Chamberlain University
LANIF • 242 SOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
J O U R N E Y T O E X T R A O R D I N A R Y CO M PA S S I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 1889
BIOS 242 — Final Examination (2025)
F U N D A M E N TA LS O F A N ATO M Y & P H YS I O LO G Y — V E R I F I E D Q U E ST I O N S & A N S W E R S | G R A D E D A +
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Final Examination – Comprehensive A&P TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
STATUS 100% Verified Answers — Graded A+ FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ This comprehensive final examination covers: Nervous System (neurons, CNS/PNS, reflexes, special senses), Endocrine System, Immune/Lymphatic System, Digestive System, Renal
System, Fluid/Electrolyte Balance, and Reproductive System.
▸ All questions and answers are 100% verified from the BIOS 242 Final Exam (2025).
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question.
▸ All content reflects Chamberlain University BIOS 242 course competencies.
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL — NERVOUS, ENDOCRINE, IMMUNE, DIGESTIVE, RENAL & REPRODUCTIVE Questions 1 – 50
1. The threshold of a neuron is the:
A. Resting membrane potential of -70mV
B. Maximum firing rate of the neuron
C. Minimum voltage needed to open voltage-gated sodium channels
D. Total amount of neurotransmitter it takes to cause an action potential
CORRECT ANSWER D — Total amount of neurotransmitter it takes to cause an action potential
RATIONALE The threshold is the level of depolarization (typically around -55mV) at which sufficient voltage-gated sodium channels open to trigger an action potential. In
synaptic terms, it represents the cumulative neurotransmitter effect needed to reach this critical firing level. Option A is the resting potential, not threshold.
2. Cerebrospinal fluid normally circulates in the:
A. Epidural space
B. Subdural space
C. Subarachnoid space
D. Central canal only
CORRECT ANSWER C — Subarachnoid space
RATIONALE CSF circulates through the subarachnoid space—the area between the arachnoid mater and pia mater surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is produced by
choroid plexuses in the ventricles. The epidural space (A) contains fat and blood vessels. The subdural space (B) is a potential space.
3. The part of a spinal nerve that contains only efferent fibers is the:
A. Dorsal root
B. Ventral root
C. Dorsal ramus
D. Spinal nerve proper
CORRECT ANSWER B — Ventral root
RATIONALE The ventral (anterior) root contains only efferent (motor) fibers carrying impulses from the CNS to effectors. The dorsal root (A) contains only afferent (sensory)
fibers. The spinal nerve proper (D) contains both sensory and motor fibers. Efferent neurons transmit impulses from the CNS to effectors.
4. The highly vascular, innermost layer of the meninges is the:
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Ependyma
CORRECT ANSWER C — Pia mater
RATIONALE The pia mater is the delicate, highly vascular innermost meningeal layer that adheres directly to the brain and spinal cord surface. The dura mater (A) is the tough
outer layer. The arachnoid mater (B) is the middle web-like layer. The ependyma (D) lines the ventricles.
, 5. Oligodendrocytes are neuroglia in the CNS that:
A. Form the blood-brain barrier
B. Produce the myelin sheath
C. Phagocytize debris
D. Line the ventricles
CORRECT ANSWER B — Produce the myelin sheath
RATIONALE Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the CNS—one oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axons. Schwann cells perform the same function in the PNS
(A—but for PNS only). Astrocytes (not listed) form the blood-brain barrier. Microglia (C) are phagocytic. Ependymal cells (D) line ventricles.
6. Nissl bodies are:
A. Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter
B. Clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cell body
C. Mitochondria concentrated at the axon hillock
D. Golgi complexes producing myelin
CORRECT ANSWER B — Clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cell body
RATIONALE Nissl bodies (chromatophilic substance) are stacks of rough ER in the neuron cell body, responsible for protein synthesis. Following peripheral nerve injury,
chromatolysis (breakup of Nissl bodies) occurs as the neuron shifts to repair mode. They are not synaptic vesicles (A) or mitochondria (C).
7. The term saltatory conduction refers to:
A. "Leaping" of an action potential across a synapse
B. Propagation of an action potential along myelinated axons, jumping from node to node
C. Conduction of impulses in unmyelinated fibers
D. Transmission at the neuromuscular junction
CORRECT ANSWER B — Propagation of an action potential along myelinated axons, jumping from node to node
RATIONALE Saltatory conduction (from Latin "saltare"—to leap) describes action potential propagation in myelinated fibers where depolarization jumps from one node of
Ranvier to the next. This is faster and more energy-efficient than continuous conduction in unmyelinated fibers (C). It does not refer to synaptic transmission (A).
