PHYSIOLOGY
12TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)FREDERIC H. MARTINI;
JUDI L. NATH; EDWIN F.
BARTHOLOMEW
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Levels of Organization — Emergent Properties
Stem
A student builds a simple model that links molecules into a
simulated cell membrane and then places several of those
simulated cells together. The model exhibits ion-gradient-driven
transport across a boundary that none of the isolated
molecules showed by themselves. Which level of organization
best explains this new property appearing in the model?
,A. Chemical level
B. Cellular level
C. Tissue level
D. Organ level
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Emergent properties appear when components interact at the
cellular level: molecules combine to form cell structures (like
membranes) that enable functions (ion gradients) not present
at the purely chemical level. The cellular level is the first
organizational level at which integrated, regulated transport
processes typical of living systems appear.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Chemical level — Incorrect: isolated molecules do not display
cell-level integrated transport; emergence requires assembly
into cellular structures.
C. Tissue level — Incorrect: tissues reflect higher-order
integration of multiple cell types; the property described
appears once molecules form functional cell membranes.
D. Organ level — Incorrect: organs require multiple tissue types
and organization beyond the single-cell emergent function.
Teaching point
Emergent functions first appear at the cellular level when
molecules form integrated structures.
,Citation
Martini, F. H., Nath, J. L., & Bartholomew, E. F. (2024).
Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (12th ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Homeostasis — Feedback Mechanisms
Stem
A lab partner describes body temperature regulation as “the
body turning heat on or off like a switch.” Using feedback-
control concepts from the chapter, identify the flaw in this
description and choose the most accurate reframe.
A. Temperature is controlled only by external behavior, not
internal mechanisms.
B. Thermoregulation is a continuous, regulated process using
sensors, a control center, and effectors, not a simple on/off
switch.
C. The body lacks sensors for temperature and relies on blood
chemistry instead.
D. Temperature set points are fixed and never change.
Correct answer: B
Rationale — Correct (B)
Homeostasis operates via continuous feedback loops: receptors
sense temperature, the control center (e.g., hypothalamus)
compares input to a set point, and effectors (vasodilation,
, sweating, shivering) produce graded responses. Describing it as
a binary switch ignores the graded and regulated nature of
physiological control.
Rationale — Incorrect
A. Incorrect: Internal physiological mechanisms (receptors,
hypothalamus, effectors) play central roles in thermoregulation.
C. Incorrect: Temperature receptors do exist (thermoreceptors);
blood chemistry is not the sole sensor.
D. Incorrect: Set points can be adjusted (e.g., fever), so they are
not absolutely fixed.
Teaching point
Homeostasis uses sensors, control centers, and effectors to
produce graded, not binary, responses.
Citation
Martini, F. H., Nath, J. L., & Bartholomew, E. F. (2024).
Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology (12th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Anatomical Position and Directional Terms
Stem
During a lab practical, a student labels the heart as “left of the
stomach” based on external view. Their partner argues the
correct term is “medial to the stomach.” Using standard