1.Human anatomyMedium
Where does the spinal cord normally end in an adult?
- AAt the coccyx
- BAt about the level of vertebrae L1–L2
- CAt the level of the sacrum
- DAt about the level of T10
Anatomy and Physiology: cram pack
Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 4 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.
1Practice problems
2.Human anatomyHard
During a lumbar puncture, which ligament is the last one pierced before the needle enters the epidural space?
- ALigamentum flavum
- BPosterior longitudinal ligament
- CSupraspinous ligament
- DInterspinous ligament
3.Human physiologyMedium
Which receptor is stimulated when the patellar tendon is tapped in the knee-jerk reflex?
- ANociceptor
- BGolgi tendon organ
- CMuscle spindle
- DPacinian corpuscle
4.Human physiologyHard
A patient hyperventilating during a panic attack has tingling fingers. What would the arterial blood gas most likely show?
- ALow pH and high PaCO₂
- BLow pH and low bicarbonate
- CHigh pH and high bicarbonate
- DHigh pH and low PaCO₂
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: A · Ligamentum flavum
Why this is the answer
The needle passes skin, supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, then ligamentum flavum into the epidural space, then dura and arachnoid into the subarachnoid space.
Answer
A · Ligamentum flavum
3.Human physiology
Answer: C · Muscle spindle
Why this is the answer
Tapping the tendon stretches quadriceps muscle spindles. Their afferents synapse directly on motor neurons in a monosynaptic reflex that contracts the muscle.
Answer
C · Muscle spindle
4.Human physiology
Answer: D · High pH and low PaCO₂
Why this is the answer
Hyperventilation blows off CO₂ and causes acute respiratory alkalosis. Alkalosis increases calcium binding to albumin, lowering ionised calcium and causing tingling.
Answer
D · High pH and low PaCO₂
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