8. The spinothalamic tracts convey:
A. Motor impulses for voluntary skeletal muscle movement
B. Sensory impulses regarding pain, temperature, and crude touch
C. Sensory impulses regarding discriminative touch
D. Proprioceptive information to the cerebellum
CORRECT ANSWER B — Sensory impulses regarding pain, temperature, and crude touch
RATIONALE The spinothalamic (anterolateral) tracts carry pain, temperature, and crude touch sensations. The posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (C) carries
discriminative touch, vibration, and proprioception. The corticospinal tracts (A) are motor pathways. Spinocerebellar tracts carry proprioception.
9. Voluntary skeletal muscle movements are stimulated via the:
A. Spinothalamic tracts
B. Dorsal column pathways
C. Corticospinal tracts
D. Spinocerebellar tracts
CORRECT ANSWER C — Corticospinal tracts
RATIONALE The corticospinal (pyramidal) tracts are descending motor pathways that control voluntary, skilled skeletal muscle movements. They originate in the primary
motor cortex (precentral gyrus). The spinothalamic tracts (A) and dorsal columns (B) are ascending sensory pathways. Spinocerebellar tracts (D) carry unconscious
proprioception.
10. The contralateral reflex that helps maintain balance when the flexor (withdrawal) reflex is initiated is the:
A. Stretch reflex
B. Tendon reflex
C. Crossed extensor reflex
D. Patellar reflex
CORRECT ANSWER C — Crossed extensor reflex
RATIONALE The crossed extensor reflex occurs simultaneously with the flexor (withdrawal) reflex: while the injured limb flexes to withdraw, the contralateral limb extends to
support body weight and maintain balance. This is a polysynaptic spinal reflex. The patellar reflex (D) is a monosynaptic stretch reflex.
11. Fine control of body coordination and balance is a function of the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Thalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Corpus callosum
CORRECT ANSWER A — Cerebellum
RATIONALE The cerebellum coordinates fine motor control, balance, posture, and motor learning. It compares intended movement (from motor cortex) with actual movement
(proprioceptive feedback) and makes corrective adjustments. The thalamus (B) is a sensory relay. The medulla (C) controls vital functions.
LANIF • 242 SOIB
★ ★
C College of Nursing & Public Health
J O U R N E Y T O E X T R A O R D I N A R Y CO M PA S S I O N AT E C A R E
EST. 1889
BIOS 242 — Final Examination (2025)
F U N D A M E N TA LS O F A N ATO M Y & P H YS I O LO G Y — V E R I F I E D Q U E ST I O N S & A N S W E R S | G R A D E D A +
INSTITUTION Chamberlain University COURSE CODE BIOS 242
PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) ACADEMIC YEAR
EXAM TITLE Final Examination – Comprehensive A&P TOTAL QUESTIONS 50 Questions
STATUS 100% Verified Answers — Graded A+ FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best Answer
EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each multiple-choice question.
▸ This comprehensive final examination covers: Nervous System (neurons, CNS/PNS, reflexes, special senses), Endocrine System, Immune/Lymphatic System, Digestive System, Renal
System, Fluid/Electrolyte Balance, and Reproductive System.
▸ All questions and answers are 100% verified from the BIOS 242 Final Exam (2025).
▸ Correct answers and detailed rationales appear below each question.
▸ All content reflects Chamberlain University BIOS 242 course competencies.
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL — NERVOUS, ENDOCRINE, IMMUNE, DIGESTIVE, RENAL & REPRODUCTIVE Questions 1 – 50
1. The threshold of a neuron is the:
A. Resting membrane potential of -70mV
B. Maximum firing rate of the neuron
C. Minimum voltage needed to open voltage-gated sodium channels
D. Total amount of neurotransmitter it takes to cause an action potential
CORRECT ANSWER D — Total amount of neurotransmitter it takes to cause an action potential
RATIONALE The threshold is the level of depolarization (typically around -55mV) at which sufficient voltage-gated sodium channels open to trigger an action potential. In
synaptic terms, it represents the cumulative neurotransmitter effect needed to reach this critical firing level. Option A is the resting potential, not threshold.
2. Cerebrospinal fluid normally circulates in the:
A. Epidural space
B. Subdural space
C. Subarachnoid space
D. Central canal only
CORRECT ANSWER C — Subarachnoid space
RATIONALE CSF circulates through the subarachnoid space—the area between the arachnoid mater and pia mater surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is produced by
choroid plexuses in the ventricles. The epidural space (A) contains fat and blood vessels. The subdural space (B) is a potential space.
