Anatomy and Physiology: cram pack

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

New problemsBack to the course

In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.

1Practice problems

1.Human anatomyMedium

Where does the spinal cord normally end in an adult?

  1. AAt the coccyx
  2. BAt about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
  3. CAt about the level of T10
  4. DAt the level of the sacrum
2.Human anatomyHard

A tumour at the apex of the lung causes drooping of the eyelid, a small pupil and loss of sweating on the same side of the face. Which pathway is disrupted?

  1. AFacial nerve
  2. BOculomotor nerve
  3. CParasympathetic fibres of the vagus
  4. DCervical sympathetic chain
3.Human physiologyMedium

Which is a classic example of positive feedback in the body?

  1. AInsulin release after a meal
  2. BOxytocin release during labour
  3. CSweating when body temperature rises
  4. DADH release when plasma osmolality rises
4.Human physiologyHard

What is the main reason the ventricles do not contract at the same moment as the atria?

  1. AThe Purkinje fibres conduct slowly
  2. BThe ventricles have a longer refractory period only
  3. CConduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node
  4. DThe SA node fires twice per beat

2Solutions

1.Human anatomy

Answer: B · At about the level of vertebrae L1–L2

Why this is the answer

In adults the cord ends at the conus medullaris near L1–L2. Below that lies the cauda equina, which is why lumbar punctures are done at L3–L4 or L4–L5.

Answer

B · At about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
2.Human anatomy

Answer: D · Cervical sympathetic chain

Why this is the answer

This is Horner's syndrome: ptosis, miosis and anhidrosis from interruption of sympathetic fibres, here by an apical (Pancoast) tumour pressing on the sympathetic chain.

Answer

D · Cervical sympathetic chain
3.Human physiology

Answer: B · Oxytocin release during labour

Why this is the answer

Stretch of the cervix releases oxytocin, which strengthens contractions and causes more stretch. The loop ends with delivery. The other examples are negative feedback.

Answer

B · Oxytocin release during labour
4.Human physiology

Answer: C · Conduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node

Why this is the answer

The AV node conducts slowly (about 0.1 s delay), so atrial contraction completes ventricular filling before ventricular depolarisation begins.

Answer

C · Conduction is delayed at the atrioventricular node

ExamProblems · examproblems.com/courses/anatomy-and-physiology