiratory Physiology

Which of the following would cause the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to shift to the right?

Possible Answers:

Increased pH

Increased 

Decreased temperature

Decreased 

None of these

Correct answer:

Increased 

Explanation:

Increasing  shifts the curve to the right. Increasing pH and decreasing  shift the curve to the left. Other conditions that lead to a right-shift in the oxyhemoglobin curve are: increased temperature and increased concentration of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. These conditions stabilize the deoxygenated form of hemoglobin, facilitating the dissociation of oxygen to the tissues. 

Example Question #72 : Circulatory And Respiratory Physiology

Blood enters the left ventricle from the left atrium through which valve?

Possible Answers:

Aorta

Mitral 

Pulmonic

Tricuspid

Correct answer:

Mitral 

Explanation:

Blood flows along the following course: from the lungs to the left atrium (LA) via the pulmonary vein. From the LA to the left ventricle (LV) through the mitral valve. From the LV to the aorta through the aortic valve. From the aorta to the systemic arteries and systemic tissues (i.e., cerebral, renal, skeletal muscle, etc). It travels from the tissues to the systemic veins and vena cava. From the vena cava to the right atrium (RA). From the RA to the right ventricle via the tricuspid valve. From the RV to the pulmonary artery through the pulmonic valve. From the pulmonary artery to the lungs for oxygenation.

Example Question #73 : Circulatory And Respiratory Physiology

What area does the superficial temporal artery supply?

Possible Answers:

Mouth and nose

Cheeks, lips, and nose

Brain and eyes

The sides and top of the head

Correct answer:

The sides and top of the head

Explanation:

The superficial temporal artery supplies the sides and top of the head, it runs just in front of the ear. The internal carotid artery supplies the brain and eyes. The facial artery supplies the cheeks, lips, and nose. The maxillary artery supplies the mouth and nose. 

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