2009/2010 sem 2

SECTION II (50 MARKS)

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer ONLY TWO questions
QUESTION 1

(25 marks)

(a) Explain why agglutination problems may result when a Rhesus negative woman is
pregnant with a Rhesus positive foetus. How may the agglutination reaction be
prevented?
(6 marks)
(b) Should a person with type O blood be given type A blood in a transfusion? Explain your
answer.
(3 marks)
(c) The lymphatic system does not have a separate heart for pumping lymph. Describe three
mechanisms that are responsible for the return of lymph from the entire body to major
blood vessels.
(8 marks)
(d) If the SA node of the heart becomes damaged, how is the heart rate affected? Explain.
(2
marks)
(e) How do the atrioventricular valves remain closed during ventricular systole?
(3 marks)
(f) What effect do the following have on blood flow and blood pressure:

polycythemia
anaemia
contraction of smooth muscle in the walls of arterioles

QUESTION 2

(3 marks)

(25 marks)

(a) Distinguish between the locations and structural features of the stratum
germinativum, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum.
(9 marks)
(b) Explain the following phenomena:
(i) pimples
(ii) keloids
(iii) dandruff
(iv) freckles
(v)greasy hair

(10 marks)
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(c) Explain the structural and functional differences between the sweat and sebaceous glands.
(6 marks)

QUESTION 3

(25 marks)

(a) A patient with a large mass in the neck was examined and the following findings were
noted:
- large palpable mass in the anterior aspect of the neck
- pulse (tachycardia)
- eyes bulging
- Weight (under weight)
i. What is this condition and which hormone is responsible?

(2 marks)

ii. Discuss the mechanism of the hormone named in (i) and that of insulin on their
target cells.
(10 marks)
iii. How does the hormone cause tachycardia?

(3 marks)

(b) Give a detail account of the role of the kidneys in maintaining blood pressure and during
haemorrhaging.
(5marks)
(c) Describe the adaptations of the foetal circulatory system for life in the uterus.
(5 marks)

QUESTION 4

(25 marks)

(a) Discuss why the abuse of antibiotics could result in persons having bleeding disorders.
(3 marks)
(b) Mary has a cut three days ago. The wound is now red, warm, swollen with pus.
i.
Identify this condition, named the cardinal signs and give a detailed account
of each sign.
(8 marks)
ii.

Which of the formed elements of the blood are responsible for the pus?
(1 mark)

iii.

Name the chemical mediator that is associated with allergies and state its
unique effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.
(1 mark)

(c) Discuss the anatomy of the kidneys. In your answer identify its location, nerurovascular
bundle, gross morphology and microscopic structures that form the functional unit and
where they are located.
(5 marks)
2010/11 sem1

QUESTION 1

(25 marks)

(a) What are the structural features of the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus?

(3 marks)

(b) Describe, in detail, the steps which follow the secretion of renin from the juxtaglomerular
apparatus.
(12 marks)
(c) How do the kidneys regain acid-base balance during states of lactic acidosis and
ketoacidosis?
(6 marks)
(d) The following are the results of a urinalysis:
Factors
Colour

Results
Slightly yellow

Transparency

Clear

pH

6.5

Specific Gravity

1.4

Glucose

Positive

Red Blood Cells

Negative

White Blood Cells

Negative

Albumin

Negative

Ketones

positive

What can you conclude about this urine sample?

QUESTION 2

(4 marks)

(25 marks)

(a) How are septal cells involved with keeping the alveoli from collapsing?
3

(2 marks)
(b) Describe the distribution and function of epithelial cells in the respiratory system.
(7 marks)
(c) Describe quiet inhalation.

(6 marks)

(d) What is the difference between the tidal volume and vital capacity of the lungs?
(2 marks)
(e) Why is it dangerous for a swimmer to hyperventilate before diving?

