Anatomy and Physiology: cram pack

Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 4 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.

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1Practice problems

1.Human anatomyMedium

Which nerve supplies the diaphragm?

  1. AVagus nerve
  2. BAccessory nerve
  3. CPhrenic nerve
  4. DIntercostal nerves
2.Human anatomyHard

A pituitary tumour grows upwards and causes loss of both outer (temporal) halves of the visual field. Where is the visual pathway compressed?

  1. AOccipital cortex
  2. BLeft optic tract
  3. CRight optic nerve
  4. DOptic chiasm
3.Human physiologyMedium

What is the main effect of vagus nerve stimulation on the heart?

  1. AIt constricts the coronary arteries
  2. BIt increases ventricular contractility strongly
  3. CIt slows the heart rate
  4. DIt increases the heart rate
4.Human physiologyHard

A patient has taken high-dose prednisolone for a year. What is the state of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis?

  1. AThe adrenal medulla has stopped making adrenaline and noradrenaline
  2. BACTH is high and the adrenal cortex is enlarged
  3. CACTH is normal and cortisol production is increased
  4. DACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied

2Solutions

1.Human anatomy

Answer: C · Phrenic nerve

Why this is the answer

The phrenic nerve (roots C3–C5) is the motor supply to the diaphragm. High cervical cord injury above C3 therefore stops spontaneous breathing.

Answer

C · Phrenic nerve
2.Human anatomy

Answer: D · Optic chiasm

Why this is the answer

Bitemporal hemianopia results from compression of the crossing nasal fibres at the optic chiasm, which lies directly above the pituitary gland.

Answer

D · Optic chiasm
3.Human physiology

Answer: C · It slows the heart rate

Why this is the answer

The vagus releases acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the SA and AV nodes, slowing pacemaker firing and AV conduction.

Answer

C · It slows the heart rate
4.Human physiology

Answer: D · ACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied

Why this is the answer

Exogenous glucocorticoid suppresses CRH and ACTH, so the adrenal cortex atrophies. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause an adrenal crisis, so it is tapered.

Answer

D · ACTH is suppressed and the adrenal cortex has atrophied

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