Applied and Clinical Physiology # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Control voluntary muscle movements
Regulate involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion
Coordinate sensory inputs
Control motor speech
Explanation - The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
Correct answer is: Regulate involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion

Q.2 Which organ is primarily responsible for the regulation of blood glucose levels?

Liver
Heart
Lungs
Kidneys
Explanation - The liver plays a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels by storing glucose as glycogen and releasing it as needed.
Correct answer is: Liver

Q.3 During exercise, which system is activated to increase oxygen delivery to muscles?

Sympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Endocrine system
Digestive system
Explanation - The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, including increasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels to increase oxygen delivery to muscles.
Correct answer is: Sympathetic nervous system

Q.4 Which of the following hormones plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism?

Insulin
Cortisol
Thyroid hormones
Estrogen
Explanation - Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolic rate by increasing or decreasing the body's energy expenditure and influencing growth and development.
Correct answer is: Thyroid hormones

Q.5 What is the effect of increased sympathetic nervous system activity on the heart?

Decreases heart rate
Increases heart rate
Has no effect on heart rate
Decreases stroke volume
Explanation - Increased sympathetic nervous system activity causes the heart rate to rise, preparing the body for physical activity or stress.
Correct answer is: Increases heart rate

Q.6 In clinical physiology, what is the significance of the P wave in an ECG?

It represents the depolarization of the ventricles
It represents the depolarization of the atria
It represents the repolarization of the atria
It represents the repolarization of the ventricles
Explanation - The P wave in an ECG reflects the depolarization of the atria, leading to atrial contraction.
Correct answer is: It represents the depolarization of the atria

Q.7 What is the primary purpose of the baroreceptor reflex?

To regulate respiratory rate
To maintain body temperature
To regulate blood pressure
To control digestion
Explanation - The baroreceptor reflex helps maintain stable blood pressure by adjusting heart rate and vascular tone in response to changes in blood pressure.
Correct answer is: To regulate blood pressure

Q.8 Which of the following physiological changes occurs during acute stress?

Decreased heart rate
Increased blood glucose
Decreased blood flow to muscles
Increased digestive activity
Explanation - Acute stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood glucose levels to provide quick energy.
Correct answer is: Increased blood glucose

Q.9 What effect does aerobic exercise have on the cardiovascular system?

Increases heart rate and stroke volume
Decreases heart rate and stroke volume
Has no effect on heart rate
Decreases oxygen consumption
Explanation - Aerobic exercise increases both heart rate and stroke volume to enhance the delivery of oxygenated blood to muscles.
Correct answer is: Increases heart rate and stroke volume

Q.10 Which of the following is the most significant effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the body?

Increases heart rate
Stimulates digestion
Dilates pupils
Increases blood pressure
Explanation - The parasympathetic nervous system promotes 'rest and digest' activities, including stimulating digestion and reducing heart rate.
Correct answer is: Stimulates digestion

Q.11 In terms of blood oxygen content, which condition is characterized by reduced oxygen delivery to tissues?

Anemia
Hypertension
Hyperglycemia
Hypokalemia
Explanation - Anemia is a condition in which there is insufficient hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
Correct answer is: Anemia

Q.12 What physiological response occurs when a person is exposed to extreme cold?

Vasodilation
Vasoconstriction
Increased sweating
Increased respiration rate
Explanation - In response to cold, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction) to conserve body heat.
Correct answer is: Vasoconstriction

Q.13 Which of the following is a typical response of the body during prolonged physical activity?

Increased blood flow to digestive organs
Decreased heart rate
Increased production of lactic acid
Decreased respiratory rate
Explanation - During prolonged physical activity, muscles often use anaerobic metabolism, leading to the production of lactic acid as a byproduct.
Correct answer is: Increased production of lactic acid

Q.14 What is the main effect of the hormone aldosterone on the kidneys?

Increase sodium reabsorption
Decrease sodium reabsorption
Increase glucose excretion
Increase potassium secretion
Explanation - Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption, which in turn helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
Correct answer is: Increase sodium reabsorption

Q.15 Which of the following is a key characteristic of Type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Insulin resistance
Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Excessive insulin production
Defective sodium-potassium pump
Explanation - Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Correct answer is: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells

Q.16 Which of the following is the primary cause of hypertension?

Excessive fluid loss
Increased sodium intake
Increased sympathetic nervous system activity
Increased respiratory rate
Explanation - Increased sympathetic nervous system activity can lead to vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure, a key cause of hypertension.
Correct answer is: Increased sympathetic nervous system activity

Q.17 Which type of exercise is most effective for improving cardiovascular endurance?

Anaerobic exercise
Isometric exercises
Aerobic exercise
Resistance training
Explanation - Aerobic exercise, such as running or swimming, improves cardiovascular endurance by increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs.
Correct answer is: Aerobic exercise