Which of the following statements is true regarding smooth muscle contraction?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the Bohr effect?
What is the typical resting membrane potential (RMP) of smooth muscle cells?
What is the total surface area of the respiratory membrane in a healthy adult human?
What does the transient response observed during the insertion of an electrode in electromyography (EMG) indicate?
What is the normal transpulmonary pressure during quiet breathing?
What is the partial pressure for oxygen in the inspired air?
Isocapnic buffering is?
What is the composition of epithelial sodium channels?
Which of the following statements about lung compliance is false?
NEET-PG 2015 - Physiology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 31: Which of the following statements is true regarding smooth muscle contraction?
- A. None of the options.
- B. Calmodulin plays no role in smooth muscle contraction.
- C. Phosphorylation of myosin is essential for contraction. (Correct Answer)
- D. Troponin plays a significant role in smooth muscle contraction.
Explanation: **Phosphorylation of myosin is essential for contraction.** - In **smooth muscle**, the **myosin light chain (MLC)** must be phosphorylated by **myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)** to enable interaction with actin and initiate contraction. - This phosphorylation causes a conformational change in the **myosin head**, increasing its ATPase activity and allowing cross-bridge cycling. *Calmodulin plays no role in smooth muscle contraction.* - **Calmodulin (CaM)** is crucial for smooth muscle contraction, as it binds **calcium ions (Ca²⁺)** forming a Ca²⁺-CaM complex. - This complex then activates **myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)**, which phosphorylates myosin, triggering contraction. *None of the options.* - This statement is incorrect because one of the provided options, "Phosphorylation of myosin is essential for contraction," is indeed true. *Troponin plays a significant role in smooth muscle contraction.* - Unlike **striated muscle (skeletal and cardiac)**, **smooth muscle** does not contain **troponin**. - Regulation of smooth muscle contraction is primarily **calcium-calmodulin-dependent**, with roles for **MLCK** and **MLCP**, rather than troponin.
Question 32: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the Bohr effect?
- A. Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with increased pH & decreased CO2
- B. Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with increased pH & CO2
- C. Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with decreased pH & increased CO2 (Correct Answer)
- D. Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with decreased pH & decreased CO2
Explanation: ***Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with decreased pH & increased CO2*** - The **Bohr effect** describes how **hemoglobin's (Hb) affinity for oxygen (O2) decreases** in the presence of increased **acidity (decreased pH)** and higher **carbon dioxide (CO2)** concentrations. - This physiological adaptation ensures that O2 is **released more readily** to tissues that are actively metabolizing (e.g., muscle during exercise), as these tissues produce more CO2 and lactic acid, leading to a drop in pH. *Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with increased pH & decreased CO2* - An **increased pH** (more alkaline) and **decreased CO2** actually **increase Hb's affinity for O2**, shifting the oxygen dissociation curve to the left. - This scenario promotes **oxygen loading** onto hemoglobin, typically occurring in the lungs rather than O2 release in the tissues. *Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with increased pH & CO2* - This statement combines an **increased pH** (which increases Hb-O2 affinity) with **increased CO2** (which decreases Hb-O2 affinity), leading to a contradictory and incorrect physiological effect based on the Bohr principle. - The net effect of an increased pH would typically dominate in terms of O2 binding. *Decreased affinity of Hb to O2 is associated with decreased pH & decreased CO2* - While **decreased pH** does reduce Hb's affinity for O2, **decreased CO2** would tend to increase it. - Therefore, this combination does not accurately represent the primary conditions that lead to a significant decrease in Hb-O2 affinity as described by the Bohr effect in active tissues.
Question 33: What is the typical resting membrane potential (RMP) of smooth muscle cells?
- A. -90 mV
- B. -70 mV
- C. -60 mV (Correct Answer)
- D. -40 mV
Explanation: ***-60 mV*** - Smooth muscle cells typically have a **resting membrane potential of -55 to -60 mV**, which is **less negative** compared to skeletal muscle (-90 mV) or neurons (-70 mV). - This relatively depolarized RMP allows them to be **more easily excited** and enables **spontaneous slow wave depolarizations** and pacemaker activity in some smooth muscle types. - The less negative potential is due to higher resting permeability to Na+ and Ca2+ compared to skeletal muscle. *-90 mV* - This is the typical resting membrane potential for **skeletal muscle cells** and **large myelinated nerve fibers**. - Such a highly negative RMP provides a **larger buffer against accidental excitation** and ensures precise voluntary control. - This value is maintained by high K+ permeability and active Na+/K+ ATPase activity. *-70 mV* - This is the characteristic resting membrane potential of **most neurons**, allowing for efficient generation and propagation of action potentials. - It represents a balance between depolarizing and hyperpolarizing influences, optimal for neuronal signaling. - This is more negative than smooth muscle but less negative than skeletal muscle. *-40 mV* - This value is **too depolarized** to be a stable resting potential for smooth muscle and would be **near threshold potential**. - At -40 mV, voltage-gated calcium channels would be significantly activated, causing sustained contraction rather than a resting state. - This might represent a **partially depolarized state** or the RMP of specialized pacemaker cells like cardiac SA node cells, but **not typical smooth muscle**.
