BIOS 252 Midterm Exam Questions and Answers with Rationales |
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
Question 1. A patient develops weak finger abduction/adduction and sensory loss in the medial hand.
Which component is most likely impaired?
A. ulnar nerve
B. common fibular nerve
C. phrenic nerve
D. sciatic nerve
Correct Answer: A. ulnar nerve
Explanation: The defining role of ulnar nerve is that it innervates many intrinsic hand muscles and supplies sensation to
the medial hand. Its relevant anatomical context is from the brachial plexus along the medial upper limb. The alternatives
do not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 2. Using both anatomical context and physiology, identify the component linked to directly
adherent to CNS tissue that closely follows the surface contours of the brain and spinal cord.
A. M2 muscarinic receptor
B. pia mater
C. amygdala
D. Wernicke area
Correct Answer: B. pia mater
Explanation: The defining role of pia mater is that it closely follows the surface contours of the brain and spinal cord. Its
relevant anatomical context is directly adherent to CNS tissue. The alternatives do not match the tested function and
context as well.
Question 3. Which option most accurately identifies the component whose normal role is to anchors the
inferior spinal cord and dural sac through a slender extension of pia-related tissue?
A. filum terminale
B. lumbosacral enlargement
C. cervical enlargement
D. cauda equina
Correct Answer: A. filum terminale
Explanation: The defining role of filum terminale is that it anchors the inferior spinal cord and dural sac through a slender
extension of pia-related tissue. Its relevant anatomical context is extending inferiorly from the conus medullaris. The
alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 4. Which listed component is most directly characterized by the following role: surrounds
individual skeletal muscle fibers?
A. motor-unit recruitment
B. endomysium
C. muscle twitch
D. acetylcholine
Correct Answer: B. endomysium
Explanation: The defining role of endomysium is that it surrounds individual skeletal muscle fibers. Its relevant
anatomical context is immediately outside each muscle fiber. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context
as well.
,Question 5. A patient develops weakness or paralysis in the affected myotomal distribution with primary
sensory fibers spared. Which component is most likely impaired?
A. spinal nerve
B. central canal
C. dorsal root
D. ventral root
Correct Answer: D. ventral root
Explanation: The defining role of ventral root is that it carries motor axons out of the spinal cord. Its relevant anatomical
context is on the anterior side of each spinal cord segment before joining the spinal nerve. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 6. Which option fits both the anatomical relationship 'deep within the cerebral hemispheres' and
the physiologic role 'modulate initiation and scaling of movement through circuits with cortex and
thalamus'?
A. parietal lobe
B. basal nuclei
C. cerebellum
D. occipital lobe
Correct Answer: B. basal nuclei
Explanation: The defining role of basal nuclei is that it modulate initiation and scaling of movement through circuits with
cortex and thalamus. Its relevant anatomical context is deep within the cerebral hemispheres. The alternatives do not
match the tested function and context as well.
Question 7. An experiment selectively blocks dermatome. Which normal function is most directly
reduced?
A. Flexes a limb away from a painful stimulus through a polysynaptic spinal circuit.
B. Forms the tapered inferior end of the adult spinal cord.
C. Contains increased neural tissue serving the lower limbs.
D. Is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal nerve level.
Correct Answer: D. Is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal nerve level.
Explanation: The defining role of dermatome is that it is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal
nerve level. Its relevant anatomical context is in segmental patterns across the body surface. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 8. Which component matches both clues: it is associated with on the anterior arm, and it flexes
the elbow and strongly supinates the forearm?
A. gluteus maximus
B. gluteus medius
C. biceps brachii
D. deltoid
Correct Answer: C. biceps brachii
Explanation: The defining role of biceps brachii is that it flexes the elbow and strongly supinates the forearm. Its relevant
anatomical context is on the anterior arm. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
,Question 9. The principal abnormality is weak knee extension. Which option provides the best anatomical
or physiologic localization?
A. ulnar nerve
B. radial nerve
C. phrenic nerve
D. femoral nerve
Correct Answer: D. femoral nerve
Explanation: The defining role of femoral nerve is that it innervates the quadriceps and carries sensation from the anterior
thigh and medial leg. Its relevant anatomical context is from the lumbar plexus into the anterior thigh. The alternatives do
not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 10. Which option fits both the anatomical relationship 'through the midbrain' and the
physiologic role 'conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle'?
A. cerebral aqueduct
B. third ventricle
C. fourth ventricle
D. lateral ventricles
Correct Answer: A. cerebral aqueduct
Explanation: The defining role of cerebral aqueduct is that it conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle to the
fourth ventricle. Its relevant anatomical context is through the midbrain. The alternatives do not match the tested function
and context as well.
Question 11. Which dysfunction best localizes to gap junctions in cardiac muscle when the finding is
impaired electrical coupling between cardiac muscle cells?
