,BIOL 252 Final Exam | Human Anatomy &
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation is the:
A) Renal pyramid
B) Glomerulus
C) Nephron
D) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: C) Nephron
Rationale: Each nephron consists of a renal corpuscle and a tubule that filters
blood, reabsorbs needed substances, and secretes wastes. The glomerulus is
part of the nephron; the pyramid and collecting duct are larger structures.
2. The majority of nutrient absorption in the digestive system occurs in the:
A) Stomach
B) Small intestine
C) Large intestine
D) Liver
Correct Answer: B) Small intestine
Rationale: The small intestine’s enormous surface area, provided by plicae
circulares, villi, and microvilli, facilitates the absorption of carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water. The stomach and large intestine
have limited absorptive roles.
,3. The primary hormone that lowers blood glucose is:
A) Glucagon
B) Insulin
C) Cortisol
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B) Insulin
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by pancreatic beta cells, promotes the uptake of
glucose by cells and its conversion to glycogen, thereby reducing blood glucose
levels. Glucagon, cortisol, and epinephrine all raise blood glucose.
4. The pacemaker of the heart that initiates the cardiac impulse is the:
A) AV node
B) SA node
C) Bundle of His
D) Purkinje fibers
Correct Answer: B) SA node
Rationale: The sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the right atrium generates
spontaneous depolarizations at the fastest rate, setting the pace for the entire
heart. The AV node delays the impulse; bundle branches and Purkinje fibers
distribute it.
, 5. The structure that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing
is the:
A) Epiglottis
B) Glottis
C) Pharynx
D) Larynx
Correct Answer: A) Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that folds over the laryngeal
inlet during swallowing, directing food and liquids into the esophagus and
preventing aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
6. The cerebral lobe primarily responsible for processing visual information is
the:
A) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: D) Occipital lobe
Rationale: The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe at the
posterior aspect of the brain. The frontal lobe governs voluntary movement; the
parietal lobe processes somatosensory input; the temporal lobe processes
auditory information.
Physiology II w/Lab Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation is the:
A) Renal pyramid
B) Glomerulus
C) Nephron
D) Collecting duct
Correct Answer: C) Nephron
Rationale: Each nephron consists of a renal corpuscle and a tubule that filters
blood, reabsorbs needed substances, and secretes wastes. The glomerulus is
part of the nephron; the pyramid and collecting duct are larger structures.
2. The majority of nutrient absorption in the digestive system occurs in the:
A) Stomach
B) Small intestine
C) Large intestine
D) Liver
Correct Answer: B) Small intestine
Rationale: The small intestine’s enormous surface area, provided by plicae
circulares, villi, and microvilli, facilitates the absorption of carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water. The stomach and large intestine
have limited absorptive roles.
,3. The primary hormone that lowers blood glucose is:
A) Glucagon
B) Insulin
C) Cortisol
D) Epinephrine
Correct Answer: B) Insulin
Rationale: Insulin, secreted by pancreatic beta cells, promotes the uptake of
glucose by cells and its conversion to glycogen, thereby reducing blood glucose
levels. Glucagon, cortisol, and epinephrine all raise blood glucose.
4. The pacemaker of the heart that initiates the cardiac impulse is the:
A) AV node
B) SA node
C) Bundle of His
D) Purkinje fibers
Correct Answer: B) SA node
Rationale: The sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the right atrium generates
spontaneous depolarizations at the fastest rate, setting the pace for the entire
heart. The AV node delays the impulse; bundle branches and Purkinje fibers
distribute it.
, 5. The structure that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing
is the:
A) Epiglottis
B) Glottis
C) Pharynx
D) Larynx
Correct Answer: A) Epiglottis
Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage that folds over the laryngeal
inlet during swallowing, directing food and liquids into the esophagus and
preventing aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
6. The cerebral lobe primarily responsible for processing visual information is
the:
A) Frontal lobe
B) Parietal lobe
C) Temporal lobe
D) Occipital lobe
Correct Answer: D) Occipital lobe
Rationale: The primary visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe at the
posterior aspect of the brain. The frontal lobe governs voluntary movement; the
parietal lobe processes somatosensory input; the temporal lobe processes
auditory information.
