Explore topic-wise MCQs in Biology.

This section includes 697 Mcqs, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Biology knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

551.

With respect to splanchnic circulation:

A. the liver is approximately 50% blood by volume
B. zone 3 of the hepatic acinus is well oxygenated
C. abdominal viscera receive at 30% cardiac output
D. liver receives blood from hepatic artery (1000???ml/min) and hepatic ??? vein (500ml/min)
E. muscular layer of intestinal wall has higher flow of mucosal layer
Answer» D. liver receives blood from hepatic artery (1000???ml/min) and hepatic ??? vein (500ml/min)
552.

Mesengial cell contraction is stimulated by:

A. ANP
B. dopamine
C. PGE2
D. cAMP
E. angiotensin II
Answer» F.
553.

Regarding ventilation / perfusion (V/Q) relationships, which statement is INCORRECT?

A. V/Q ratio is greatest at the lung apex
B. V/Q ratio is about one at level of third rib when upright
C. ventilation decreases proportionately more than perfusion from base to apex
D. V/Q ratio for whole lung at rest is about 0.8
E. exercise increases the V/Q ratio
Answer» D. V/Q ratio for whole lung at rest is about 0.8
554.

Blood pressure:

A. fluctuates in the aorta between 180 and 20mmHg
B. is approaching 0mmHg at the right atrium
C. is half in the pulmonary arteries of that in the aorta
D. is greater in large veins than the vena cava
E. drops significantly at capillary level
Answer» C. is half in the pulmonary arteries of that in the aorta
555.

Regarding movement across cell membranes

A. Exocytosis requires sodium and energy
B. Insulin reuptake is by receptor mediated endocytosis
C. Thyroid hormones decrease the activity of the NaK ATPase
D. Active transport of sodium is rarely coupled with other substances
E. NaK ATPase has a 1:1 coupling ratio
Answer» C. Thyroid hormones decrease the activity of the NaK ATPase
556.

Which one of the following statements regarding ventilation is INCORRECT?

A. tidal volume in the average human is 500ml
B. anatomical dead space is the volume of the conducting airway and is about 160ml
C. upper regions of the lung ventilate better than the lower regions
D. you can measure physiological dead space via Bohr s method to get what is called a Bohr equation which is: VD PACO2-PECO2 VT PACO2
E. None of the above
Answer» D. you can measure physiological dead space via Bohr s method to get what is called a Bohr equation which is: VD PACO2-PECO2 VT PACO2
557.

Regarding neuromuscular transmission, which statement is INCORRECT?

A. smooth muscle cells possess synapses en passant
B. about 10 times as much acetylcholine as is required is released at skeletal muscle neuromuscular junctions
C. antibodies can develop to calcium channels in nerve endings at neuromuscular junctions
D. more than one nerve fibre ends on each end-plate in skeletal muscle
E. acetylcholine is released by exocytosis
Answer» E. acetylcholine is released by exocytosis
558.

Regarding temperature regulation, which is NOT true?

A. the anterior hypothalamus contains temperature sensitive cells
B. shivering is activated by the posterior hypothalamus
C. the anterior hypothalamus controls mechanisms activated by heat
D. horripilation acts to increase heat production
E. fever is produced by the action of cytokines on the hypothalmus
Answer» F.
559.

Regarding muscle spindles, which is NOT true?

A. they contain nuclear bag and nuclear chain fibres
B. they receive a motor supply via A fibres
C. they discharge more upon stretching of the muscle
D. they are responsible for the inverse stretch reflex
E. they relay information to the cord via Ia fibres
Answer» E. they relay information to the cord via Ia fibres
560.

Which of the following DOES NOT decrease lung compliance?

A. left ventricular failure
B. atelectasis
C. pulmonary fibrosis
D. advancing age
E. raised pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Answer» E. raised pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
561.

Which statement regarding glucagon is INCORRECT?