(4marks)

(f) Mary has an obstruction of her right primary bronchus. As a result, how would you
expect the oxygen-haemoglobin saturation curve for her right lung to compare with that
for her left?
(4 marks)

QUESTION 3

(25 marks)

(a) Briefly describe the three (3) major types of substances that function as hormones.
(3 marks)
(b) Explain these statements using examples.

Hormone secretion is regulated by positive and negative feedback control.

(5 marks)

Two hormones that target the same cell may have antagonistic or synergistic effects.
(5 marks)

(c) Why may the hypothalamus be classified as being a part of the endocrine and nervous
systems?
(1 mark)
(d) What three (3) zones make up the adrenal cortex, and what kinds of hormones are
produced by each zone?
(3 marks)
(e) For each of the cases given below:

Name the disorder and the hormone involved

State two (2) functions of each of these hormones
State how the symptoms may be alleviated

(2 marks)
(4 marks)
(2 marks)

Case 1

Emma is a five year old female who is much shorter and chubbier than her peers. Her
facial features also appear younger than is expected for her age. However, Emmas body
proportions and level of intelligence are normal.
Case 2
Gretel is a 35 year old female who fell and broke her tibia as she walked along her
driveway to her front door. Her x-rays showed that her bones had a light, airy appearance.
Gretel had other symptoms such as depression, mood swings and memory loss. She also
experiences joint and muscle pains. Gretel has kidney stones.
2009 sem 1

SECTION II (50 MARKS)

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer ONLY TWO questions
QUESTION 1
(a) Summarize the complete digestion of proteins. Include the source of each enzyme.
(9 marks)
(b) Nutritionists have found that after a heavy meal there is a slight increase in pH of blood
especially in the veins leaving the stomach. Explain.
(5 marks)
(c) Explain how the arrival of food in the stomach regulates gastric activity.
(7 marks)
(d) Relate how the structure of intestinal villi relates to their function in absorption.
(4 marks)

QUESTION 2
(a) Relate how the respiratory mucosa treats inhaled air.

(7 marks)

(b) Name the three types of cells found within the alveolar wall. Describe their
functions.
(6 marks)
(c) Differentiate between the mechanisms involved in quiet and forced exhalation.
(8 marks)
(d) While sprinkling black pepper on ackee and saltfish, Tara begins to sneeze continuously.
Outline the physiology of her reaction to the black pepper.
(4 marks)
5

QUESTION 3
(a) (i)

Mary-Jane drank water from a river near her house and developed a severe
case of gastroenteritis. She experiences prolonged vomiting.
Explain the effect of her condition on:
Fluid and electrolyte balance
Acid-base balance.

(ii)
(b) (i)
(ii)

(5 marks)
(4 marks)

In what ways does Mary-Janes body try to compensate for the imbalances
developed in part (a) (i)?
(4 marks)
Define the terms hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia.

(2 marks)

Describe two ways hyperkalemia may develop and one way hypocalcemia
may develop.
(6 marks)

(c) Show how the protein and phosphate buffer systems work in maintaining acid-base
balance.
(4 marks)
2008 sem1

QUESTION NO. 1
(a) Relate the structural features of the trachea and the alveoli to their functions.
(8 marks)
(b) Why is inspiration normally active and expiration normally passive?
(2 marks)
(c) Distinguish between the DRG and the VRG.

(2 marks)

(d) During an experiment Fred was instructed to hyperventilate in fresh air and then hold his
breath. After 5 minutes he was then asked to hyperventilate into a paper bag and hold his
breath again.
(i) In which case would Fred be able to hold his breath the longest?
(1 mark)
(ii) Explain, fully, your predicted results.
(7 marks)

(e) Why is the Cl- concentration inside red blood cells in venous blood greater than in red
blood cells in arterial blood?
(4 marks)
(f) What is the significance of the plateau and the steep portions of the oxygen-haemoglobin
dissociation curve?
(2 marks)
(g) Discuss two factors that affect haemoglobin saturation.

