Questions and Answers 2026
BIOD 331: Module 1 (Pathophysiology), covering cellular biology, homeostasis, and
cellular adaptation.
1. Which term describes the study of the functional changes that occur in the
body as a result of an injury or disease?
A) Anatomy
B) Physiology
C) Pathophysiology
D) Morphology
Answer: C
Rationale: Pathophysiology focuses on the "how" and "why" of body function changes
during disease states.
2. A patient undergoes a screening colonoscopy. This is an example of which
level of prevention?
A) Primary Prevention
B) Secondary Prevention
C) Tertiary Prevention
D) Quaternary Prevention
Answer: B
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection of a disease when it is still
asymptomatic.
3. Which organelle is responsible for the synthesis of ATP via oxidative
phosphorylation?
A) Lysosome
B) Golgi Apparatus
C) Mitochondria
D) Ribosome
Answer: C
Rationale: Known as the powerhouse, the mitochondria transform energy from food into
cellular energy (ATP).
4. An increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue is known as:
A) Hypertrophy
,B) Atrophy
C) Hyperplasia
D) Metaplasia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number, often seen in glandular tissue or
skin.
5. Which term refers to the programmed, controlled death of a cell?
A) Necrosis
B) Apoptosis
C) Infarction
D) Gangrene
Answer: B
Rationale: Apoptosis is "cell suicide," a normal process to remove worn-out or damaged
cells without causing inflammation.
6. "Morbidity" is defined as:
A) The cause of death in a population.
B) The number of new cases of a disease.
C) The effect an illness has on a person’s quality of life.
D) The total number of people with a disease.
Answer: C
Rationale: Morbidity looks at the functional consequences of a disease rather than just
death (mortality).
7. In a clinical trial, neither the patient nor the doctor knows who is receiving the
treatment. This is called:
A) A blind study
B) A double-blind study
C) A control study
D) A randomized study
Answer: B
Rationale: Double-blind studies are the gold standard to eliminate observer bias.
8. The replacement of one adult cell type with another adult cell type to better
survive a stressful environment is:
A) Dysplasia
B) Metaplasia
C) Hyperplasia
D) Atrophy
,Answer: B
Rationale: A classic example is the change in the lining of the esophagus due to chronic
acid reflux (Barrett's Esophagus).
9. Which cellular component is a semi-permeable barrier that helps conduct
electrical currents in nerve cells?
A) Cytoskeleton
B) Nucleus
C) Plasma Membrane
D) Endoplasmic Reticulum
Answer: C
Rationale: The lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane maintains ion gradients essential
for electrical signaling.
10. Deranged cell growth that results in cells of varying sizes, shapes, and
organization is called:
A) Atrophy
B) Metaplasia
C) Dysplasia
D) Hypertrophy
Answer: C
Rationale: Dysplasia is often a precursor to cancer (pre-neoplastic).
11. Which level of prevention focuses on reducing the impact of a disease after it
has been diagnosed?
A) Primary
B) Secondary
C) Tertiary
D) Primordial
Answer: C
Rationale: Tertiary prevention includes rehabilitation and chronic disease management
(e.g., physical therapy after a stroke).
12. The "incidence" of a disease refers to:
A) The total number of people with the disease in a population.
B) The number of new cases arising in a population over a specific time.
C) The death rate associated with the disease.
D) The quality of life of those with the disease.
Answer: B
, Rationale: Incidence is a "snapshot" of new occurrences, whereas prevalence is the
total "pool" of cases.
13. Which organelle contains enzymes that act as the cell's "digestive system"?
A) Ribosome
B) Nucleus
C) Lysosome
D) Mitochondria
Answer: C
Rationale: Lysosomes break down foreign substances and worn-out cell parts.
14. A bodybuilder's muscles increase in size due to weightlifting. This is an
example of:
A) Hyperplasia
B) Hypertrophy
C) Metaplasia
D) Dysplasia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of existing cells, common in muscle
tissue that cannot divide.
15. Which etiologic factor includes trauma, heat, and radiation?
A) Biologic Agents
B) Physical Forces
C) Chemical Agents
D) Genetic Inheritance
Answer: B
Rationale: Physical forces cause mechanical injury to tissues and cells.
16. The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living organisms is
called:
A) Pathogenesis
B) Homeostasis
C) Etiology
D) Diagnosis
Answer: B
Rationale: Homeostasis involves constant adjustments to maintain a "normal" range
(e.g., body temperature).
17. "Prevalence" is defined as:
A) The number of new cases.