Human Anatomy and Physiology : Systems Physiology

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #361 : Systems Physiology

The length-tension relationship of active muscle is described as __________.

Possible Answers:

the tension developed when the muscle is stimulated to contract at different lengths

the difference between total tension and passive tension

the tension developed by stretching the muscle to different lengths

the tension of the muscle at rest

Correct answer:

the difference between total tension and passive tension

Explanation:

The muscle length-tension relationship measures muscle tension developed during isometric contractions (the muscle is set to fixed lengths and length is held constant). Active tension is the difference between total tension and passive tension. Active tension is the active force created when the muscle contracts. Passive tension is created by stretching the muscle to different lengths. Total tension is the tension developed when the muscle is stimulated to contract at different lengths.

Example Question #362 : Systems Physiology

In which type of muscular contraction is length held constant?

Possible Answers:

Isotonic

Static

Passive tension

Isometric

Correct answer:

Isometric

Explanation:

An isometric contraction, as the name implies, is a contraction in which the muscle length (-metric) is kept constant (iso-). In order for this to happen, the joint angle is kept constant, but there is an increase in muscle tension during contraction. Note that during isometric contraction there is no muscle shortening.

Isotonic contractions involve constant tension in the muscle, and a change in length. The two types of isotonic contractions are concentric and eccentric. Concentric contractions involve the shortening of a muscle throughout a contraction, eccentric contractions involve the lengthening of a muscle during contraction.

Example Question #363 : Systems Physiology

Which of these muscles is responsible for flexing the forearm?

Possible Answers:

Triceps

Brachialis

Extensor carpi ulnaris

Extensor carpi radialis longus

Correct answer:

Brachialis

Explanation:

All of the choices indicate muscles of the arm and hand, but they have different functions. The brachialis is involved in forearm flexion, along with muscles such as the biceps brachii and pronator teres. The triceps are involved with forearm extension, which is the opposite of flexion. The extensor carpi radialis longus is involved in extension and abduction of the hand. Lastly, the extensor carpi ulnaris is involved with extension and adduction of the hand. We can tell that the extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi radialis longus are not involved in flexion because they are named "extensors," and, as stated, extension is the opposite of flexion. 

Example Question #364 : Systems Physiology

Which of these is not a muscle of the foot?

Possible Answers:

Extensor digitorum longus

Abductor digiti minimi

Extensor hallucis brevis

Adductor hallucis

Correct answer:

Extensor digitorum longus

Explanation:

The extensor digitorum longus is not a muscle of the foot, but of the leg. It functions in extending the toes and dorsiflexing and everting the foot. The other three choices are all muscles of the foot. The extensor hallucis brevis functions in extending the big toe. The abductor digiti minimi functions in abducting the little toe. Lastly, the adductor hallucis functions in adducting the big toe.

Example Question #365 : Systems Physiology

Glucose uptake into skeletal muscle is an example of which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Simple diffusion

Osmosis

Facilitated diffusion

Primary active transport

Co-transport

Correct answer:

Facilitated diffusion

Explanation:

Glucose is transported into skeletal muscles via insulin dependent facilitated diffusion. This type of diffusion requires a specific trans-membrane protein to allow for the passage of glucose. In the presence of insulin, these membrane channels allow glucose to move from outside the cell to inside the cell in an effort to lower blood glucose levels.

Example Question #366 : Systems Physiology

When measuring the heat generated by muscle contraction, there is an additional amount of heat, labelled as 'unexplained heat.'

What is the source of the 'unexplained heat' in the initial phase of muscle contraction?

Possible Answers:

Parvalbumin directly catalyzes the breakdown of ATP, producing the 'unexplained heat' phenomenon that is observed.

All of the answers contribute to 'unexplained heat' production.

The release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is an exothermic reaction that produces large amounts of 'unexplained heat.'

Calcium that is released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum binds to parvalbumin in an exothermic binding reaction, producing the 'unexplained heat.'

There is no such thing as 'unexplained heat' related to muscle contraction.

Correct answer:

Calcium that is released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum binds to parvalbumin in an exothermic binding reaction, producing the 'unexplained heat.'

Explanation:

The signal for muscle contraction causes the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This calcium floods the cell and is necessary for causing muscle contraction. Parvalbumin, a protein in the cytoplasm, binds to calcium and acts as a slow-releaser of calcium. This binding reaction of calcium with parvalbumin causes the release of heat, which is termed as 'unexplained heat.' The 'unexplained heat' is also known as 'labile heat.'

Example Question #1 : Bone And Articular Physiology

What type of bone cells secrete osteoid and synthesize bone?

Possible Answers:

Osteoblasts

Osteoclasts

Hydroxyapatite

Osteocytes

Correct answer:

Osteoblasts

Explanation:

Osteoblasts are differentiated non-dividing cells that secrete osteoid, an organic matrix material, that becomes mineralized forming bone. These are the cells primarily responsible for building bone.

Osteocytes are osteoblasts that become trapped in lacunae by bony matrix. These cells still maintain the bone environment, but do not actively build or modify bone a significant amount.

Osteoclasts resorb bone by breaking down the crystalline matrix.

Deposition of the calcium phosphate salt hydroxyapatite leads to mineralization of the bony matrix. 

Example Question #1 : Bone And Articular Physiology

Which of the following is NOT an example of a synarthrosis? 

Possible Answers:

Syndesmosis

Symphysis

Synostosis

Diarthrosis

Correct answer:

Diarthrosis

Explanation:

A synarthrosis is a type of joint that permits little or no movement. Syndesmoses, synostoses, and symphyses are all examples of synarthroses. Syndesmoses are joined by an interosseous ligament. Joints between carpals and tarsals are mostly syndesmoses. Synostoses is a joint formed from the fusion of two bones, generally in an atypical fashion. Symphyses can be synarthroses or amphiarthorses and are characterized by a fibrocartilage band between bones, such as in the pubic symphysis.

A diarthrosis, also known as a synovial joint, is the most common joint type in humans and allows free bone movement. The knee and elbow are examples of a diarthroses or synovial joints.

Example Question #2 : Bone And Articular Physiology

Which of the following cannot be used to describe a joint?

Possible Answers:

Syndesmoses

Saddle

Synovial

Swinging

Correct answer:

Swinging

Explanation:

The joints, or articulations, of the body can be classified according to several different criteria. They can be named for their structure, type of motion, or range of motion.

Synovial joints are determined by the joint structure. All synovial joints are housed within a joint capsule and contain synovial fluid. Joints between long bones are almost always synovial joints.

Syndesmoses are defined by their range of motion, and have very small, if any, motility. Syndesmoses are joined by interosseous ligaments, such as those between the carpals of the wrist.

Saddle joints are defined the type of motion allowed at the joint. Saddle joints are biaxial, allowing flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction, but no axial rotation. The pollical (thumb) joint is a saddle joint. While a "swinging joint" would seem to indicate a joint defined by its type of motion, no such joint exists in anatomical terms.

Example Question #3 : Bone And Articular Physiology

What is the name of the concentric rings formed by osteoblasts in bone tissue?

Possible Answers:

Lamellae

Epiphyses

Lacunae

Trabeculae

Canaliculi

Correct answer:

Lamellae

Explanation:

Osteoblasts will lay down bone matrix around previously formed bone tissue. This forms concentric rings of bone tissue referred to as lamellae.

Lacunae are small gaps in the hydroxyapatite matrix that house the osteocytes. Trabeculae are thin bony structures that span and branch within the region of spongy bone. Canaliculi are small channels between lacunae that allow for cellular nourishment and communication. The epiphyses are the ends of the bone (as opposed to the diaphysis, or bone shaft).

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