Human physiology worksheet with answers

Which part of the brain regulates body temperature, hunger and thirst?

1. AOccipital lobe
2. BCerebellum
3. CMedulla oblongata
4. DHypothalamus

Which hormones are the main regulators of the body's basal metabolic rate?

1. AOestrogen and progesterone (ovarian steroids)
2. BThyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
3. CInsulin and glucagon
4. DMelatonin and serotonin

Which hormone, made mainly by the kidneys, stimulates red blood cell production?

1. AThrombopoietin
2. BAldosterone
3. CRenin
4. DErythropoietin

What is the main function of pulmonary surfactant?

1. ATo carry oxygen across the alveolar wall
2. BTo reduce surface tension in the alveoli
3. CTo kill bacteria in the airways
4. DTo trap dust in the bronchi

The Frank–Starling mechanism describes that:

1. AHeart rate rises when arterial blood pressure falls suddenly
2. BContractility falls when temperature rises
3. CStroke volume rises when ventricular filling increases
4. DThe atria contract after the ventricles

How does glucagon raise blood glucose?

1. AIt blocks insulin receptors on fat cells
2. BIt slows glucose absorption from the gut
3. CIt stimulates glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver
4. DIt stimulates glucose uptake by muscle

Which adaptation develops over days to weeks at high altitude?

1. AIncreased renal bicarbonate retention
2. BHigher erythropoietin levels and more red blood cells
3. CLower ventilation to save oxygen
4. DA fall in haematocrit

At the start of a fever, a patient shivers and feels cold even though body temperature is rising. Why?

1. ASweating has already cooled the body too much
2. BPyrogens raise the hypothalamic set point above the current body temperature
3. CThe thermoreceptors in the skin are destroyed
4. DThe body has lost its ability to produce heat