ANAT 260 | ANAT260 Exam 4: Anatomy - WCU
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which layer of the digestive tract wall contains the most blood vessels, lymphatics, and
nerves responsible for supplying the mucosa?
A. Serosa
B. Muscularis externa
C. Submucosa
D. Mucosa
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The submucosa is a layer of dense irregular connective tissue that supports the
mucosa. It contains larger blood vessels and lymphatic vessels which transport absorbed
nutrients. This layer also houses the submucosal plexus, which helps regulate glandular
secretions. It acts as a structural bridge between the innermost mucosa and the muscular
layers. Understanding this layer is vital for recognizing how the gut receives its nerve and
blood supply.
2. Which cells in the stomach are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and
intrinsic factor?
A. Chief cells
B. Mucous neck cells
C. Parietal cells
D. G cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parietal cells are primarily located in the gastric glands of the fundus and body
of the stomach. They produce hydrochloric acid to lower the pH, which activates digestive
enzymes and kills pathogens. Intrinsic factor is also secreted by these cells, which is
necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine. Without these secretions,
digestion and nutrient uptake would be severely compromised. These cells are distinctive
due to their large size and abundant mitochondria.
3. Which endocrine gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates
several other endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Pituitary gland
,C. Adrenal gland
D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It
produces various hormones that stimulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. While it
is regulated by the hypothalamus, its broad systemic influence earns it the ‘master gland’
title. It is divided into the anterior adenohypophysis and the posterior neurohypophysis.
Each part of the gland has distinct embryonic origins and functional roles.
4. In the nephron, where does the majority of water and nutrient reabsorption occur?
A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is the first segment of the renal tubule
following the glomerular capsule. It is lined with simple cuboidal epithelium featuring a
prominent brush border of microvilli. This structural adaptation maximizes the surface
area for the reabsorption of water, glucose, and ions. Roughly 65 percent of the glomerular
filtrate is reabsorbed here back into the blood. This process is essential for maintaining
fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
5. What is the primary site of sperm maturation and storage within the male reproductive
system?
A. Epididymis
B. Testes
C. Seminal vesicles
D. Prostate gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis.
Immature sperm cells travel from the seminiferous tubules to this structure to complete
their development. During their stay, sperm gain the ability to swim and eventually fertilize
an egg. It serves as a storage site until the sperm are expelled during ejaculation. This
maturation process typically takes several weeks to complete fully.
, 6. Which hormone produced by the anterior pituitary stimulates the development of ovarian
follicles in females and sperm production in males?
A. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
B. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
C. Growth hormone (GH)
D. Prolactin (PRL)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin released by the
adenohypophysis. In females, it promotes the growth of follicles and the secretion of
estrogens by the ovaries. In males, it acts on the sustentacular cells to stimulate
spermatogenesis in the testes. Its release is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) from the hypothalamus. FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle to
coordinate reproductive functions.
7. Which part of the urinary system is lined with transitional epithelium to allow for
significant stretching?
A. Urinary bladder
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Renal corpuscle
D. Urethra (distal end)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that serves as a reservoir for
urine. Its inner lining consists of transitional epithelium, which can change shape as the
bladder fills. When empty, the cells appear cuboidal, but they flatten out as the bladder
expands. This specialized tissue prevents the leakage of urine into surrounding tissues
during distension. It is also found in the ureters and part of the renal pelvis.
8. What is the function of the gallbladder in the digestive system?
A. To produce bile
B. To digest proteins
C. To secrete insulin
D. To store and concentrate bile
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located in a depression on the posterior
surface of the liver. It does not produce bile itself; instead, it receives bile from the liver via
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which layer of the digestive tract wall contains the most blood vessels, lymphatics, and
nerves responsible for supplying the mucosa?
A. Serosa
B. Muscularis externa
C. Submucosa
D. Mucosa
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The submucosa is a layer of dense irregular connective tissue that supports the
mucosa. It contains larger blood vessels and lymphatic vessels which transport absorbed
nutrients. This layer also houses the submucosal plexus, which helps regulate glandular
secretions. It acts as a structural bridge between the innermost mucosa and the muscular
layers. Understanding this layer is vital for recognizing how the gut receives its nerve and
blood supply.
2. Which cells in the stomach are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and
intrinsic factor?
A. Chief cells
B. Mucous neck cells
C. Parietal cells
D. G cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parietal cells are primarily located in the gastric glands of the fundus and body
of the stomach. They produce hydrochloric acid to lower the pH, which activates digestive
enzymes and kills pathogens. Intrinsic factor is also secreted by these cells, which is
necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine. Without these secretions,
digestion and nutrient uptake would be severely compromised. These cells are distinctive
due to their large size and abundant mitochondria.
3. Which endocrine gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates
several other endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Pituitary gland
,C. Adrenal gland
D. Pancreas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It
produces various hormones that stimulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. While it
is regulated by the hypothalamus, its broad systemic influence earns it the ‘master gland’
title. It is divided into the anterior adenohypophysis and the posterior neurohypophysis.
Each part of the gland has distinct embryonic origins and functional roles.
4. In the nephron, where does the majority of water and nutrient reabsorption occur?
A. Proximal convoluted tubule
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
D. Collecting duct
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is the first segment of the renal tubule
following the glomerular capsule. It is lined with simple cuboidal epithelium featuring a
prominent brush border of microvilli. This structural adaptation maximizes the surface
area for the reabsorption of water, glucose, and ions. Roughly 65 percent of the glomerular
filtrate is reabsorbed here back into the blood. This process is essential for maintaining
fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
5. What is the primary site of sperm maturation and storage within the male reproductive
system?
A. Epididymis
B. Testes
C. Seminal vesicles
D. Prostate gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the posterior surface of each testis.
Immature sperm cells travel from the seminiferous tubules to this structure to complete
their development. During their stay, sperm gain the ability to swim and eventually fertilize
an egg. It serves as a storage site until the sperm are expelled during ejaculation. This
maturation process typically takes several weeks to complete fully.
, 6. Which hormone produced by the anterior pituitary stimulates the development of ovarian
follicles in females and sperm production in males?
A. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
B. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
C. Growth hormone (GH)
D. Prolactin (PRL)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin released by the
adenohypophysis. In females, it promotes the growth of follicles and the secretion of
estrogens by the ovaries. In males, it acts on the sustentacular cells to stimulate
spermatogenesis in the testes. Its release is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) from the hypothalamus. FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle to
coordinate reproductive functions.
7. Which part of the urinary system is lined with transitional epithelium to allow for
significant stretching?
A. Urinary bladder
B. Proximal convoluted tubule
C. Renal corpuscle
D. Urethra (distal end)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that serves as a reservoir for
urine. Its inner lining consists of transitional epithelium, which can change shape as the
bladder fills. When empty, the cells appear cuboidal, but they flatten out as the bladder
expands. This specialized tissue prevents the leakage of urine into surrounding tissues
during distension. It is also found in the ureters and part of the renal pelvis.
8. What is the function of the gallbladder in the digestive system?
A. To produce bile
B. To digest proteins
C. To secrete insulin
D. To store and concentrate bile
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located in a depression on the posterior
surface of the liver. It does not produce bile itself; instead, it receives bile from the liver via