A. it is used as an antidote in symptomatic beta blocker overdosage
B. it is synthesised in the A cells of the pancreatic islets and in small intestinal mucosal cells
C. its major site of metabolism is in the plasma
D. it is synthesised in common with glicentin
E. the exogenous glucagon is associated with nausea and vomiting
Answer» D. it is synthesised in common with glicentin
562.

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the voiding reflex?

A. it involves parasympathetic fibres
B. it remains intact in the period of spinal shock following transaction of the spinalcord
C. it occurs when the bladder volume reaches 300-400mls
D. it is integrated in the sacral segments of the spinal cord
E. its threshold is altered by inhibitory fibres from the brainstem
Answer» C. it occurs when the bladder volume reaches 300-400mls
563.

Regarding the lung volumes in a healthy 70kg male, 183cm tall, which is INCORRECT?

A. tidal volume = 500ml
B. residual volume = 1200ml
C. expiratory reserve volume = 1000ml
D. inspiratory capacity = 3300ml
E. vital capacity = 4800ml
Answer» E. vital capacity = 4800ml
564.

The emotional component to pain is due to activation of:

A. post central gyrus
B. sylvian fissure
C. hippocampus
D. cingulated cortex
E. calcavine fissure
Answer» B. sylvian fissure
565.

Regarding renal handling of potassium, which is INCORRECT?

A. 10 to 15% of filtered load may be excreted in urine
B. two potassium per sodium are reabsorbed in thick ascending limb
C. excretion decreased in acidosis
D. distal tubular secretion is capable of adaptation depending on demand
E. aldosterone increases distal tubular secretion in exchange for sodium
Answer» C. excretion decreased in acidosis
566.

Regarding protein metabolism:

A. NH4 + is formed by reductive deamination of amino acids
B. most of the body s urea is formed in the kidney
C. phosphorylcreatine is formed in the liver
D. creatinuria occurs normally in children
E. purines and pyrimidines are mainly sourced from dietary intake
Answer» E. purines and pyrimidines are mainly sourced from dietary intake
567.

Which statement regarding calcitonin is INCORRECT?

A. it is secreted by parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland
B. it inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption
C. total thyroidectomy is usually associated with hypercalcaemia
D. it decreases renal tubular calcium and phosphate reabsorption
E. it is only secreted when plasma calcium concentration exceeds 9.5mg/100ml
Answer» D. it decreases renal tubular calcium and phosphate reabsorption
568.

Regarding the actions of glucagon, which of the following is INCORRECT?

A. it increases blood lactate level
B. it activates hormone-sensitive lipase
C. it has a positive inotropic effect on myocardium
D. large amounts cause intestinal relaxation
E. it decreases renal tubular sodium reabsorption
Answer» B. it activates hormone-sensitive lipase
569.

With respect to the ascending pathways of sensation within the spinal cord:

A. the ??? columns connect with the medial branches (crosses midline)
B. the central spinothalamic tract carries pain/temp fibres
C. the lateral spinothalamic tract has small fibres medially
D. gracile fasiculatus contains fibres from thoracic and cervical nerves
E. proprioception is transmitted in the lateral spinothalamic tract
Answer» B. the central spinothalamic tract carries pain/temp fibres
570.

Regarding pulmonary function, which of the following is NOT true?

A. FRC = ERV + RV
B. IRV in men is about 3,3L
C. RV in women is about 1.1L
D. inspiratory capacity in men = 4.8L
E. total lung capacity = 6L in men, 4.2L in women
Answer» E. total lung capacity = 6L in men, 4.2L in women
571.

Which of the following is most susceptible to pressure?

A. group A motor
B. group C
C. group B
D. pre ganglionic-autonomic
E. muscle spindle fibres
Answer» B. group C
572.

Regarding pulmonary perfusion, which statement is INCORRECT?

A. apical perfusion is less than basal
B. E.coli endotoxin causes venodilatation
C. total pulmonary blood flow increases 3-6 fold during exercise
D. pulmonary vascular resistance increases at small lung volumes
E. in zone 2, pulmonary arterial pressure is greater than alveolar pressure
Answer» C. total pulmonary blood flow increases 3-6 fold during exercise
573.