A. skeletal muscle
B. smooth muscle
C. gap junctions in cardiac muscle
D. cardiac muscle
Correct Answer: C. gap junctions in cardiac muscle
Explanation: The defining role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle is that it permit electrical current to pass between
adjacent cardiomyocytes. Its relevant anatomical context is within intercalated discs. The alternatives do not match the
tested function and context as well.
Question 12. Which component best matches this physiologic description: contains cerebrospinal fluid
surrounding the spinal cord?
A. subarachnoid space
B. epidural space
C. lumbar cistern
D. spinal meninges
Correct Answer: A. subarachnoid space
Explanation: The defining role of subarachnoid space is that it contains cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Its
relevant anatomical context is between arachnoid mater and pia mater. The alternatives do not match the tested function
and context as well.
, Question 13. Which listed component is most directly characterized by the following role: contains
primary and association areas for visual processing?
A. temporal lobe
B. basal nuclei
C. parietal lobe
D. occipital lobe
Correct Answer: D. occipital lobe
Explanation: The defining role of occipital lobe is that it contains primary and association areas for visual processing. Its
relevant anatomical context is at the posterior cerebrum. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context as
well.
Question 14. The function described is to provides the primary motor innervation to the diaphragm.
Which component is the best match?
A. ulnar nerve
B. phrenic nerve
C. median nerve
D. femoral nerve
Correct Answer: B. phrenic nerve
Explanation: The defining role of phrenic nerve is that it provides the primary motor innervation to the diaphragm. Its
relevant anatomical context is arising mainly from C3-C5 through the cervical plexus. The alternatives do not match the
tested function and context as well.
Question 15. A focused lesion produces impaired release of intracellular calcium during excitation. Which
component should be suspected first?
A. acetylcholine
B. slow oxidative fiber
C. sarcoplasmic reticulum
D. endomysium
Correct Answer: C. sarcoplasmic reticulum
Explanation: The defining role of sarcoplasmic reticulum is that it stores and releases calcium needed for skeletal muscle
contraction. Its relevant anatomical context is as a membrane network around myofibrils. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 16. Which component matches both clues: it is associated with in the inner portion of the adrenal
gland, and it acts like a modified sympathetic ganglion and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into
blood?
A. cerebral aqueduct
B. sympathetic division
C. adrenal medulla
D. blood-brain barrier
Correct Answer: C. adrenal medulla
Explanation: The defining role of adrenal medulla is that it acts like a modified sympathetic ganglion and releases
epinephrine and norepinephrine into blood. Its relevant anatomical context is in the inner portion of the adrenal gland. The
alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY
Question 1. A patient develops weak finger abduction/adduction and sensory loss in the medial hand.
Which component is most likely impaired?
A. ulnar nerve
B. common fibular nerve
C. phrenic nerve
D. sciatic nerve
Correct Answer: A. ulnar nerve
Explanation: The defining role of ulnar nerve is that it innervates many intrinsic hand muscles and supplies sensation to
the medial hand. Its relevant anatomical context is from the brachial plexus along the medial upper limb. The alternatives
do not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 2. Using both anatomical context and physiology, identify the component linked to directly
adherent to CNS tissue that closely follows the surface contours of the brain and spinal cord.
A. M2 muscarinic receptor
B. pia mater
C. amygdala
D. Wernicke area
Correct Answer: B. pia mater
Explanation: The defining role of pia mater is that it closely follows the surface contours of the brain and spinal cord. Its
relevant anatomical context is directly adherent to CNS tissue. The alternatives do not match the tested function and
context as well.
Question 3. Which option most accurately identifies the component whose normal role is to anchors the
inferior spinal cord and dural sac through a slender extension of pia-related tissue?
A. filum terminale
B. lumbosacral enlargement
C. cervical enlargement
D. cauda equina
Correct Answer: A. filum terminale
Explanation: The defining role of filum terminale is that it anchors the inferior spinal cord and dural sac through a slender
extension of pia-related tissue. Its relevant anatomical context is extending inferiorly from the conus medullaris. The
alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 4. Which listed component is most directly characterized by the following role: surrounds
individual skeletal muscle fibers?
A. motor-unit recruitment
B. endomysium
C. muscle twitch
D. acetylcholine
Correct Answer: B. endomysium
Explanation: The defining role of endomysium is that it surrounds individual skeletal muscle fibers. Its relevant
anatomical context is immediately outside each muscle fiber. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context
as well.
,Question 5. A patient develops weakness or paralysis in the affected myotomal distribution with primary
sensory fibers spared. Which component is most likely impaired?
A. spinal nerve
B. central canal
C. dorsal root
D. ventral root
Correct Answer: D. ventral root
Explanation: The defining role of ventral root is that it carries motor axons out of the spinal cord. Its relevant anatomical
context is on the anterior side of each spinal cord segment before joining the spinal nerve. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 6. Which option fits both the anatomical relationship 'deep within the cerebral hemispheres' and
the physiologic role 'modulate initiation and scaling of movement through circuits with cortex and
thalamus'?
