BIOL 252 | BIOL252 Final Exam: Human Anatomy
& Physiology II with Lab Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with high blood calcium levels; which hormone is likely being
overproduced?
A. Calcitonin
B. Aldosterone
C. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone is secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to
low blood calcium. It acts by stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone matrix and release
calcium into the blood. Additionally, PTH increases calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
and activates vitamin D. Overproduction leads to hypercalcemia, which can weaken bones
and cause kidney stones. Calcitonin would instead work to lower blood calcium levels.
2. During the cardiac cycle, when the ventricles contract, which valves are forced shut?
A. Aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves
B. Pulmonary and mitral valves
C. Mitral and tricuspid valves
D. Tricuspid and aortic valves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The mitral and tricuspid valves are collectively known as the atrioventricular
(AV) valves. When the ventricles begin to contract during systole, intraventricular pressure
rises sharply. This pressure forces the AV valves to snap shut to prevent backflow into the
atria. This closure corresponds to the first heart sound, often described as ‘lub’.
Simultaneously, the semilunar valves open to allow blood to exit the heart.
3. Which of the following describes the correct path of air during inhalation?
A. Trachea, Larynx, Pharynx, Alveoli, Bronchi
B. Larynx, Pharynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Alveoli
C. Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Alveoli
,D. Pharynx, Trachea, Larynx, Alveoli, Bronchi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Air enters the respiratory system through the nasal or oral cavity and passes
into the pharynx. It then travels through the larynx, which contains the vocal cords, and
into the trachea. From the trachea, air moves into the primary bronchi and eventually into
the smaller bronchioles. Finally, the air reaches the alveoli where gas exchange occurs with
the blood. This specific sequence ensures air is filtered, warmed, and moistened before
reaching the lungs.
4. What is the primary function of the Loop of Henle in the nephron?
A. Filtration of large proteins
B. Establishment of a concentration gradient in the medulla
C. Reabsorption of all glucose
D. Secretory removal of drugs and toxins
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Loop of Henle plays a critical role in the countercurrent multiplier
system within the kidney. Its primary function is to create a high osmotic pressure in the
interstitial fluid of the renal medulla. The descending limb is permeable to water, while the
ascending limb actively pumps out sodium and chloride. This gradient allows the collecting
ducts to reabsorb water and concentrate urine. Without this mechanism, the body would
lose excessive amounts of water.
5. A person with Type A+ blood can safely receive a transfusion from which donor?
A. Type B+
B. Type O+
C. Type AB+
D. Type AB-
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type O blood is known as the universal donor because it lacks A and B
antigens on the red blood cell surface. Since the recipient is A+, they have A antigens and
Rh antigens, but they possess anti-B antibodies. Type O+ blood will not trigger an immune
response because it does not carry B antigens. Type AB blood would cause a reaction
because it contains the B antigen. Therefore, O+ is a safe and compatible choice for an A+
recipient.
6. Which enzyme is responsible for the chemical digestion of proteins in the stomach?
A. Pepsin
, B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pepsin is the primary protease found in the stomach that initiates the
breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides. It is secreted by chief cells in its inactive form,
pepsinogen, to prevent self-digestion. Pepsinogen is converted into active pepsin in the
presence of hydrochloric acid secreted by parietal cells. This acidic environment is crucial
for optimal enzyme activity and bacterial destruction. Amylase and lipase focus on
carbohydrates and fats, respectively.
7. What occurs during the depolarization phase of an action potential in a neuron?
A. Potassium ions exit the cell
B. The sodium-potassium pump stops working
C. Sodium ions enter the cell
D. Calcium ions are sequestered into the ER
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Depolarization begins when a stimulus reaches the threshold, causing
voltage-gated sodium channels to open. Sodium ions rush into the cell because of the
electrochemical gradient, making the interior more positive. This shift in membrane
potential is the basis for electrical signaling in the nervous system. Once the peak is
reached, these channels close and potassium channels open to begin repolarization. This
rapid sequence allows for the transmission of nerve impulses over long distances.
8. In the female reproductive cycle, what triggers ovulation?
A. A surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
B. A sudden drop in estrogen
C. The thickening of the cervical mucus
D. A rise in progesterone from the corpus luteum
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle into the
fallopian tube. High levels of estrogen near the end of the follicular phase exert positive
feedback on the anterior pituitary. This results in a massive surge of Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) approximately 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. The LH surge causes the follicle to
rupture and release the oocyte. Following this, the remains of the follicle transform into the
corpus luteum.