(4 marks)

QUESTION NO. 2
(a) Occasionally, testicular tumors composed of interstitial cells of Leydig may secrete up to
100 times the normal amount of testosterone. When such a tumor develops in young
children, they grow up much shorter than their genetic potential.
(i) Explain why this would result.
(1 mark)
(ii) State three other symptoms that would be present?
(3 marks)
(b) Describe the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle.

(7 marks)

(c) Outline the differences between oogenesis and spermatogenesis.

(8 marks)

(d) Explain how parturition is initiated.

(5 marks)

(e) Describe the positive-feedback mechanism that promotes uterine contractions and
expulsion of the foetus.
(6 marks)

QUESTION NO. 3
(a) Define acidosis and alkalosis.

(2 marks)

(b) Describe the three mechanisms and the speed of action used against changes in
hydrogen ion concentration.
(15 marks)
(c) Alcoholic beverages inhibit vasopressin secretion.
(i)

Predict the actions of alcohol on ECF osmolarity.

(5 marks)

(ii)

Explain why a person still feels thirsty after excessive consumption of

alcoholic beverages.
(2 marks)

(d) In January 2007, Jennifer Strange, a 28 year old from California, USA entered a contest
to win a Nintendo Wii game console. In order to win the game she was required to
drink large quantities of water without urinating. A few hours after the contest Jennifer
was found dead at her home.
(i)

What was the cause of death?

(1 mark)
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(ii)

Explain fully the physiology behind the cause of death.

(4 marks)

(iii)

Give two symptoms Jennifer would have experienced before her

(1 mark)

death.

QUESTION NO. 4
(a) Compare and contrast the structure of the heart wall, aorta and pulmonary vein. Relate
structure to function.
(9 marks)
(b) Trace an electrical impulse through the conducting system of the heart.
(5 marks)
(c) Draw and label a standard ECG waveform. Explain what each wave represents.
(3 marks)
(d) Describe the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.
(4 marks)
(e) Describe how the respiratory and skeletal muscle pumps aid venous return.
(5 marks)
(f) Explain how blood pressure may be affected by the following conditions:
(i) polycythemia
(ii) atherosclerosis
(4 marks)

QUESTION NO. 5
(a) Distinguish between the locations and structural features of the stratum spinosum,
stratum granulosum and stratum corneum.
(9 marks)
(b)

Explain the following phenomena based on what you have learnt:

(i) pimples
(ii) dandruff
(iii) freckles
(iv) greasy hair
(v) keloids

(10 marks)

(c) Katie notices an odour from her armpits since her 12th birthday. Describe the types of
glands that exist in the skin. Identify the gland causing the problem and give reasons for
this.
(6 marks)
(d)

Which layers of the hair shaft are affected by dyes? Why are the effects of dying hair not
permanent?
(5 marks)

2011/12 sem1

QUESTION 1

(25 marks)

a. Describe the process of oogenesis. Include timelines in your description. (10)

b. State four (4) ways in which the process of spermatogenesis differs from that of
oogenesis.
(4)
c. State two (2) effects each of the following hormones have on reproduction:

FSH
LH
Testosterone

d. How is the combined oral contraceptive pill effective at preventing

pregnancy?

QUESTION 2

(2)
(2)
(2)

(5)

(25 marks)

a. Use an example of each to differentiate between endocrine and

exocrine glands.

(4)

b. Explain, using examples, what is meant by the following effects of hormones on their
target cells:
i.
ii.
iii.

synergistic
antagonistic
permissive

(2)
(2)
(2)

c. Compare three (3) pituitary hormones in terms of:

i.
ii.
iii.

hormone structure
target cells
effect on target cells

(3)
(3)
(6)

d. Robert has been extremely thirsty, drinks numerous glasses of water every day and
urinates a great deal.
i.

Name two (2) disorders that could produce these symptoms.

(2)

ii.

What test could a clinician perform to determine

Roberts condition?

(1)

QUESTION 3

(25 marks)

a.

Outline the functions of the four types of cells found in the epidermis.

b.

Describe four (4) features of the dermis that provide support to the skin. (4)

c. Describe the factors which determine skin colour.

