BIOL 213 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Final Assessment Review
Questions & Solutions
2025
©2025
,1. Case Study: A 62‑year‑old male with a history of myocardial
infarction presents with recurrent episodes of dizziness and palpitations.
His EKG shows a prolonged PR interval with intermittent dropped beats.
Which component of the cardiac conduction system is most likely
impaired?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) node
B. Atrioventricular (AV) node
C. Bundle of His
D. Purkinje fibers
ANS: B
Rationale: A prolonged PR interval and intermittent dropped beats
point to an AV nodal block. The AV node is responsible for delaying the
conduction impulse to allow for proper ventricular filling, and its
dysfunction leads to such conduction abnormalities.
2. Case Study: A 45‑year‑old female with type 2 diabetes develops
symptoms of shortness of breath and peripheral edema.
Echocardiography reveals a reduced ejection fraction and dilated
ventricles suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy. Which cardiac structure
is primarily compromised in this condition?
A. Atria
B. Ventricles
C. Intracardiac valves
D. Cardiac septum
ANS: B
Rationale: The ventricles, particularly the left ventricle, generate the
force of contraction. In dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular muscle
weakness leads to inadequate pumping and reduced ejection fraction.
3. Case Study: A patient with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) has arterial blood gas analyses showing low oxygen
saturation. Which anatomical structure is primarily responsible for gas
exchange in the lungs?
©2025
, A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveolar sacs
D. Trachea
ANS: C
Rationale: Alveolar sacs contain the alveoli—the microscopic air sacs
where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs. Damage to these
structures is a hallmark of severe COPD.
4. Case Study: A patient with metabolic acidosis is undergoing further
evaluation. In the renal system, which segment is chiefly responsible for
the reabsorption of bicarbonate critical for acid–base homeostasis?
A. Glomerulus
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Loop of Henle
D. Distal convoluted tubule
ANS: B
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule is the primary site for
bicarbonate reabsorption. Its proper functioning is essential for
maintaining the body’s acid–base balance.
5. Case Study: A 38‑year‑old patient is diagnosed with
hyperthyroidism. Which gland is directly responsible for the production
of the thyroid hormones implicated in the condition?
A. Pituitary
B. Thyroid
C. Parathyroid
D. Adrenal
ANS: B
Rationale: The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones (T3 and
T4); overproduction of these hormones causes the metabolic
disturbances seen in hyperthyroidism.
6. Case Study: After a thyroidectomy, a patient develops tingling and
muscle spasms. Which anatomical structure is likely compromised during
©2025
Final Assessment Review
Questions & Solutions
2025
©2025
,1. Case Study: A 62‑year‑old male with a history of myocardial
infarction presents with recurrent episodes of dizziness and palpitations.
His EKG shows a prolonged PR interval with intermittent dropped beats.
Which component of the cardiac conduction system is most likely
impaired?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) node
B. Atrioventricular (AV) node
C. Bundle of His
D. Purkinje fibers
ANS: B
Rationale: A prolonged PR interval and intermittent dropped beats
point to an AV nodal block. The AV node is responsible for delaying the
conduction impulse to allow for proper ventricular filling, and its
dysfunction leads to such conduction abnormalities.
2. Case Study: A 45‑year‑old female with type 2 diabetes develops
symptoms of shortness of breath and peripheral edema.
Echocardiography reveals a reduced ejection fraction and dilated
ventricles suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy. Which cardiac structure
is primarily compromised in this condition?
A. Atria
B. Ventricles
C. Intracardiac valves
D. Cardiac septum
ANS: B
Rationale: The ventricles, particularly the left ventricle, generate the
force of contraction. In dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular muscle
weakness leads to inadequate pumping and reduced ejection fraction.
3. Case Study: A patient with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) has arterial blood gas analyses showing low oxygen
saturation. Which anatomical structure is primarily responsible for gas
exchange in the lungs?
©2025
, A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveolar sacs
D. Trachea
ANS: C
Rationale: Alveolar sacs contain the alveoli—the microscopic air sacs
where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs. Damage to these
structures is a hallmark of severe COPD.
4. Case Study: A patient with metabolic acidosis is undergoing further
evaluation. In the renal system, which segment is chiefly responsible for
the reabsorption of bicarbonate critical for acid–base homeostasis?
A. Glomerulus
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Loop of Henle
D. Distal convoluted tubule
ANS: B
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule is the primary site for
bicarbonate reabsorption. Its proper functioning is essential for
maintaining the body’s acid–base balance.
5. Case Study: A 38‑year‑old patient is diagnosed with
hyperthyroidism. Which gland is directly responsible for the production
of the thyroid hormones implicated in the condition?
A. Pituitary
B. Thyroid
C. Parathyroid
D. Adrenal
ANS: B
Rationale: The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones (T3 and
T4); overproduction of these hormones causes the metabolic
disturbances seen in hyperthyroidism.
6. Case Study: After a thyroidectomy, a patient develops tingling and
muscle spasms. Which anatomical structure is likely compromised during
©2025
