NCCAOM-BIOMEDICINE 2026
196 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND
ORIENTAL MEDICINE
BIOMEDICINE MODULE EXAMINATION | COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW |
VERIFIED
INTRODUCTION .
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for acupuncture and Oriental medicine
candidates preparing for the NCCAOM Biomedicine Module Exam for the 2026 testing cycle. The
Biomedicine module assesses knowledge of Western medicine, including anatomy, physiology,
pathology, physical examination, diagnostic testing, pharmacology, clinical medicine, emergency
medicine, and research methods.
Exam Information:
Certifying Body: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM)
Exam: Biomedicine Module
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice (4 options)
Content Outline: Anatomy & Physiology (10%), Pathology (15%), Physical Exam & History Taking
(15%), Diagnostic Tests (10%), Pharmacology (15%), Clinical Medicine (20%), Emergency
Medicine & Red Flags (10%), Research Methods (5%)
Question Types: Single best answer (90%), Select-All-That-Apply (10%)
Cognitive Levels: Recall (30%), Application (50%), Analysis (20%)
Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology (Questions 1-30)
Q1. The cranial nerve responsible for both sensory innervation of the face and motor
innervation of the muscles of mastication is the:
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Trigeminal nerve (CN V) [CORRECT]
,C. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Rationale: CN V (Trigeminal) has three divisions: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and
mandibular (V3). V3 provides motor innervation to muscles of mastication (masseter,
temporalis, pterygoids) while all three divisions provide sensory innervation to the face. CN VII
controls facial expression muscles, not mastication.
Q2. The chamber of the heart that pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the:
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle [CORRECT]
Rationale: The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary valve into the
pulmonary arteries to the lungs. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the systemic
circulation via the aorta. The right atrium receives venous return but does not pump to the
lungs directly.
Q3. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration and urine formation is the:
A. Glomerulus
B. Nephron [CORRECT]
C. Renal corpuscle
D. Loop of Henle
Rationale: The nephron is the complete functional unit including the renal corpuscle
(glomerulus + Bowman's capsule) and the renal tubule (proximal, loop of Henle, distal,
collecting duct). While the glomerulus filters blood, the entire nephron performs the integrated
functions of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Q4. A patient has a herniated disc at L4-L5 with compression of the L5 nerve root. Which motor
deficit would be expected on physical examination?
A. Weakness of knee extension (L3-L4)
B. Weakness of great toe extension (L5) [CORRECT]
C. Absent ankle reflex (S1)
,D. Hip flexion weakness (L1-L2)
Rationale: The L5 nerve root innervates the extensor hallucis longus (great toe extension). L4
affects knee extension and patellar reflex (L3-L4). S1 affects ankle plantar flexion and Achilles
reflex. This is critical for acupuncturists to recognize radiculopathy patterns.
Q5. Which structure carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
A. Superior vena cava
B. Pulmonary artery
C. Pulmonary vein [CORRECT]
D. Coronary sinus
Rationale: The pulmonary veins (typically four) carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left
atrium. This is the only exception to the rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood and veins
carry deoxygenated blood. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Q6. The neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction by motor neurons is:
A. Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Acetylcholine [CORRECT]
D. GABA
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released by alpha motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction,
binding to nicotinic receptors on muscle fibers to cause depolarization and contraction. This is
fundamental to understanding muscle physiology and neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia
gravis.
Q7. Which dermatome corresponds to the nipple level?
A. T4
B. T4 [CORRECT] (Note: Both A and B are T4 - correct answer is T4)
C. T6
D. T10
Rationale: Key dermatomal landmarks: C5 (lateral arm), C6 (thumb), C7 (middle finger), C8 (little
finger), T4 (nipple), T7 (xiphoid), T10 (umbilicus), L1 (groin), L4 (medial leg), L5 (great toe), S1
(lateral foot/little toe). Essential for sensory examination.
, Q8. The blood-brain barrier is formed primarily by:
A. Astrocytes
B. Tight junctions between capillary endothelial cells [CORRECT]
C. Oligodendrocytes
D. Microglia
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier consists of tight junctions (zonulae occludentes) between
capillary endothelial cells, preventing passive diffusion of substances from blood to brain tissue.
Astrocytes (foot processes) provide metabolic support but do not form the barrier itself.
Q9. In the cardiac conduction system, which structure has the slowest intrinsic rate of
automaticity?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) node (60-100 bpm)
B. Atrioventricular (AV) node (40-60 bpm)
C. Purkinje fibers (20-40 bpm) [CORRECT]
D. Bundle of His (40-60 bpm)
Rationale: The SA node is the normal pacemaker (60-100 bpm). The AV node and Bundle of His
have intermediate rates (40-60 bpm). Purkinje fibers have the slowest intrinsic rate (20-40 bpm)
and serve as escape pacemakers if higher pacemakers fail.
Q10. Which hormone is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans?
A. Glucagon
B. Insulin [CORRECT]
C. Somatostatin
D. Pancreatic polypeptide
Rationale: Beta cells produce insulin (lowers blood glucose). Alpha cells produce glucagon
(raises blood glucose). Delta cells produce somatostatin. PP cells produce pancreatic
polypeptide. Understanding endocrine physiology is essential for diabetes management in
acupuncture practice.
Q11. Select all that apply: Which of the following structures are part of the central nervous
system (CNS)?
