1
BIOL122 HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2
ASSESSMENT 2 VODCAST — EXTRINSIC
ASTHMA & TYPE 2 DIABETES CASE
STUDY — PATHOPHYSIOLOGY,
PHARMACOLOGY & ANNOTATED
BIBLIOGRAPHY — 2026/2027 UPDATED
Australian Catholic University (ACU) · Original practice question bank · Questions
1–100 of 200
These practice questions are designed to help you prepare for the BIOL122
Assessment 2 vodcast. They cover the pathophysiology of extrinsic asthma and type 2
diabetes, relevant pharmacology, case-study interpretation, evidence-based
explanations, and annotated bibliography skills. They are study resources, not verified
official ACU assessment questions or a guarantee of a particular grade.
Core topics covered
Immune mechanisms, airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and airway
remodelling in extrinsic asthma
Insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and hyperglycaemia in
type 2 diabetes
Medication mechanisms, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and patient
education
Linking pathophysiology to clinical findings and case-study evidence
,2
Planning a clear scientific vodcast and writing an evidence-based annotated
bibliography
Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which immune mechanism is most strongly associated with extrinsic (allergic)
asthma?
A. IgG-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity involving mast cells
C. Autoantibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells
D. Immune-complex deposition in the kidneys
Rationale: B is correct because allergic asthma commonly involves allergen-specific
IgE binding to mast cells. Re-exposure to the allergen can trigger mediator release,
contributing to bronchoconstriction, airway oedema, and mucus production. A
describes neither the defining mechanism of allergic asthma nor typical type 2
diabetes. C is associated with certain haemolytic disorders. D is a mechanism seen in
some immune-complex diseases, not the central mechanism of extrinsic asthma.
Question 2
What happens when an individual with allergic asthma is re-exposed to a sensitising
allergen?
A. The alveoli immediately become permanently fibrotic.
B. The pancreas releases excess insulin to relax the bronchi.
C. Red blood cells release histamine into the airways.
D. Allergen cross-linking of IgE on mast cells promotes inflammatory mediator
release.
Rationale: D is correct because allergen cross-linking of IgE attached to mast cells
can trigger release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other mediators. These substances
cause airway smooth-muscle contraction, swelling, and mucus secretion. A describes
permanent structural damage rather than the typical immediate response. B incorrectly
links pancreatic insulin secretion to airway relaxation. C identifies the wrong cell type
as the primary source of the mediators involved.
,3
Question 3
Which physiological change most directly causes wheezing during an acute asthma
exacerbation?
A. Increased diameter of the bronchioles
B. Reduced blood glucose concentration
C. Narrowing of the airways due to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucus
D. Increased oxygen diffusion across an otherwise normal airway
Rationale: C is correct because narrowed airways increase resistance to airflow,
particularly during expiration, producing wheezing. Inflammation and mucus can
worsen the narrowing. A would generally reduce airflow resistance. B is not a direct
cause of asthmatic wheezing. D does not explain the obstruction that produces the
characteristic sound.
Question 4
Which cell type is especially important in many type 2 inflammatory responses
associated with allergic asthma?
A. Erythrocytes
B. Eosinophils
C. Osteocytes
D. Platelets alone
Rationale: B is correct because eosinophils are involved in many allergic and type 2
inflammatory responses and can contribute to airway injury and hyperresponsiveness.
A transport oxygen and are not the principal inflammatory cells in this process. C
maintain bone tissue. D have important roles in clotting, but platelets alone do not
explain the typical eosinophilic inflammation associated with allergic asthma.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of an inhaled corticosteroid in asthma management?
A. To provide immediate bronchodilation in every acute attack
B. To permanently cure asthma after one dose
C. To increase airway mucus production
D. To reduce airway inflammation and lower the risk of exacerbations
, 4
Rationale: D is correct because inhaled corticosteroids suppress airway inflammatory
processes and help improve asthma control over time. A describes the rapid
bronchodilator action of reliever medicines such as inhaled short-acting beta-2
agonists. B is inaccurate because asthma generally requires ongoing management
rather than a single-dose cure. C is the opposite of the desired therapeutic effect.
Question 6
Which medication class rapidly relaxes airway smooth muscle through beta-2
adrenergic receptor stimulation?
A. Beta-2 agonists
B. Inhaled corticosteroids alone
C. Antihistamines used for allergic rhinitis
D. Biguanides
Rationale: A is correct because beta-2 agonists stimulate receptors on airway smooth
muscle, increasing cyclic AMP and promoting relaxation. B primarily targets
inflammation and is not the same as a rapid bronchodilator. C may relieve some
allergic nasal symptoms but is not the primary treatment for acute bronchoconstriction.
D refers to the antidiabetic drug class that includes metformin.
Question 7
Which finding is most consistent with an acute asthma exacerbation?
A. Persistent low blood glucose with no respiratory symptoms
B. Increased bone density and joint flexibility
C. Shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing
D. Isolated painless swelling of the ankles without breathing difficulty
Rationale: C is correct because breathlessness, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing
are common features of asthma exacerbations. A is a metabolic finding unrelated to
the typical respiratory presentation. B does not describe asthma. D may occur in other
clinical conditions and is not a characteristic isolated presentation of an acute asthma
exacerbation.
Question 8
What does airway hyperresponsiveness mean in asthma?
