Medical Physiology Comprehensive
Question Bank 150 Questions with
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Latest
2026/27 | Instant Pdf Download
This question bank covers core medical physiology topics
including cellular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular,
respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive
systems. Select the best answer for each question. Rationales
explain the underlying physiological principles.
Section 1: Cellular & General Physiology (Questions 1–20)
1. The resting membrane potential of a typical nerve cell is
approximately:
A. +30 mV
B. –70 mV
C. –90 mV
D. 0 mV
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The resting membrane potential (RMP) is about –70
mV (inside negative), maintained primarily by K⁺ leak channels
and the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase.
2. Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization
phase of an action potential in a neuron?
A. Potassium (K⁺)
B. Sodium (Na⁺)
C. Calcium (Ca²⁺)
D. Chloride (Cl⁻)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Voltage-gated sodium channels open rapidly,
allowing Na⁺ influx, which causes the upstroke of the action
potential.
3. The absolute refractory period is due to:
A. Hyperpolarization of the membrane
B. Inactivation of sodium channels
C. Activation of sodium-potassium pump
D. Opening of potassium channels
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the absolute refractory period, sodium
channels are inactivated and cannot reopen, preventing another
action potential regardless of stimulus strength.
4. Saltatory conduction refers to:
A. Continuous conduction along unmyelinated axons
B. Action potentials jumping between Nodes of Ranvier in
myelinated axons
C. Propagation from dendrite to axon terminal
D. Conduction across a synapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myelination insulates the axon except at nodes;
action potentials regenerate only at nodes, appearing to
"jump," which increases conduction velocity.
5. The Nernst equation calculates:
A. The resting membrane potential using multiple ions
B. The equilibrium potential for a single ion
C. The threshold potential
D. The refractory period
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Nernst equation (E = 61/z log [out]/[in]) gives
the equilibrium potential for a specific ion where electrical and
chemical gradients balance.
6. The Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase transports:
A. 2 Na⁺ out, 3 K⁺ in per ATP
B. 3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in per ATP
C. 1 Na⁺ out, 1 K⁺ in per ATP
D. 3 Na⁺ in, 2 K⁺ out per ATP
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pump moves 3 sodium ions out and 2
potassium ions in, using one ATP, maintaining concentration
gradients.
7. Which of the following is an example of primary active
transport?
A. GLUT1 facilitated diffusion
B. Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger
C. Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase
D. Sodium-glucose cotransport (SGLT)
Question Bank 150 Questions with
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Latest
2026/27 | Instant Pdf Download
This question bank covers core medical physiology topics
including cellular physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular,
respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive
systems. Select the best answer for each question. Rationales
explain the underlying physiological principles.
Section 1: Cellular & General Physiology (Questions 1–20)
1. The resting membrane potential of a typical nerve cell is
approximately:
A. +30 mV
B. –70 mV
C. –90 mV
D. 0 mV
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The resting membrane potential (RMP) is about –70
mV (inside negative), maintained primarily by K⁺ leak channels
and the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase.
2. Which ion is primarily responsible for the depolarization
phase of an action potential in a neuron?
A. Potassium (K⁺)
B. Sodium (Na⁺)
C. Calcium (Ca²⁺)
D. Chloride (Cl⁻)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Voltage-gated sodium channels open rapidly,
allowing Na⁺ influx, which causes the upstroke of the action
potential.
3. The absolute refractory period is due to:
A. Hyperpolarization of the membrane
B. Inactivation of sodium channels
C. Activation of sodium-potassium pump
D. Opening of potassium channels
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the absolute refractory period, sodium
channels are inactivated and cannot reopen, preventing another
action potential regardless of stimulus strength.
4. Saltatory conduction refers to:
A. Continuous conduction along unmyelinated axons
B. Action potentials jumping between Nodes of Ranvier in
myelinated axons
C. Propagation from dendrite to axon terminal
D. Conduction across a synapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Myelination insulates the axon except at nodes;
action potentials regenerate only at nodes, appearing to
"jump," which increases conduction velocity.
5. The Nernst equation calculates:
A. The resting membrane potential using multiple ions
B. The equilibrium potential for a single ion
C. The threshold potential
D. The refractory period
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Nernst equation (E = 61/z log [out]/[in]) gives
the equilibrium potential for a specific ion where electrical and
chemical gradients balance.
6. The Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase transports:
A. 2 Na⁺ out, 3 K⁺ in per ATP
B. 3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in per ATP
C. 1 Na⁺ out, 1 K⁺ in per ATP
D. 3 Na⁺ in, 2 K⁺ out per ATP
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pump moves 3 sodium ions out and 2
potassium ions in, using one ATP, maintaining concentration
gradients.
7. Which of the following is an example of primary active
transport?
A. GLUT1 facilitated diffusion
B. Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger
C. Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase
D. Sodium-glucose cotransport (SGLT)
