MARIEB HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
12TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)KATJA HOEHN; LAWRENCE W. HAYNES; MATTHEW
A. ABBOTT
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
QUESTION 1
Reference: Chapter 1 — Complementarity of Structure and Function
A histologist examines a tissue sample and notes that the cells are tightly packed with very little
extracellular matrix, are connected by numerous desmosomes, and exhibit apical–basal
polarity. Based on these structural observations, which physiological function would this tissue
MOST likely perform?
A. Diffusion of gases across a thin membrane
B. Stretching and recoil to accommodate volume changes
C. Protection against mechanical abrasion and pathogen invasion
D. Conduction of electrical impulses over long distances
Correct Answer: C
A. Incorrect: Diffusion of gases across a thin membrane requires a simple squamous epithelium
with minimal cell layers and flattened cells, not tightly packed stratified cells with abundant
desmosomes.
B. Incorrect: Stretching and recoil are characteristic of elastic connective tissues or transitional
epithelium, not the tightly packed cellular architecture described.
,C. Correct: Tightly packed cells with numerous desmosomes and apical–basal polarity are
characteristic of epithelial tissues, particularly stratified squamous epithelium, which functions
primarily as a protective barrier against mechanical abrasion and pathogen invasion.
D. Incorrect: Conduction of electrical impulses is a function of nervous tissue, which features
neurons with specialized extensions (axons and dendrites), not the tightly packed cellular
architecture described.
Teaching Point: Epithelial tissue structure—tight cell junctions, polarity, and layering—directly
supports its protective and barrier functions.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Complementarity of Structure and Function.
QUESTION 2
Reference: Chapter 1 — Levels of Structural Organization
A medical researcher is studying a newly discovered molecule that is composed of a chain of
amino acids folded into a three-dimensional conformation. This molecule binds to specific
receptors on cell membranes and initiates intracellular signaling cascades. At which level of
structural organization does this molecule primarily function?
A. Cellular level
B. Chemical level
C. Tissue level
D. Organ level
Correct Answer: B
A. Incorrect: The cellular level involves structures such as organelles and whole cells; this
molecule is smaller than a cell and functions at a subcellular, molecular level.
,B. Correct: A molecule composed of amino acids is a protein, which represents the chemical
level of organization. Proteins function at the molecular level, where their three-dimensional
structure determines their binding capabilities and signaling functions.
C. Incorrect: The tissue level involves groups of similar cells working together to perform a
common function; a single molecule is below this level of organization.
D. Incorrect: The organ level consists of two or more tissue types working together; a molecule
is far below this level of structural complexity.
Teaching Point: The chemical level—atoms and molecules—forms the foundation upon which
all higher levels of structural organization are built.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Levels of Structural Organization.
QUESTION 3
Reference: Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions: Maintaining Boundaries
A patient with extensive third-degree burns over 40% of their body surface area is at significant
risk for infection and fluid loss. The loss of which necessary life function is MOST directly
compromised in this patient?
A. Metabolism
B. Responsiveness
C. Maintaining boundaries
D. Digestion
Correct Answer: C
A. Incorrect: While metabolism may be affected due to the hypermetabolic response to injury,
it is not the primary life function directly compromised by the loss of skin integrity.
, B. Incorrect: Responsiveness refers to the ability to detect and respond to stimuli; although
pain receptors may be damaged, the primary concern is the loss of protective barrier function.
C. Correct: The skin serves as the external boundary that separates the internal environment
from the external environment. Burn damage compromises this boundary, allowing pathogen
entry and fluid loss, directly impairing the life function of maintaining boundaries.
D. Incorrect: Digestion involves the breakdown of ingested food; while nutrition may become a
concern, it is not the primary function compromised by skin loss.
Teaching Point: Maintaining boundaries—through the skin and mucous membranes—is
essential for protection against infection and prevention of fluid loss.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions.
QUESTION 4
Reference: Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions: Movement
A physical therapist is working with a patient who has sustained a spinal cord injury at the T10
level. The patient can no longer voluntarily contract the muscles of their lower extremities.
However, the patient's intestines continue to propel food through the digestive tract. Which
type of movement is preserved in this patient?