A. The airways cannot respond to any environmental stimulus.
BIOL122 HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2
ASSESSMENT 2 VODCAST — EXTRINSIC
ASTHMA & TYPE 2 DIABETES CASE
STUDY — PATHOPHYSIOLOGY,
PHARMACOLOGY & ANNOTATED
BIBLIOGRAPHY — 2026/2027 UPDATED
Australian Catholic University (ACU) · Original practice question bank · Questions
1–100 of 200
These practice questions are designed to help you prepare for the BIOL122
Assessment 2 vodcast. They cover the pathophysiology of extrinsic asthma and type 2
diabetes, relevant pharmacology, case-study interpretation, evidence-based
explanations, and annotated bibliography skills. They are study resources, not verified
official ACU assessment questions or a guarantee of a particular grade.
Core topics covered
Immune mechanisms, airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and airway
remodelling in extrinsic asthma
Insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and hyperglycaemia in
type 2 diabetes
Medication mechanisms, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, and patient
education
Linking pathophysiology to clinical findings and case-study evidence
,2
Planning a clear scientific vodcast and writing an evidence-based annotated
bibliography
Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which immune mechanism is most strongly associated with extrinsic (allergic)
asthma?
A. IgG-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells
B. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity involving mast cells
C. Autoantibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells
D. Immune-complex deposition in the kidneys
Rationale: B is correct because allergic asthma commonly involves allergen-specific
IgE binding to mast cells. Re-exposure to the allergen can trigger mediator release,
contributing to bronchoconstriction, airway oedema, and mucus production. A
describes neither the defining mechanism of allergic asthma nor typical type 2
diabetes. C is associated with certain haemolytic disorders. D is a mechanism seen in
some immune-complex diseases, not the central mechanism of extrinsic asthma.
Question 2
What happens when an individual with allergic asthma is re-exposed to a sensitising
allergen?
A. The alveoli immediately become permanently fibrotic.
B. The pancreas releases excess insulin to relax the bronchi.
C. Red blood cells release histamine into the airways.
D. Allergen cross-linking of IgE on mast cells promotes inflammatory mediator
release.
Rationale: D is correct because allergen cross-linking of IgE attached to mast cells
can trigger release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other mediators. These substances
cause airway smooth-muscle contraction, swelling, and mucus secretion. A describes
permanent structural damage rather than the typical immediate response. B incorrectly
links pancreatic insulin secretion to airway relaxation. C identifies the wrong cell type
as the primary source of the mediators involved.
,3
Question 3
Which physiological change most directly causes wheezing during an acute asthma
exacerbation?
A. Increased diameter of the bronchioles
B. Reduced blood glucose concentration
C. Narrowing of the airways due to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucus
D. Increased oxygen diffusion across an otherwise normal airway
Rationale: C is correct because narrowed airways increase resistance to airflow,
particularly during expiration, producing wheezing. Inflammation and mucus can
worsen the narrowing. A would generally reduce airflow resistance. B is not a direct
cause of asthmatic wheezing. D does not explain the obstruction that produces the
characteristic sound.
Question 4
Which cell type is especially important in many type 2 inflammatory responses
associated with allergic asthma?
A. Erythrocytes
B. Eosinophils
C. Osteocytes
D. Platelets alone
Rationale: B is correct because eosinophils are involved in many allergic and type 2
inflammatory responses and can contribute to airway injury and hyperresponsiveness.
A transport oxygen and are not the principal inflammatory cells in this process. C
maintain bone tissue. D have important roles in clotting, but platelets alone do not
explain the typical eosinophilic inflammation associated with allergic asthma.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of an inhaled corticosteroid in asthma management?
A. To provide immediate bronchodilation in every acute attack
B. To permanently cure asthma after one dose
C. To increase airway mucus production
D. To reduce airway inflammation and lower the risk of exacerbations
, 4
Rationale: D is correct because inhaled corticosteroids suppress airway inflammatory
processes and help improve asthma control over time. A describes the rapid
bronchodilator action of reliever medicines such as inhaled short-acting beta-2
agonists. B is inaccurate because asthma generally requires ongoing management
rather than a single-dose cure. C is the opposite of the desired therapeutic effect.
Question 6
Which medication class rapidly relaxes airway smooth muscle through beta-2
adrenergic receptor stimulation?
A. Beta-2 agonists
B. Inhaled corticosteroids alone
C. Antihistamines used for allergic rhinitis
D. Biguanides
Rationale: A is correct because beta-2 agonists stimulate receptors on airway smooth
muscle, increasing cyclic AMP and promoting relaxation. B primarily targets
inflammation and is not the same as a rapid bronchodilator. C may relieve some
allergic nasal symptoms but is not the primary treatment for acute bronchoconstriction.
D refers to the antidiabetic drug class that includes metformin.
Question 7
Which finding is most consistent with an acute asthma exacerbation?
A. Persistent low blood glucose with no respiratory symptoms
B. Increased bone density and joint flexibility
C. Shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing
D. Isolated painless swelling of the ankles without breathing difficulty
Rationale: C is correct because breathlessness, chest tightness, cough, and wheezing
are common features of asthma exacerbations. A is a metabolic finding unrelated to
the typical respiratory presentation. B does not describe asthma. D may occur in other
clinical conditions and is not a characteristic isolated presentation of an acute asthma
exacerbation.
Question 8
What does airway hyperresponsiveness mean in asthma?
A. The airways cannot respond to any environmental stimulus.
