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PORTAGE LEARNING BIOD 152 – ESSENTIAL
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II
MODULES 1–6 & FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW
Table of Contents
1. Nervous System: Neurons, Neuroglia, and Signal Transmission
2. Nervous System: Brain, Spinal Cord, and Autonomic Division
3. Cardiovascular System: Blood, Heart, and Circulation
4. Lymphatic System and Immunity
5. Respiratory System: Structure, Ventilation, and Gas Exchange
6. Digestive System: Anatomy, Digestion, and Absorption
7. Urinary System: Kidney Structure and Urine Formation
8. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
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Question 1: Which neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
A) Microglia
B) Astrocytes
C) Ependymal cells
D) Schwann cells
Correct Answer: B) Astrocytes
Astrocytes wrap their "feet" around capillaries in the brain, creating a selective barrier that
protects neurons from fluctuations in blood chemistry. This blood-brain barrier regulates what
substances can enter the brain tissue. Microglia are phagocytic immune cells, ependymal cells
line ventricles, and Schwann cells myelinate peripheral axons.
Question 2: The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is maintained at approximately:
A) +30 mV
B) 0 mV
C) -70 mV
D) -55 mV
Correct Answer: C) -70 mV
-70 mV is the standard electrical charge across the plasma membrane when the neuron is not
actively sending a signal, maintained by the Na⁺/K⁺ pump. This pump actively transports three
sodium ions out and two potassium ions in, creating a negative interior relative to the exterior.
Threshold for action potential initiation is approximately -55 mV.
Question 3: Which part of the brain is the primary site for the regulation of body temperature and
hunger?
A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla Oblongata
Correct Answer: B) Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat and hunger center, maintaining overall
homeostasis. It also regulates thirst, sleep, and pituitary hormone release. The thalamus relays
sensory information, the cerebellum coordinates movement, and the medulla oblongata controls
vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.
Question 4: Saltatory conduction refers to the "jumping" of an impulse across:
A) Synaptic clefts
B) Dendrites
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C) Nodes of Ranvier
D) Axon terminals
Correct Answer: C) Nodes of Ranvier
In myelinated axons, the electrical signal skips the insulated myelin sections and jumps between
the exposed gaps known as Nodes of Ranvier. This jumping mechanism greatly increases the
speed of nerve impulse conduction compared to unmyelinated axons, where the impulse must
travel continuously along the membrane.
Question 5: Which division of the nervous system is often called the "Thoracolumbar" division?
A) Parasympathetic
B) Sympathetic
C) Somatic
D) Central
Correct Answer: B) Sympathetic
The sympathetic nervous system's preganglionic fibers originate from the thoracic and lumbar
segments of the spinal cord (T1-L2), hence the name "thoracolumbar division." The
parasympathetic division is called the "craniosacral division" because its fibers originate from
the brainstem and sacral spinal cord. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
Question 6: Which cranial nerve (CN) is responsible for facial expression?
A) CN V (Trigeminal)
B) CN VII (Facial)
C) CN X (Vagus)
D) CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: B) CN VII (Facial)
While CN V handles facial sensation, CN VII provides motor control for the muscles of facial
expression. The facial nerve also carries parasympathetic fibers to lacrimal and salivary glands
and special sensory fibers for taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Damage to CN VII
results in Bell's palsy.
Question 7: A multipolar neuron is characterized by having:
A) One axon and one dendrite
B) Many axons and one dendrite
C) One axon and many dendrites
D) No axon and many dendrites
Correct Answer: C) One axon and many dendrites
Multipolar neurons are the most common type and feature a single axon with a high volume of
branching dendrites. They are found throughout the central nervous system and in autonomic
PORTAGE LEARNING BIOD 152 – ESSENTIAL
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II
MODULES 1–6 & FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE |
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM REVIEW
Table of Contents
1. Nervous System: Neurons, Neuroglia, and Signal Transmission
2. Nervous System: Brain, Spinal Cord, and Autonomic Division
3. Cardiovascular System: Blood, Heart, and Circulation
4. Lymphatic System and Immunity
5. Respiratory System: Structure, Ventilation, and Gas Exchange
6. Digestive System: Anatomy, Digestion, and Absorption
7. Urinary System: Kidney Structure and Urine Formation
8. Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
, Page |2
Question 1: Which neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
A) Microglia
B) Astrocytes
C) Ependymal cells
D) Schwann cells
Correct Answer: B) Astrocytes
Astrocytes wrap their "feet" around capillaries in the brain, creating a selective barrier that
protects neurons from fluctuations in blood chemistry. This blood-brain barrier regulates what
substances can enter the brain tissue. Microglia are phagocytic immune cells, ependymal cells
line ventricles, and Schwann cells myelinate peripheral axons.
Question 2: The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is maintained at approximately:
A) +30 mV
B) 0 mV
C) -70 mV
D) -55 mV
Correct Answer: C) -70 mV
-70 mV is the standard electrical charge across the plasma membrane when the neuron is not
actively sending a signal, maintained by the Na⁺/K⁺ pump. This pump actively transports three
sodium ions out and two potassium ions in, creating a negative interior relative to the exterior.
Threshold for action potential initiation is approximately -55 mV.
Question 3: Which part of the brain is the primary site for the regulation of body temperature and
hunger?
A) Thalamus
B) Hypothalamus
C) Cerebellum
D) Medulla Oblongata
Correct Answer: B) Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat and hunger center, maintaining overall
homeostasis. It also regulates thirst, sleep, and pituitary hormone release. The thalamus relays
sensory information, the cerebellum coordinates movement, and the medulla oblongata controls
vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.
Question 4: Saltatory conduction refers to the "jumping" of an impulse across:
A) Synaptic clefts
B) Dendrites
, Page |3
C) Nodes of Ranvier
D) Axon terminals
Correct Answer: C) Nodes of Ranvier
In myelinated axons, the electrical signal skips the insulated myelin sections and jumps between
the exposed gaps known as Nodes of Ranvier. This jumping mechanism greatly increases the
speed of nerve impulse conduction compared to unmyelinated axons, where the impulse must
travel continuously along the membrane.
Question 5: Which division of the nervous system is often called the "Thoracolumbar" division?
A) Parasympathetic
B) Sympathetic
C) Somatic
D) Central
Correct Answer: B) Sympathetic
The sympathetic nervous system's preganglionic fibers originate from the thoracic and lumbar
segments of the spinal cord (T1-L2), hence the name "thoracolumbar division." The
parasympathetic division is called the "craniosacral division" because its fibers originate from
the brainstem and sacral spinal cord. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
Question 6: Which cranial nerve (CN) is responsible for facial expression?
A) CN V (Trigeminal)
B) CN VII (Facial)
C) CN X (Vagus)
D) CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Correct Answer: B) CN VII (Facial)
While CN V handles facial sensation, CN VII provides motor control for the muscles of facial
expression. The facial nerve also carries parasympathetic fibers to lacrimal and salivary glands
and special sensory fibers for taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Damage to CN VII
results in Bell's palsy.
Question 7: A multipolar neuron is characterized by having:
A) One axon and one dendrite
B) Many axons and one dendrite
C) One axon and many dendrites
D) No axon and many dendrites
Correct Answer: C) One axon and many dendrites
Multipolar neurons are the most common type and feature a single axon with a high volume of
branching dendrites. They are found throughout the central nervous system and in autonomic
