BIO282 Anatomy & Physiology II
Midterm Exam Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
©2025
, Question 1
Case Scenario: A 45-year-old patient presents with gradual onset of
acral enlargement, prognathism, and soft tissue swelling. MRI reveals a
pituitary adenoma, and immunohistochemical staining demonstrates
excessive growth hormone secretion.
Question: Which cell type in the pituitary gland is most likely
hyperactive in this condition?
- A. Corticotrophs
- B. Thyrotrophs
- C. Somatotrophs
- D. Gonadotrophs
Correct ANS: C. Somatotrophs
Rationale: Somatotrophs, located in the anterior pituitary, are
responsible for producing growth hormone. Hyperactivity in these cells
due to a pituitary adenoma leads to the clinical syndrome of acromegaly.
---
Question 2
Case Scenario: During a laboratory experiment, a tissue sample from
the kidney cortex is examined under light microscopy after hematoxylin
and eosin staining. The specimen reveals numerous glomeruli with well-
defined filtration barrier structures.
Question: Which of the following best describes the function of the
capillary loops within the glomerulus?
- A. Site of reabsorption
- B. Site of secretion
- C. Site of ultrafiltration
- D. Site of secondary filtration
Correct ANS: C. Site of ultrafiltration
©2025
, Rationale: The glomerular capillaries form the filtering unit
(glomerulus), where ultrafiltration takes place. This allows water and
small solutes to pass while restricting large proteins and cells.
---
Question 3
Case Scenario: In a cardiac physiology lab, a muscle strip isolated from
the ventricular myocardium is exposed to increasing concentrations of
isoproterenol. The resulting enhancements in contractility and heart rate
are recorded.
Question: Which intracellular second messenger is most directly
involved in mediating the responses to isoproterenol?
- A. cAMP
- B. IP₃
- C. cGMP
- D. Calcium ions
Correct ANS: A. cAMP
Rationale: Isoproterenol is a β-adrenergic agonist that activates
adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Elevated
cAMP phosphorylates key proteins that augment both cardiac
contractility and rate.
---
Question 4
Case Scenario: A skeletal muscle tissue specimen is prepared in the lab
and stained with antibodies against myosin heavy chain isoforms to
differentiate fiber types.
Question: Which of the following statements concerning skeletal
muscle fiber types is most accurate?
- A. Type I fibers are primarily anaerobic and fatigue quickly.
©2025
Midterm Exam Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
©2025
, Question 1
Case Scenario: A 45-year-old patient presents with gradual onset of
acral enlargement, prognathism, and soft tissue swelling. MRI reveals a
pituitary adenoma, and immunohistochemical staining demonstrates
excessive growth hormone secretion.
Question: Which cell type in the pituitary gland is most likely
hyperactive in this condition?
- A. Corticotrophs
- B. Thyrotrophs
- C. Somatotrophs
- D. Gonadotrophs
Correct ANS: C. Somatotrophs
Rationale: Somatotrophs, located in the anterior pituitary, are
responsible for producing growth hormone. Hyperactivity in these cells
due to a pituitary adenoma leads to the clinical syndrome of acromegaly.
---
Question 2
Case Scenario: During a laboratory experiment, a tissue sample from
the kidney cortex is examined under light microscopy after hematoxylin
and eosin staining. The specimen reveals numerous glomeruli with well-
defined filtration barrier structures.
Question: Which of the following best describes the function of the
capillary loops within the glomerulus?
- A. Site of reabsorption
- B. Site of secretion
- C. Site of ultrafiltration
- D. Site of secondary filtration
Correct ANS: C. Site of ultrafiltration
©2025
, Rationale: The glomerular capillaries form the filtering unit
(glomerulus), where ultrafiltration takes place. This allows water and
small solutes to pass while restricting large proteins and cells.
---
Question 3
Case Scenario: In a cardiac physiology lab, a muscle strip isolated from
the ventricular myocardium is exposed to increasing concentrations of
isoproterenol. The resulting enhancements in contractility and heart rate
are recorded.
Question: Which intracellular second messenger is most directly
involved in mediating the responses to isoproterenol?
- A. cAMP
- B. IP₃
- C. cGMP
- D. Calcium ions
Correct ANS: A. cAMP
Rationale: Isoproterenol is a β-adrenergic agonist that activates
adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Elevated
cAMP phosphorylates key proteins that augment both cardiac
contractility and rate.
---
Question 4
Case Scenario: A skeletal muscle tissue specimen is prepared in the lab
and stained with antibodies against myosin heavy chain isoforms to
differentiate fiber types.
Question: Which of the following statements concerning skeletal
muscle fiber types is most accurate?
- A. Type I fibers are primarily anaerobic and fatigue quickly.
©2025