A. Somatic movement only
B. Contractility of cardiac muscle only
C. Movement at the cellular level only
D. Visceral movement (propulsion)
Correct Answer: D
12TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S)KATJA HOEHN; LAWRENCE W. HAYNES; MATTHEW
A. ABBOTT
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
QUESTION 1
Reference: Chapter 1 — Complementarity of Structure and Function
A histologist examines a tissue sample and notes that the cells are tightly packed with very little
extracellular matrix, are connected by numerous desmosomes, and exhibit apical–basal
polarity. Based on these structural observations, which physiological function would this tissue
MOST likely perform?
A. Diffusion of gases across a thin membrane
B. Stretching and recoil to accommodate volume changes
C. Protection against mechanical abrasion and pathogen invasion
D. Conduction of electrical impulses over long distances
Correct Answer: C
A. Incorrect: Diffusion of gases across a thin membrane requires a simple squamous epithelium
with minimal cell layers and flattened cells, not tightly packed stratified cells with abundant
desmosomes.
B. Incorrect: Stretching and recoil are characteristic of elastic connective tissues or transitional
epithelium, not the tightly packed cellular architecture described.
,C. Correct: Tightly packed cells with numerous desmosomes and apical–basal polarity are
characteristic of epithelial tissues, particularly stratified squamous epithelium, which functions
primarily as a protective barrier against mechanical abrasion and pathogen invasion.
D. Incorrect: Conduction of electrical impulses is a function of nervous tissue, which features
neurons with specialized extensions (axons and dendrites), not the tightly packed cellular
architecture described.
Teaching Point: Epithelial tissue structure—tight cell junctions, polarity, and layering—directly
supports its protective and barrier functions.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Complementarity of Structure and Function.
QUESTION 2
Reference: Chapter 1 — Levels of Structural Organization
A medical researcher is studying a newly discovered molecule that is composed of a chain of
amino acids folded into a three-dimensional conformation. This molecule binds to specific
receptors on cell membranes and initiates intracellular signaling cascades. At which level of
structural organization does this molecule primarily function?
A. Cellular level
B. Chemical level
C. Tissue level
D. Organ level
Correct Answer: B
A. Incorrect: The cellular level involves structures such as organelles and whole cells; this
molecule is smaller than a cell and functions at a subcellular, molecular level.
,B. Correct: A molecule composed of amino acids is a protein, which represents the chemical
level of organization. Proteins function at the molecular level, where their three-dimensional
structure determines their binding capabilities and signaling functions.
C. Incorrect: The tissue level involves groups of similar cells working together to perform a
common function; a single molecule is below this level of organization.
D. Incorrect: The organ level consists of two or more tissue types working together; a molecule
is far below this level of structural complexity.
Teaching Point: The chemical level—atoms and molecules—forms the foundation upon which
all higher levels of structural organization are built.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Levels of Structural Organization.
QUESTION 3
Reference: Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions: Maintaining Boundaries
A patient with extensive third-degree burns over 40% of their body surface area is at significant
risk for infection and fluid loss. The loss of which necessary life function is MOST directly
compromised in this patient?
A. Metabolism
B. Responsiveness
C. Maintaining boundaries
D. Digestion
Correct Answer: C
A. Incorrect: While metabolism may be affected due to the hypermetabolic response to injury,
it is not the primary life function directly compromised by the loss of skin integrity.
, B. Incorrect: Responsiveness refers to the ability to detect and respond to stimuli; although
pain receptors may be damaged, the primary concern is the loss of protective barrier function.
C. Correct: The skin serves as the external boundary that separates the internal environment
from the external environment. Burn damage compromises this boundary, allowing pathogen
entry and fluid loss, directly impairing the life function of maintaining boundaries.
D. Incorrect: Digestion involves the breakdown of ingested food; while nutrition may become a
concern, it is not the primary function compromised by skin loss.
Teaching Point: Maintaining boundaries—through the skin and mucous membranes—is
essential for protection against infection and prevention of fluid loss.
Hoehn, K., Haynes, L. W., & Abbott, M. A. Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.).
Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions.
QUESTION 4
Reference: Chapter 1 — Necessary Life Functions: Movement
A physical therapist is working with a patient who has sustained a spinal cord injury at the T10
level. The patient can no longer voluntarily contract the muscles of their lower extremities.
However, the patient's intestines continue to propel food through the digestive tract. Which
type of movement is preserved in this patient?
A. Somatic movement only
B. Contractility of cardiac muscle only
C. Movement at the cellular level only
D. Visceral movement (propulsion)
Correct Answer: D