(4)

(6)

d. Billy sweats profusely and has a problem controlling his body odor. His grandmother
recommends using Rosemary oil to control his body odor. Billy googles rosemary oil
and finds out that it contains antibiotics.
i.

What are the two types of sweat glands?

(2)

ii.

Differentiate between the locations of the two sweat glands and the
composition of the sweat they produce.
(4)

iii.

Which of the two types of sweat glands may be contributing to Billys body
odor?
(1)

iv.

Do you think the rosemary oil will help Billy?

Explain your answer.

(4)

10

2011-12 sem2

QUESTION 1

(25 marks)

a. Describe what happens to the filtrate as it passes through the:

(i)

Proximal convoluted tubule

(3)

(ii)

Descending limb of the Loop of Henle

(1)

(iii)

Ascending limb of the Loop of Henle

(1)

(iv)

Distal convoluted tubule

(3)

(v)

Collecting duct

(3)

b. How do the kidneys regain acid-base balance during states of lactic acidosis
and ketoacidosis?

(6)

c. What effect does the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular apparatus
have on the kidneys and the central nervous system?

(8)

QUESTION 2 (25 marks)

a. Summarize the complete digestion of proteins. Include the source
of each enzyme.

(9)

b. Nutritionists have found that after a heavy meal there is a slight increase in pH
of blood especially in the veins leaving the stomach. Explain.

(5)

c.

(7)

Explain how the arrival of food in the stomach regulates gastric activity.

d. Relate how the structure of intestinal villi relates to their function in absorption.

(4 )

QUESTION 3 (25 marks)

11

a. Relate how the respiratory mucosa treats inhaled air.

b.

(7 )

Name the three types of cells found within the alveolar wall. Describe their
functions.

(6)

c. Differentiate between the mechanisms involved in quiet and forced exhalation.

(8)

d. While sprinkling black pepper on ackee and saltfish, Tara begins to sneeze
continuously. Outline the physiology of her reaction to the black pepper.

(4)

2012/13 sem 1

QUESTION 1

(25 marks)

a. Describe the events of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis.

(5)

b. What are the functions of nurse cells?

(6)

c. Account for the differences in composition of semen in the ductus deferens and
the penile urethra.

(6)

d. Occasionally, testicular tumours composed of interstitial cells of Leydig may

secrete up to 100 times the normal amount of testosterone. When such tumours
develop in children they grow much shorter than their genetic potential.

Explain why this occurs.

(2)

List three (3) other symptoms you would expect.

(3)

e. The symptoms of menopause are sometimes treated with supplemental

oestrogen and progesterone. Explain why treatment with GnRH or FSH and
LH is ineffective.

QUESTION 2

(3)

(25 marks)

a. Explain how metabolic acidosis may develop from diarrhea and metabolic
alkalosis from excessive vomiting.

(7)

b. How do the renal and respiratory systems respond to metabolic acidosis and
metabolic alkalosis?

(6)
12

c. In January 2007, Jennifer Strange, a 28 year old from California, USA entered
a contest to win a Nintendo Wii game console. In order to win the game she
was required to drink large quantities of water without urinating. A few hours
after the contest Jennifer was found dead at her home.

What was the cause of death?

(1 )

Explain fully the physiology behind the cause of death.

(4)

Give two symptoms Jennifer would have experienced before her

death.

(1 )

d. Dan has been lost in the desert for two days with very little water.
Describe the effects this exposure would have on:

ADH levels

(1)

Blood osmolarity, volume and pressure

(2)

Urine production

(2)

ICF volume and osmolarity

(1)

QUESTION 3
a. Describe the complete digestion and absorption of fats.

(10)

b. How does the intestinal phase of gastric secretion promote and facilitate
gastric control?

(9)

c. Lactose intolerance is characterized by painful abdominal cramping, gas and

diarrhea.

What causes lactose intolerance?

(1)

How do the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance outlined

in part (c) of this question arise?

(5)

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