AAMI SCIENCE REVIEW & COMPREHENSIVE
SCIENCE REVIEW 2026/2027 Complete Exam
Preparation | Actual Questions & Verified Answers |
Anatomy, Chemistry, Biology & Physics Test Prep
Section 1: Anatomy & Physiology – Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nervous Systems
Q1: The primary pacemaker of the heart that spontaneously generates electrical impulses is the:
A. Bundle of His
B. Purkinje fibers
C. Sinoatrial node
D. Atrioventricular node
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: The sinoatrial node possesses automaticity and initiates each cardiac cycle,
establishing the basic heart rate.
Q2: Which layer of the heart wall directly contacts the blood inside the chambers?
A. Epicardium
B. Myocardium
C. Endocardium
D. Parietal pericardium
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: The endocardium is the thin endothelial lining of the cardiac chambers and
valves, directly interfacing with circulating blood.
Q3: During ventricular systole, pressure in the left ventricle must exceed that of which structure
for the aortic valve to open?
A. Pulmonary artery
B. Right atrium
C. Aorta
D. Coronary sinus
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: Left ventricular pressure must surpass aortic diastolic pressure to force the
aortic valve open and eject blood.
Q4: Which respiratory structure increases air turbulence and warms incoming air via its rich
vascular supply?
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A. Alveolus
B. Nasal concha
C. Epiglottis
D. Segmental bronchus
Answer: B
Verified Rationale: Nasal conchae create turbulent airflow that maximizes contact with the
mucosal surface, warming and humidifying air.
Q5: The pneumotaxic center located in the pons primarily functions to:
A. Stiminate diaphragmatic contraction
B. Limit inspiration and facilitate expiration
C. Detect oxygen concentration in blood
D. Activate the cough reflex
Answer: B
Verified Rationale: The pneumotaxic center inhibits inspiratory neurons, preventing overinflation
and promoting smooth respiratory rhythm.
Q6: Which of the following best describes the movement of oxygen from alveolus to blood?
A. Active transport against its gradient
B. Facilitated diffusion via carrier proteins
C. Simple diffusion down its partial-pressure gradient
D. Secondary active transport with Na+
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: Oxygen is lipid-soluble and crosses the alveolar-capillary membrane by
passive diffusion along its partial-pressure gradient.
Q7: The central nervous system is protected by all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Vertebral venous plexus
B. Meninges
C. Cerebrospinal fluid
D. Blood–brain barrier
Answer: A
Verified Rationale: The vertebral venous plexus is a drainage pathway, not a protective structure
cushioning neural tissue.
Q8: Which neuroglial cell type produces myelin within the brain and spinal cord?
A. Schwann cell
B. Astrocyte
C. Oligodendrocyte
D. Ependymal cell
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Answer: C
Verified Rationale: Oligodendrocytes extend processes that wrap multiple axons, forming CNS
myelin sheaths.
Q9: The primary motor area that initiates voluntary skeletal muscle contraction is located in
which cortical lobe?
A. Parietal
B. Temporal
C. Frontal
D. Occipital
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: The precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe houses the primary motor cortex
issuing corticospinal commands.
Q10: Which component of the reflex arc integrates incoming sensory information and initiates
motor output?
A. Sensory receptor
B. Interneuron within the CNS
C. Motor end-plate
D. Effector muscle
Answer: B
Verified Rationale: Interneurons synapse between sensory and motor neurons, processing stimuli
and directing appropriate reflex responses.
Section 2: Medical Terminology
Q11: The term “bradycardia” literally means:
A. Fast heart
B. Irregular heart
C. Slow heart
D. Enlarged heart
Answer: C
Verified Rationale: “Brady-” denotes slow and “-cardia” refers to heart activity, so bradycardia is
a slow heart rate.
Q12: Which prefix indicates “half” or “partial”?
A. Pan-
B. Hemi-
C. Tachy-
D. Poly-