uyton and Hall Textbook of Medical
Physiology 14th Edition by John E. Hall;
Michael E. Hall, Chapters 1 – 86
1. The resting membrane potential of a typical nerve cell is
approximately:
A) –90 mV B) –70 mV C) –55 mV D) +35 mV
Answer: B
Rationale: The resting membrane potential in large neurons is about
–70 mV, mainly due to the diffusion of potassium ions out of the
cell through leak channels.
2. The Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase pump transports:
A) 2 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in B) 3 Na⁺ out, 2 K⁺ in C) 2 Na⁺ out, 3 K⁺
in D) 3 Na⁺ in, 2 K⁺ out
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Answer: B
Rationale: The pump uses one ATP to move 3 sodium ions out and
2 potassium ions in, maintaining the concentration gradients.
3. The absolute refractory period of a neuron is due to:
A) Activation of potassium channels B) Inactivation of
voltage-gated sodium channels C) Opening of calcium channels
D) Closure of leak channels
Answer: B
Rationale: During the absolute refractory period, voltage-gated
sodium channels are inactivated and cannot reopen, preventing
another action potential.
4. Which of the following is an example of facilitated
diffusion?
A) Movement of O₂ across the alveolar membrane B) Glucose
transport into a muscle cell via GLUT4 C) Sodium-glucose
cotransport in the kidney D) Phagocytosis of bacteria
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Answer: B
Rationale: GLUT4 transports glucose down its concentration
gradient via a carrier protein without energy expenditure –
facilitated diffusion.
5. Second messengers include all of the following EXCEPT:
A) cAMP B) IP₃ C) DAG D) ATP
Answer: D
Rationale: ATP is an energy source, not a second messenger.
Common second messengers are cAMP, cGMP, IP₃, DAG, and
Ca²⁺.
6. Scenario: A patient is stung by a bee and develops widespread
vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and hypotension. Which
cell-derived mediator is primarily responsible?
A) Histamine B) Prostaglandin E₂ C) Leukotriene D₄ D)
Platelet-activating factor
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Answer: A
Rationale: Histamine released from mast cells causes arteriolar
dilation, increased capillary permeability, and bronchial smooth
muscle contraction – key in anaphylaxis.
7. The primary function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in
muscle cells is to:
A) Synthesize ATP B) Store calcium ions C) Transmit action
potentials D) Produce myosin filaments
Answer: B
Rationale: The sarcoplasmic reticulum sequesters Ca²⁺; release of
Ca²⁺ triggers muscle contraction.
8. Which of the following is a characteristic of smooth muscle?
A) Striated appearance B) Voluntary control C) Tonic
contraction without fatigue D) Presence of troponin