A. parietal lobe
B. basal nuclei
C. cerebellum
D. occipital lobe
Correct Answer: B. basal nuclei
Explanation: The defining role of basal nuclei is that it modulate initiation and scaling of movement through circuits with
cortex and thalamus. Its relevant anatomical context is deep within the cerebral hemispheres. The alternatives do not
match the tested function and context as well.
Question 7. An experiment selectively blocks dermatome. Which normal function is most directly
reduced?
A. Flexes a limb away from a painful stimulus through a polysynaptic spinal circuit.
B. Forms the tapered inferior end of the adult spinal cord.
C. Contains increased neural tissue serving the lower limbs.
D. Is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal nerve level.
Correct Answer: D. Is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal nerve level.
Explanation: The defining role of dermatome is that it is an area of skin supplied mainly by sensory fibers from one spinal
nerve level. Its relevant anatomical context is in segmental patterns across the body surface. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 8. Which component matches both clues: it is associated with on the anterior arm, and it flexes
the elbow and strongly supinates the forearm?
A. gluteus maximus
B. gluteus medius
C. biceps brachii
D. deltoid
Correct Answer: C. biceps brachii
Explanation: The defining role of biceps brachii is that it flexes the elbow and strongly supinates the forearm. Its relevant
anatomical context is on the anterior arm. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
,Question 9. The principal abnormality is weak knee extension. Which option provides the best anatomical
or physiologic localization?
A. ulnar nerve
B. radial nerve
C. phrenic nerve
D. femoral nerve
Correct Answer: D. femoral nerve
Explanation: The defining role of femoral nerve is that it innervates the quadriceps and carries sensation from the anterior
thigh and medial leg. Its relevant anatomical context is from the lumbar plexus into the anterior thigh. The alternatives do
not match the tested function and context as well.
Question 10. Which option fits both the anatomical relationship 'through the midbrain' and the
physiologic role 'conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle'?
A. cerebral aqueduct
B. third ventricle
C. fourth ventricle
D. lateral ventricles
Correct Answer: A. cerebral aqueduct
Explanation: The defining role of cerebral aqueduct is that it conducts cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle to the
fourth ventricle. Its relevant anatomical context is through the midbrain. The alternatives do not match the tested function
and context as well.
Question 11. Which dysfunction best localizes to gap junctions in cardiac muscle when the finding is
impaired electrical coupling between cardiac muscle cells?
A. skeletal muscle
B. smooth muscle
C. gap junctions in cardiac muscle
D. cardiac muscle
Correct Answer: C. gap junctions in cardiac muscle
Explanation: The defining role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle is that it permit electrical current to pass between
adjacent cardiomyocytes. Its relevant anatomical context is within intercalated discs. The alternatives do not match the
tested function and context as well.
Question 12. Which component best matches this physiologic description: contains cerebrospinal fluid
surrounding the spinal cord?
A. subarachnoid space
B. epidural space
C. lumbar cistern
D. spinal meninges
Correct Answer: A. subarachnoid space
Explanation: The defining role of subarachnoid space is that it contains cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Its
relevant anatomical context is between arachnoid mater and pia mater. The alternatives do not match the tested function
and context as well.
, Question 13. Which listed component is most directly characterized by the following role: contains
primary and association areas for visual processing?
A. temporal lobe
B. basal nuclei
C. parietal lobe
D. occipital lobe
Correct Answer: D. occipital lobe
Explanation: The defining role of occipital lobe is that it contains primary and association areas for visual processing. Its
relevant anatomical context is at the posterior cerebrum. The alternatives do not match the tested function and context as
well.
Question 14. The function described is to provides the primary motor innervation to the diaphragm.
Which component is the best match?
A. ulnar nerve
B. phrenic nerve
C. median nerve
D. femoral nerve
Correct Answer: B. phrenic nerve
Explanation: The defining role of phrenic nerve is that it provides the primary motor innervation to the diaphragm. Its
relevant anatomical context is arising mainly from C3-C5 through the cervical plexus. The alternatives do not match the
tested function and context as well.
Question 15. A focused lesion produces impaired release of intracellular calcium during excitation. Which
component should be suspected first?
A. acetylcholine
B. slow oxidative fiber
C. sarcoplasmic reticulum
D. endomysium
Correct Answer: C. sarcoplasmic reticulum
Explanation: The defining role of sarcoplasmic reticulum is that it stores and releases calcium needed for skeletal muscle
contraction. Its relevant anatomical context is as a membrane network around myofibrils. The alternatives do not match
the tested function and context as well.
Question 16. Which component matches both clues: it is associated with in the inner portion of the adrenal
gland, and it acts like a modified sympathetic ganglion and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into
blood?
A. cerebral aqueduct
B. sympathetic division
C. adrenal medulla
D. blood-brain barrier
Correct Answer: C. adrenal medulla
Explanation: The defining role of adrenal medulla is that it acts like a modified sympathetic ganglion and releases
epinephrine and norepinephrine into blood. Its relevant anatomical context is in the inner portion of the adrenal gland. The
alternatives do not match the tested function and context as well.
