BSC 2086 | BSC2086 Exam 1: Anatomy and
Physiology II Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale - Florida State
University
1. A patient’s blood test reveals a hematocrit of 35 percent. Which of the following is the
most likely physiological interpretation of this finding?
A. The patient may be suffering from anemia or significant blood loss.
B. The patient is likely experiencing polycythemia.
C. The patient has a normal ratio of formed elements to plasma.
D. The patient’s white blood cell count is dangerously high.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hematocrit represents the percentage of total blood volume
consisting of red blood cells. A value of thirty-five percent is below the typical range for
adults, suggesting a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. This condition is clinically referred
to as anemia and can result from nutritional deficiencies or hemorrhage. While
polycythemia involves an abnormally high red cell count, it is the opposite of the result
described here. Recognizing these levels is essential for diagnosing underlying
cardiovascular or respiratory impairments.
2. Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining the colloid osmotic pressure
of the blood?
A. Fibrinogen
B. Gamma globulin
C. Albumin
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and is synthesized by
the liver. It plays a critical role in drawing water into the capillaries through osmotic force.
Fibrinogen is involved in the blood clotting cascade rather than pressure maintenance.
Globulins function in transport or immune defense but do not contribute as significantly to
osmotic balance. Without adequate albumin, fluid would leak into the interstitial spaces,
resulting in systemic edema.
3. Which of the following occurs during the ‘P wave’ of a standard electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Ventricular depolarization
,B. Atrial repolarization
C. Atrial depolarization
D. Ventricular repolarization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The P wave marks the electrical signal as it spreads from the SA node
across the atria. This electrical event triggers the subsequent mechanical contraction of the
atrial chambers. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, which is
much larger in amplitude. Atrial repolarization actually occurs during the QRS complex but
is hidden by the stronger ventricular electrical activity. Finally, the T wave signifies the
recovery or repolarization of the ventricles.
4. According to the Frank-Starling Law of the Heart, what is the primary determinant of stroke
volume?
A. The heart rate of the individual
B. The degree of stretch in the ventricular muscle fibers
C. The thickness of the myocardium
D. The parasympathetic nervous system activity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Frank-Starling Law states that the heart will eject the volume of
blood that enters it by adjusting its force of contraction. As end-diastolic volume increases,
the myocardial fibers are stretched more extensively. This stretching allows for more
optimal cross-bridge formation between actin and myosin filaments. Consequently, a more
forceful contraction occurs, leading to an increased stroke volume. This mechanism
ensures that the output of the left and right ventricles remains balanced over time.
5. A person has Type B+ blood. Which of the following statements is true regarding their
blood composition?
A. They have A antigens and Rh antibodies.
B. They have B antigens, Rh antigens, and anti-A antibodies.
C. They can safely receive a transfusion from an AB+ donor.
D. They lack the Rh factor on their red blood cells.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type B blood indicates the presence of the B surface antigen on red
blood cells. The positive designation means the Rh antigen is also present on the cell
membrane. Individuals with this blood type naturally produce anti-A antibodies in their
plasma to react against foreign A antigens. They cannot receive AB+ blood because the
, donor’s A antigens would cause a dangerous agglutination reaction. Understanding these
surface markers is fundamental for ensuring compatibility during clinical blood
transfusions.
6. Which of the following structures acts as the primary pacemaker of the heart under normal
physiological conditions?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) Node
B. Purkinje Fibers
C. AV Node
D. Bundle of His
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The SA node is located in the right atrium and possesses the fastest
intrinsic rate of depolarization. It sets the sinus rhythm that governs the timing of the
entire cardiac cycle. If the SA node fails, the AV node can take over as a secondary
pacemaker at a slower rate. The Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers are further down the
conduction pathway and have even slower inherent rhythms. Therefore, the SA node is
essential for maintaining a healthy resting heart rate.
7. What is the result of increasing the diameter of a blood vessel (vasodilation) on peripheral
resistance and blood flow?
A. Resistance decreases and flow increases.
B. Resistance increases and flow decreases.
C. Both resistance and flow remain constant.
D. Resistance increases and flow increases.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Resistance to blood flow is inversely proportional to the fourth
power of the vessel’s radius. When a vessel dilates, the friction between the blood and the
vessel wall significantly decreases. This drop in resistance allows a greater volume of blood
to move through the area per unit of time. Conversely, vasoconstriction would narrow the
path and force the heart to work harder to maintain flow. Regulating vessel diameter is the
most effective way for the body to control systemic blood pressure.
8. Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
A. Mitral (Bicuspid) valve
B. Pulmonary semilunar valve
C. Tricuspid valve
D. Aortic semilunar valve
Physiology II Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale - Florida State
University
1. A patient’s blood test reveals a hematocrit of 35 percent. Which of the following is the
most likely physiological interpretation of this finding?
A. The patient may be suffering from anemia or significant blood loss.
B. The patient is likely experiencing polycythemia.
C. The patient has a normal ratio of formed elements to plasma.
D. The patient’s white blood cell count is dangerously high.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Hematocrit represents the percentage of total blood volume
consisting of red blood cells. A value of thirty-five percent is below the typical range for
adults, suggesting a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. This condition is clinically referred
to as anemia and can result from nutritional deficiencies or hemorrhage. While
polycythemia involves an abnormally high red cell count, it is the opposite of the result
described here. Recognizing these levels is essential for diagnosing underlying
cardiovascular or respiratory impairments.
2. Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining the colloid osmotic pressure
of the blood?
A. Fibrinogen
B. Gamma globulin
C. Albumin
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein and is synthesized by
the liver. It plays a critical role in drawing water into the capillaries through osmotic force.
Fibrinogen is involved in the blood clotting cascade rather than pressure maintenance.
Globulins function in transport or immune defense but do not contribute as significantly to
osmotic balance. Without adequate albumin, fluid would leak into the interstitial spaces,
resulting in systemic edema.
3. Which of the following occurs during the ‘P wave’ of a standard electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Ventricular depolarization
,B. Atrial repolarization
C. Atrial depolarization
D. Ventricular repolarization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The P wave marks the electrical signal as it spreads from the SA node
across the atria. This electrical event triggers the subsequent mechanical contraction of the
atrial chambers. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, which is
much larger in amplitude. Atrial repolarization actually occurs during the QRS complex but
is hidden by the stronger ventricular electrical activity. Finally, the T wave signifies the
recovery or repolarization of the ventricles.
4. According to the Frank-Starling Law of the Heart, what is the primary determinant of stroke
volume?
A. The heart rate of the individual
B. The degree of stretch in the ventricular muscle fibers
C. The thickness of the myocardium
D. The parasympathetic nervous system activity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The Frank-Starling Law states that the heart will eject the volume of
blood that enters it by adjusting its force of contraction. As end-diastolic volume increases,
the myocardial fibers are stretched more extensively. This stretching allows for more
optimal cross-bridge formation between actin and myosin filaments. Consequently, a more
forceful contraction occurs, leading to an increased stroke volume. This mechanism
ensures that the output of the left and right ventricles remains balanced over time.
5. A person has Type B+ blood. Which of the following statements is true regarding their
blood composition?
A. They have A antigens and Rh antibodies.
B. They have B antigens, Rh antigens, and anti-A antibodies.
C. They can safely receive a transfusion from an AB+ donor.
D. They lack the Rh factor on their red blood cells.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Type B blood indicates the presence of the B surface antigen on red
blood cells. The positive designation means the Rh antigen is also present on the cell
membrane. Individuals with this blood type naturally produce anti-A antibodies in their
plasma to react against foreign A antigens. They cannot receive AB+ blood because the
, donor’s A antigens would cause a dangerous agglutination reaction. Understanding these
surface markers is fundamental for ensuring compatibility during clinical blood
transfusions.
6. Which of the following structures acts as the primary pacemaker of the heart under normal
physiological conditions?
A. Sinoatrial (SA) Node
B. Purkinje Fibers
C. AV Node
D. Bundle of His
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The SA node is located in the right atrium and possesses the fastest
intrinsic rate of depolarization. It sets the sinus rhythm that governs the timing of the
entire cardiac cycle. If the SA node fails, the AV node can take over as a secondary
pacemaker at a slower rate. The Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers are further down the
conduction pathway and have even slower inherent rhythms. Therefore, the SA node is
essential for maintaining a healthy resting heart rate.
7. What is the result of increasing the diameter of a blood vessel (vasodilation) on peripheral
resistance and blood flow?
A. Resistance decreases and flow increases.
B. Resistance increases and flow decreases.
C. Both resistance and flow remain constant.
D. Resistance increases and flow increases.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Resistance to blood flow is inversely proportional to the fourth
power of the vessel’s radius. When a vessel dilates, the friction between the blood and the
vessel wall significantly decreases. This drop in resistance allows a greater volume of blood
to move through the area per unit of time. Conversely, vasoconstriction would narrow the
path and force the heart to work harder to maintain flow. Regulating vessel diameter is the
most effective way for the body to control systemic blood pressure.
8. Which valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
A. Mitral (Bicuspid) valve
B. Pulmonary semilunar valve
C. Tricuspid valve
D. Aortic semilunar valve