3. The part of a spinal nerve that contains only efferent fibers is the:
A. Dorsal root
B. Ventral root
C. Dorsal ramus
D. Spinal nerve proper
CORRECT ANSWER B — Ventral root
RATIONALE The ventral (anterior) root contains only efferent (motor) fibers carrying impulses from the CNS to effectors. The dorsal root (A) contains only afferent (sensory)
fibers. The spinal nerve proper (D) contains both sensory and motor fibers. Efferent neurons transmit impulses from the CNS to effectors.
4. The highly vascular, innermost layer of the meninges is the:
A. Dura mater
B. Arachnoid mater
C. Pia mater
D. Ependyma
CORRECT ANSWER C — Pia mater
RATIONALE The pia mater is the delicate, highly vascular innermost meningeal layer that adheres directly to the brain and spinal cord surface. The dura mater (A) is the tough
outer layer. The arachnoid mater (B) is the middle web-like layer. The ependyma (D) lines the ventricles.
, 5. Oligodendrocytes are neuroglia in the CNS that:
A. Form the blood-brain barrier
B. Produce the myelin sheath
C. Phagocytize debris
D. Line the ventricles
CORRECT ANSWER B — Produce the myelin sheath
RATIONALE Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the CNS—one oligodendrocyte can myelinate multiple axons. Schwann cells perform the same function in the PNS
(A—but for PNS only). Astrocytes (not listed) form the blood-brain barrier. Microglia (C) are phagocytic. Ependymal cells (D) line ventricles.
6. Nissl bodies are:
A. Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter
B. Clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cell body
C. Mitochondria concentrated at the axon hillock
D. Golgi complexes producing myelin
CORRECT ANSWER B — Clusters of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cell body
RATIONALE Nissl bodies (chromatophilic substance) are stacks of rough ER in the neuron cell body, responsible for protein synthesis. Following peripheral nerve injury,
chromatolysis (breakup of Nissl bodies) occurs as the neuron shifts to repair mode. They are not synaptic vesicles (A) or mitochondria (C).
7. The term saltatory conduction refers to:
A. "Leaping" of an action potential across a synapse
B. Propagation of an action potential along myelinated axons, jumping from node to node
C. Conduction of impulses in unmyelinated fibers
D. Transmission at the neuromuscular junction
CORRECT ANSWER B — Propagation of an action potential along myelinated axons, jumping from node to node
RATIONALE Saltatory conduction (from Latin "saltare"—to leap) describes action potential propagation in myelinated fibers where depolarization jumps from one node of
Ranvier to the next. This is faster and more energy-efficient than continuous conduction in unmyelinated fibers (C). It does not refer to synaptic transmission (A).
8. The spinothalamic tracts convey:
A. Motor impulses for voluntary skeletal muscle movement
B. Sensory impulses regarding pain, temperature, and crude touch
C. Sensory impulses regarding discriminative touch
D. Proprioceptive information to the cerebellum
CORRECT ANSWER B — Sensory impulses regarding pain, temperature, and crude touch
RATIONALE The spinothalamic (anterolateral) tracts carry pain, temperature, and crude touch sensations. The posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (C) carries
discriminative touch, vibration, and proprioception. The corticospinal tracts (A) are motor pathways. Spinocerebellar tracts carry proprioception.
9. Voluntary skeletal muscle movements are stimulated via the:
A. Spinothalamic tracts
B. Dorsal column pathways
C. Corticospinal tracts
D. Spinocerebellar tracts
CORRECT ANSWER C — Corticospinal tracts
RATIONALE The corticospinal (pyramidal) tracts are descending motor pathways that control voluntary, skilled skeletal muscle movements. They originate in the primary
motor cortex (precentral gyrus). The spinothalamic tracts (A) and dorsal columns (B) are ascending sensory pathways. Spinocerebellar tracts (D) carry unconscious
proprioception.
10. The contralateral reflex that helps maintain balance when the flexor (withdrawal) reflex is initiated is the:
A. Stretch reflex
B. Tendon reflex
C. Crossed extensor reflex
D. Patellar reflex
CORRECT ANSWER C — Crossed extensor reflex
RATIONALE The crossed extensor reflex occurs simultaneously with the flexor (withdrawal) reflex: while the injured limb flexes to withdraw, the contralateral limb extends to
support body weight and maintain balance. This is a polysynaptic spinal reflex. The patellar reflex (D) is a monosynaptic stretch reflex.
11. Fine control of body coordination and balance is a function of the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Thalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Corpus callosum
CORRECT ANSWER A — Cerebellum
RATIONALE The cerebellum coordinates fine motor control, balance, posture, and motor learning. It compares intended movement (from motor cortex) with actual movement
(proprioceptive feedback) and makes corrective adjustments. The thalamus (B) is a sensory relay. The medulla (C) controls vital functions.
