Human physiology worksheet with answers

Free printable Human physiology worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is the normal resting breathing rate of a healthy adult?

  1. AAbout 12 to 20 breaths per minute
  2. BAbout 4 to 8 breaths per minute
  3. CAbout 40 to 60 breaths per minute
  4. DAbout 25 to 35 breaths per minute
2.Easy

What is stroke volume?

  1. AThe volume of blood ejected by a ventricle in one beat
  2. BThe volume of blood in a ventricle at the end of filling
  3. CThe volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute
  4. DThe volume of blood left in a ventricle after contraction
3.Easy

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

  1. AMedulla oblongata
  2. BCerebellum
  3. COccipital lobe
  4. DHypothalamus
4.Medium

What is the main effect of aldosterone on the kidney?

  1. AIncreased filtration in the glomerulus
  2. BSodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
  3. CGlucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule
  4. DWater reabsorption by inserting aquaporins only
5.Medium

What is the main function of pulmonary surfactant?

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

Vital capacity is the sum of which lung volumes?

  1. ATidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume
  2. BTidal volume and residual volume
  3. CResidual volume and expiratory reserve volume
  4. DInspiratory reserve volume and residual volume
7.Hard

Why does a deep sea diver risk decompression sickness when surfacing quickly?

  1. AOxygen becomes toxic at the surface
  2. BCarbon dioxide cannot leave the lungs fast enough
  3. CThe lungs collapse when the pressure falls
  4. DNitrogen dissolved at high pressure forms bubbles as the pressure falls
8.Hard

During exercise, blood flow to active skeletal muscle rises greatly. What is the main cause?

  1. ALocal metabolites such as CO₂, H⁺, K⁺ and adenosine dilate the arterioles
  2. BThe heart pumps blood only to the muscles
  3. CThe parasympathetic system dilates all arteries
  4. DSympathetic stimulation constricts the muscle arterioles via alpha receptors

Answer key

  1. 1. A · About 12 to 20 breaths per minute
  2. 2. A · The volume of blood ejected by a ventricle in one beat
  3. 3. D · Hypothalamus
  4. 4. B · Sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal nephron
  5. 5. D · To reduce surface tension in the alveoli
  6. 6. A · Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume
  7. 7. D · Nitrogen dissolved at high pressure forms bubbles as the pressure falls
  8. 8. A · Local metabolites such as CO₂, H⁺, K⁺ and adenosine dilate the arterioles

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