A. Brain [CORRECT]
196 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMMISSION FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND
ORIENTAL MEDICINE
BIOMEDICINE MODULE EXAMINATION | COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW |
VERIFIED
INTRODUCTION .
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for acupuncture and Oriental medicine
candidates preparing for the NCCAOM Biomedicine Module Exam for the 2026 testing cycle. The
Biomedicine module assesses knowledge of Western medicine, including anatomy, physiology,
pathology, physical examination, diagnostic testing, pharmacology, clinical medicine, emergency
medicine, and research methods.
Exam Information:
Certifying Body: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM)
Exam: Biomedicine Module
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice (4 options)
Content Outline: Anatomy & Physiology (10%), Pathology (15%), Physical Exam & History Taking
(15%), Diagnostic Tests (10%), Pharmacology (15%), Clinical Medicine (20%), Emergency
Medicine & Red Flags (10%), Research Methods (5%)
Question Types: Single best answer (90%), Select-All-That-Apply (10%)
Cognitive Levels: Recall (30%), Application (50%), Analysis (20%)
Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology (Questions 1-30)
Q1. The cranial nerve responsible for both sensory innervation of the face and motor
innervation of the muscles of mastication is the:
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Trigeminal nerve (CN V) [CORRECT]
,C. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Rationale: CN V (Trigeminal) has three divisions: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and
mandibular (V3). V3 provides motor innervation to muscles of mastication (masseter,
temporalis, pterygoids) while all three divisions provide sensory innervation to the face. CN VII
controls facial expression muscles, not mastication.
Q2. The chamber of the heart that pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs is the:
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle [CORRECT]
Rationale: The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood through the pulmonary valve into the
pulmonary arteries to the lungs. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the systemic
circulation via the aorta. The right atrium receives venous return but does not pump to the
lungs directly.
Q3. The functional unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration and urine formation is the:
A. Glomerulus
B. Nephron [CORRECT]
C. Renal corpuscle
D. Loop of Henle
Rationale: The nephron is the complete functional unit including the renal corpuscle
(glomerulus + Bowman's capsule) and the renal tubule (proximal, loop of Henle, distal,
collecting duct). While the glomerulus filters blood, the entire nephron performs the integrated
functions of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
Q4. A patient has a herniated disc at L4-L5 with compression of the L5 nerve root. Which motor
deficit would be expected on physical examination?
A. Weakness of knee extension (L3-L4)
B. Weakness of great toe extension (L5) [CORRECT]
C. Absent ankle reflex (S1)
,D. Hip flexion weakness (L1-L2)
Rationale: The L5 nerve root innervates the extensor hallucis longus (great toe extension). L4
affects knee extension and patellar reflex (L3-L4). S1 affects ankle plantar flexion and Achilles
reflex. This is critical for acupuncturists to recognize radiculopathy patterns.
Q5. Which structure carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
A. Superior vena cava
B. Pulmonary artery
C. Pulmonary vein [CORRECT]
D. Coronary sinus
Rationale: The pulmonary veins (typically four) carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left
atrium. This is the only exception to the rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood and veins
carry deoxygenated blood. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Q6. The neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction by motor neurons is:
A. Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Acetylcholine [CORRECT]
D. GABA
Rationale: Acetylcholine is released by alpha motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction,
binding to nicotinic receptors on muscle fibers to cause depolarization and contraction. This is
fundamental to understanding muscle physiology and neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia
gravis.
Q7. Which dermatome corresponds to the nipple level?
A. T4
B. T4 [CORRECT] (Note: Both A and B are T4 - correct answer is T4)
C. T6
D. T10
Rationale: Key dermatomal landmarks: C5 (lateral arm), C6 (thumb), C7 (middle finger), C8 (little
finger), T4 (nipple), T7 (xiphoid), T10 (umbilicus), L1 (groin), L4 (medial leg), L5 (great toe), S1
(lateral foot/little toe). Essential for sensory examination.
, Q8. The blood-brain barrier is formed primarily by:
A. Astrocytes
B. Tight junctions between capillary endothelial cells [CORRECT]
C. Oligodendrocytes
D. Microglia
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier consists of tight junctions (zonulae occludentes) between
capillary endothelial cells, preventing passive diffusion of substances from blood to brain tissue.
Astrocytes (foot processes) provide metabolic support but do not form the barrier itself.
Q9. In the cardiac conduction system, which structure has the slowest intrinsic rate of
automaticity?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) node (60-100 bpm)
B. Atrioventricular (AV) node (40-60 bpm)
C. Purkinje fibers (20-40 bpm) [CORRECT]
D. Bundle of His (40-60 bpm)
Rationale: The SA node is the normal pacemaker (60-100 bpm). The AV node and Bundle of His
have intermediate rates (40-60 bpm). Purkinje fibers have the slowest intrinsic rate (20-40 bpm)
and serve as escape pacemakers if higher pacemakers fail.
Q10. Which hormone is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans?
A. Glucagon
B. Insulin [CORRECT]
C. Somatostatin
D. Pancreatic polypeptide
Rationale: Beta cells produce insulin (lowers blood glucose). Alpha cells produce glucagon
(raises blood glucose). Delta cells produce somatostatin. PP cells produce pancreatic
polypeptide. Understanding endocrine physiology is essential for diabetes management in
acupuncture practice.
Q11. Select all that apply: Which of the following structures are part of the central nervous
system (CNS)?
A. Brain [CORRECT]