Timing of events in the cardiac cycle:

A. right atrial systole begins after left atrial systole
B. the pulmonary closes after the aortic in inspiration
C. right ventricular ejection starts after left ventricular ejection
D. right ventricular systole starts after left ventricular systole
E. right and left atrial systole are synchronous
Answer» C. right ventricular ejection starts after left ventricular ejection
574.

Regarding pulmonary ventilation, which statement is INCORRECT?

A. physiological dead space is normally larger than anatomical dead space
B. basal ventilation is greater than apical
C. normal tide volume is about 7ml/kg
D. airway resistance decreases at large lung volumes
E. total pulmonary ventilation can increase by up to 20 fold during exercise
Answer» B. basal ventilation is greater than apical
575.

Regarding functional morphology of the cell

A. Tay Sachs disease is a cell membrane disorder
B. Actin is the most abundant protein in mammalian cells
C. Peroxisomes are 5 um in diameter
D. The assembly of microtubules in the cell cytoskeleton is facilitated by cold
E. Myosin 1 is present in skeletal muscle
Answer» C. Peroxisomes are 5 um in diameter
576.

The action potential:

A. is always monophasic
B. has an absolute refractory period lasting to the start of the after depolarisation
C. has a relative refractory period lasting until repolarisation is complete
D. requires opening of voltage gated Na+ channels
E. results in K+ conductance
Answer» E. results in K+ conductance
577.

Which of the following DOES NOT constrict pulmonary arterioles?

A. adrenaline
B. thromboxane B2
C. noradrenaline
D. prostaglandin F2
E. isoproteronol
Answer» F.
578.

Mean pressure (mmHg) in the main pulmonary artery is:

A. 2
B. 5
C. 8
D. 15
E. 25
Answer» E. 25
579.

Which of the following substances is NOT removed from the blood by the lung?

A. prostaglandins
B. noradrenaline
C. acetylcholine
D. adrenaline
E. bradykinin
Answer» E. bradykinin
580.

Which of the following substances is NOT synthesised by the lung?

A. prostaglandins
B. serotonin
C. dipalmityl phosphatidylcholine
D. histamine
E. kallikrein
Answer» C. dipalmityl phosphatidylcholine
581.

Glucagon levels are increased by:

A. secretin
B. somatostatin
C. cholecystokinin
D. free fatty acids
E. ketones
Answer» D. free fatty acids
582.

Regarding pain transmission, which is NOT true?

A. fast pain fibres are A fibres
B. slow pain fibres are C fibres
C. substance P is the central transmitter
D. all impulses pass through the central horn
E. pain sensation results from over-stimulation of other sensory modalities
Answer» F.
583.

Regarding the renin-angiotensin system, which is CORRECT?

A. renin has many functions including the formation of angiotensin I from angiotensinogen
B. after nephrectomy, circulating levels of prorenin fall
C. renin is formed in the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney
D. active renin has a half-life in the circulation of 40 minutes or less
E. prorenin is biologically active
Answer» D. active renin has a half-life in the circulation of 40 minutes or less
584.

Regarding vitamin D metabolism:

A. 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is converted to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney
B. 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol receptors can be found in skin
C. when calcium levels are high, 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels are also high
D. transport in plasma is by binding to haemoglobin
E. formation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is tightly regulated
Answer» C. when calcium levels are high, 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels are also high
585.

Which of the following nerve fibre types has the LEAST myelin?

A. A-alpha
B. A-beta
C. A-gamma
D. B
E. C
Answer» F.
586.

Calcitonin secretion is stimulated by the following EXCEPT:

A. gastrin
B. somatostatin
C. oestrogen
D. cholecystokinin
E. glucagon
Answer» C. oestrogen
587.

With reference to the action potential:

A. decreasing the external Na+ concentration increases the size of the action potential
B. decreasing the external K+ concentration decreases the resting membrane potential
C. increasing the external Na+ concentration decreases the resting membrane potential
D. decreasing the external K+ concentration has little effect on the resting membrane potential
E. none of the above are true
Answer» F.
588.