Question 34: What is the total surface area of the respiratory membrane in a healthy adult human?
- A. 30 m2
- B. 50 m2
- C. 75 m2 (Correct Answer)
- D. 100 m2
Explanation: ***75 m²*** - The **total surface area** of the respiratory membrane in a healthy adult human is approximately **70-80 m²**, with 75 m² being the most accurate estimate among the given options. - This large surface area is primarily attributed to the presence of approximately **300-500 million alveoli**, which are crucial for efficient gas exchange. - Modern measurements using **stereological techniques** have refined earlier estimates and established this range as the current standard. *100 m²* - This value represents an **older estimate** that has been revised downward with more accurate measurement techniques. - While historically cited in older textbooks, current physiological data supports a **smaller surface area** of approximately 70-80 m². *30 m²* - This value is significantly **underestimated** for the total respiratory membrane surface area. - Such a small surface area would result in highly **inefficient gas exchange**, leading to severe respiratory compromise and inability to meet metabolic demands. *50 m²* - While larger than 30 m², this is still an **underestimation** of the full respiratory membrane surface area. - It does not adequately account for the extensive and intricate branching of the **respiratory bronchioles** and the vast number of alveolar sacs.
Question 35: What does the transient response observed during the insertion of an electrode in electromyography (EMG) indicate?
- A. Spontaneous muscle activity
- B. Voluntary muscle contraction
- C. Cell membrane disruption (Correct Answer)
- D. Induced muscle contraction
Explanation: **Cell membrane disruption** - The **transient response** observed during electrode insertion in **EMG** is caused by the mechanical trauma of the needle disrupting the **muscle fiber cell membranes**. - This disruption leads to a brief depolarization and subsequent repolarization of the affected fibers, generating characteristic electrical activity. *Spontaneous muscle activity* - **Spontaneous muscle activity**, such as **fibrillation potentials** or **positive sharp waves**, occurs independently of electrode insertion. - While observed during EMG, these are indicative of **denervation** or **myopathy** and are not directly caused by the act of insertion itself. *Voluntary muscle contraction* - **Voluntary muscle contraction** is recorded when the patient actively contracts the muscle and results in **motor unit action potentials (MUAPs)**. - This is a distinct process from the transient activity produced by electrode insertion. *Induced muscle contraction* - **Induced muscle contraction** typically refers to activity caused by **nerve stimulation** (e.g., in nerve conduction studies) or direct electrical stimulation of the muscle. - This is not the mechanism for the transient response during simple electrode insertion.
Question 36: What is the normal transpulmonary pressure during quiet breathing?
- A. 0 to + 1 cm H2O
- B. 0 to -1 cm H2O
- C. +5 to +8 cm H2O (Correct Answer)
- D. - 8 to - 5 cm H2O
Explanation: ***+5 to +8 cm H2O*** - Transpulmonary pressure (P_tp) is the **difference between alveolar pressure and pleural pressure** (P_alv - P_pl). - During quiet breathing at **functional residual capacity (FRC)**, alveolar pressure is **0 cm H2O** (atmospheric) while pleural pressure is approximately **-5 cm H2O**, giving P_tp = **+5 cm H2O**. - At end-inspiration during quiet breathing, pleural pressure becomes more negative (**-8 cm H2O**) while alveolar pressure remains near atmospheric, resulting in P_tp ≈ **+8 cm H2O**. - This positive transpulmonary pressure gradient is essential to **keep the lungs inflated** against elastic recoil and prevent **atelectasis**. *0 to +1 cm H2O* - This pressure is far too low to maintain lung inflation against elastic recoil forces. - Normal transpulmonary pressure must be several cm H2O positive to counterbalance the lung's tendency to collapse. - This value would result in **near-complete lung collapse**. *0 to -1 cm H2O* - A negative or zero transpulmonary pressure would mean pleural pressure equals or exceeds alveolar pressure. - This condition would cause **immediate lung collapse (pneumothorax)** as there would be no pressure gradient to keep the lungs expanded. *-8 to -5 cm H2O* - This range represents **pleural pressure**, not transpulmonary pressure. - Pleural pressure is indeed -5 to -8 cm H2O during quiet breathing, but transpulmonary pressure is calculated as the difference between alveolar and pleural pressures. - Confusing pleural pressure with transpulmonary pressure is a common error.
