Practice – University of South Alabama | 60 Cellular,
Inflammation & Immunity Questions with Answers
(2026) UPDATE
INTRO
Prepare for the NU 545 Advanced Pathophysiology Unit 1 exam (University of South
Alabama) with this 60-question multiple-choice practice test covering cellular structure
and function, cell injury and adaptation, necrosis and apoptosis, inflammation, tissue repair,
and innate and adaptive immunity. Each question includes the correct answer and a
concise, pathophysiology-focused rationale to reinforce key concepts for RN-to-BSN,
MSN, and NP students in 2026. Ideal for Unit 1 quiz and exam review, final exam prep,
and board exam foundation building.
SECTION 1 – Cellular Structure, Function, and Signaling (Q1–15)
Q1. Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production through aerobic
metabolism?
A. Ribosome
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosome
D. Golgi apparatus
B. Mitochondria
Mitochondria generate ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
Q2. Metabolic absorption at the cellular level refers to:
A. Excretion of waste products only
B. Cellular uptake of nutrients and oxygen for energy production
C. Release of lysosomal enzymes
D. Synthesis of proteins only
,B. Cellular uptake of nutrients and oxygen for energy production
Cells absorb nutrients and O₂ to make ATP.
Q3. During cell injury, which intracellular structure releases enzymes capable of
autodigestion?
A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Lysosomes
D. Ribosomes
C. Lysosomes
Lysosomal enzymes can digest cellular components when released.
Q4. Which type of chemical signaling involves local mediators that act on nearby cells?
A. Endocrine
B. Paracrine
C. Autocrine
D. Neural
B. Paracrine
Paracrine signals affect neighboring cells.
Q5. Glucose transport from blood into most cells occurs primarily by:
A. Simple diffusion
B. Active transport only
C. Facilitated diffusion via transport proteins
D. Osmosis
C. Facilitated diffusion via transport proteins
Glucose uses carrier proteins to cross membranes.
Q6. The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump moves ions in which direction?
, A. 3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in
B. 2 Na⁺ out, 3 K⁺ in
C. 3 Na⁺ in, 2 K⁺ out
D. 2 Na⁺ in, 3 K⁺ out
A. 3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in
This maintains resting membrane potential.
Q7. Which ion is the primary determinant of resting membrane potential?
A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Chloride
C. Potassium
K⁺ permeability largely sets resting potential.
Q8. Depolarization of a cell membrane is primarily caused by:
A. Efflux of K⁺
B. Influx of Na⁺
C. Efflux of Na⁺
D. Influx of Cl⁻
B. Influx of Na⁺
Na⁺ entry makes the interior more positive.
Q9. Which process requires energy to move substances against their concentration
gradient?
A. Facilitated diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Simple diffusion
C. Active transport
Active transport uses ATP to move against gradients.