& Physiology II with Lab Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Portage Learning
1. A patient presents with high blood calcium levels; which hormone is likely being
overproduced?
A. Calcitonin
B. Aldosterone
C. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone is secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to
low blood calcium. It acts by stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone matrix and release
calcium into the blood. Additionally, PTH increases calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
and activates vitamin D. Overproduction leads to hypercalcemia, which can weaken bones
and cause kidney stones. Calcitonin would instead work to lower blood calcium levels.
2. During the cardiac cycle, when the ventricles contract, which valves are forced shut?
A. Aortic and pulmonary semilunar valves
B. Pulmonary and mitral valves
C. Mitral and tricuspid valves
D. Tricuspid and aortic valves
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The mitral and tricuspid valves are collectively known as the atrioventricular
(AV) valves. When the ventricles begin to contract during systole, intraventricular pressure
rises sharply. This pressure forces the AV valves to snap shut to prevent backflow into the
atria. This closure corresponds to the first heart sound, often described as ‘lub’.
Simultaneously, the semilunar valves open to allow blood to exit the heart.
3. Which of the following describes the correct path of air during inhalation?
A. Trachea, Larynx, Pharynx, Alveoli, Bronchi
B. Larynx, Pharynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Alveoli
C. Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchi, Alveoli
,D. Pharynx, Trachea, Larynx, Alveoli, Bronchi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Air enters the respiratory system through the nasal or oral cavity and passes
into the pharynx. It then travels through the larynx, which contains the vocal cords, and
into the trachea. From the trachea, air moves into the primary bronchi and eventually into
the smaller bronchioles. Finally, the air reaches the alveoli where gas exchange occurs with
the blood. This specific sequence ensures air is filtered, warmed, and moistened before
reaching the lungs.
4. What is the primary function of the Loop of Henle in the nephron?
A. Filtration of large proteins
B. Establishment of a concentration gradient in the medulla
C. Reabsorption of all glucose
D. Secretory removal of drugs and toxins
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Loop of Henle plays a critical role in the countercurrent multiplier
system within the kidney. Its primary function is to create a high osmotic pressure in the
interstitial fluid of the renal medulla. The descending limb is permeable to water, while the
ascending limb actively pumps out sodium and chloride. This gradient allows the collecting
ducts to reabsorb water and concentrate urine. Without this mechanism, the body would
lose excessive amounts of water.
5. A person with Type A+ blood can safely receive a transfusion from which donor?
A. Type B+
B. Type O+
C. Type AB+
D. Type AB-
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Type O blood is known as the universal donor because it lacks A and B
antigens on the red blood cell surface. Since the recipient is A+, they have A antigens and
Rh antigens, but they possess anti-B antibodies. Type O+ blood will not trigger an immune
response because it does not carry B antigens. Type AB blood would cause a reaction
because it contains the B antigen. Therefore, O+ is a safe and compatible choice for an A+
recipient.
6. Which enzyme is responsible for the chemical digestion of proteins in the stomach?
A. Pepsin
, B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Trypsin
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pepsin is the primary protease found in the stomach that initiates the
breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides. It is secreted by chief cells in its inactive form,
pepsinogen, to prevent self-digestion. Pepsinogen is converted into active pepsin in the
presence of hydrochloric acid secreted by parietal cells. This acidic environment is crucial
for optimal enzyme activity and bacterial destruction. Amylase and lipase focus on
carbohydrates and fats, respectively.
7. What occurs during the depolarization phase of an action potential in a neuron?
A. Potassium ions exit the cell
B. The sodium-potassium pump stops working
C. Sodium ions enter the cell
D. Calcium ions are sequestered into the ER
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Depolarization begins when a stimulus reaches the threshold, causing
voltage-gated sodium channels to open. Sodium ions rush into the cell because of the
electrochemical gradient, making the interior more positive. This shift in membrane
potential is the basis for electrical signaling in the nervous system. Once the peak is
reached, these channels close and potassium channels open to begin repolarization. This
rapid sequence allows for the transmission of nerve impulses over long distances.
8. In the female reproductive cycle, what triggers ovulation?
A. A surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
B. A sudden drop in estrogen
C. The thickening of the cervical mucus
D. A rise in progesterone from the corpus luteum
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle into the
fallopian tube. High levels of estrogen near the end of the follicular phase exert positive
feedback on the anterior pituitary. This results in a massive surge of Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) approximately 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. The LH surge causes the follicle to
rupture and release the oocyte. Following this, the remains of the follicle transform into the
corpus luteum.