Regarding renal handling of calcium, which is INCORRECT?

A. metabolic acidosis decreases reabsorption
B. growth hormone increases reabsorption
C. calcium is actively reabsorbed
D. about 60% of filtered calcium load is reabsorbed in proximal tubules
E. glucocorticoids increase calcium reabsorption
Answer» C. calcium is actively reabsorbed
589.

Which nerve fibre is MOST susceptible to local anaesthetics?

A. proprioception
B. touch
C. motor to muscle spindles
D. somatic motor
E. dorsal root pain and temperature
Answer» F.
590.

Which of the following nerve fibre types is MOST sensitive to local anaesthetic blockade?

A. A-alpha
B. A-gamma
C. A-delta
D. B
E. C
Answer» F.
591.

The action potential of a neuron (influx):

A. is initiated by efflux of Na+
B. is terminated by efflux of K+
C. declines in amplitude as it moves along the axon
D. results in transient reversal of the concentration (?electrical) gradient of Na+ across the cell membrane
E. is not associated with any net movement of Na+ of K+ across the cell membrane
Answer» F.
592.

What percentage of cardiac output goes to the kidneys at rest?

A. 10%
B. 15%
C. 25%
D. 35%
E. 45%
Answer» D. 35%
593.

In compensated low output cardiac failure:

A. venous resistance is decreased
B. cardiac contractility is increased
C. mean systemic filling pressure is decreased
D. right atrial pressure is decreased
E. venous return is decreased
Answer» E. venous return is decreased
594.

With respect to nerve fibre types:

A. the speed on conduction is inversely proportional to the diameter of the fibre
B. C fibres are more susceptible to local anaesthetics than A fibres
C. A fibres are concerned primarily with somatic motor function
D. pain may be relayed by all fibre types
E. A fibres are efferent only
Answer» C. A fibres are concerned primarily with somatic motor function
595.

Regarding pulmonary blood flow:

A. increased arterial pressure leads to increased pulmonary vascular resistance
B. localised vasoconstriction is directly due to arterial PO2 hypoxia
C. regional differences are due to hydrostatic pressure differences
D. at the apex Pa>Pv>PA
E. pulmonary arteries and veins have transmural pressures equal to alveolar pressure
Answer» D. at the apex Pa>Pv>PA
596.

Regarding the kidney and urine formation:

A. specific gravity is measure of osmolality
B. thin ascending limb relatively impermeable to water
C. thin ascending limb relatively impermeable to Na+ Cl-
D. water diuresis begins about 1 hour after ingestion of a water load
E. high protein diet does not affect concentrating ability of kidney
Answer» C. thin ascending limb relatively impermeable to Na+ Cl-
597.

Functional anatomy of the kidney which is TRUE?

A. 5 million nephrons in each human kidney
B. pores in terestrated kidneys are 170-190nm in diameter
C. mesengial cells are located between the basal lumina and podocytes
D. glomerular membrane permits passage of small (???) neutral substances
E. proximal tubule is 100nm long
Answer» E. proximal tubule is 100nm long
598.

Which of the following substances is not excreted by the kidney in a normal adult on an average diet?

A. K+
B. uric acid
C. creatinine
D. glucose
E. urea
Answer» E. urea
599.

Functional anatomy of the kidney which is FALSE?

A. total length of the nephrons ranges from 45-65mm
B. the macula densa is ??? tubular epithelium of the collecting duct
C. juxtaglomerular cells are found in the walls of the different arteriole
D. intercolated cells are involved in acid secretion and bicarbonate transport
E. total glomerular capillary endothelium across which filtration occurs, is 0.8m2
Answer» C. juxtaglomerular cells are found in the walls of the different arteriole
600.

Glucagon increases the secretion of all of the following EXCEPT:

A. catecholamines from a phaeochromocytoma
B. atrial natriuretic peptide
C. growth hormone
D. insulin
E. calcitonin from a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
Answer» C. growth hormone