Question 37: What is the partial pressure for oxygen in the inspired air?
- A. 158 mm Hg (Correct Answer)
- B. 116 mm Hg
- C. 0.3 mm Hg
- D. 100 mm Hg
Explanation: ***158 mm Hg*** - The partial pressure of oxygen in inspired air (PIO2) is calculated by multiplying the **fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)** by the total atmospheric pressure. - At sea level, atmospheric pressure is approximately **760 mm Hg** and FiO2 is 21% (0.21), so 0.21 × 760 mm Hg = **159.6 mm Hg**, which rounds to 158 mm Hg. - This represents **dry atmospheric air** before it enters the respiratory tract. *116 mm Hg* - This value does not correspond to a standard physiological measurement in respiratory physiology. - It is lower than inspired air PO2 but higher than alveolar PO2, making it an intermediate value used as a distractor. - **Humidified tracheal air** has PO2 of approximately 150 mm Hg: (760-47) × 0.21 = 149.7 mm Hg, where 47 mm Hg is water vapor pressure. *0.3 mm Hg* - This value is extremely low and represents the approximate **partial pressure of oxygen in mixed venous blood**, not inspired air. - Such a low value in inspired air would indicate **severe hypoxia** incompatible with life. - This is used as an unrealistic distractor. *100 mm Hg* - This value represents the approximate **partial pressure of oxygen in alveolar air (PAO2) and arterial blood (PaO2)**. - It is lower than inspired air due to humidification, mixing with residual air, and continuous oxygen uptake by blood. - It does not represent the partial pressure of oxygen in the inspired atmospheric air.
Question 38: Isocapnic buffering is?
- A. None of the options
- B. Increased pCO2 with increased CO2
- C. Increased pCO2 with decreased CO2
- D. Normal pCO2 with increased CO2 (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Normal pCO2 with increased CO2*** - Isocapnic buffering refers to the process where the body buffers an **increase in lactic acid** or other metabolic acids without a significant change (maintaining it within a normal range) in **arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)**. - This is achieved by an increase in **ventilation** stimulated by the acid, which expels more CO2 to compensate for the additional CO2 produced from the buffering reaction, thereby keeping pCO2 stable. *Increased pCO2 with increased CO2* - This scenario would indicate **hypoventilation** or a failure of the respiratory compensation mechanism to maintain pCO2 within normal limits during an increased metabolic CO2 load. - **Increased pCO2** would signify a state of **respiratory acidosis** or inadequate respiratory compensation, not isocapnic buffering. *Increased pCO2 with decreased CO2* - This statement is inherently contradictory; it is not possible to have an **increased pCO2** simultaneously with **decreased CO2** in the context of buffering. - **pCO2** is a measure of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, directly related to the amount of CO2 present and dissolved in the blood. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because "Normal pCO2 with increased CO2" accurately describes the physiological phenomenon of **isocapnic buffering**.
Question 39: What is the composition of epithelial sodium channels?
- A. 2α, 1β, 1γ
- B. 1α, 1β, 1γ (Correct Answer)
- C. 2α, 1β
- D. 2α, 1β, 2γ
Explanation: ***1α, 1β, 1γ*** - Epithelial sodium channels (**ENaCs**) are heterotrimeric complexes composed of one **alpha (α)**, one **beta (β)**, and one **gamma (γ) subunit**. - This specific subunit composition is essential for the channel's proper function in **sodium reabsorption** across epithelial tissues. *2α, 1β* - This composition is incomplete as it lacks the **gamma (γ) subunit**, which is a crucial component of the functional ENaC. - While alpha and beta subunits are present, the absence of the gamma subunit would impair the channel's ability to efficiently transport sodium. *2α, 1β, 2γ* - This composition is incorrect because a functional ENaC typically includes only **one gamma (γ) subunit**, not two. - An imbalance in subunit stoichiometry can lead to misfolding or improper assembly, affecting channel function. *2α, 1β, 1γ* - This combination correctly includes all three types of subunits (alpha, beta, gamma) but incorrectly states there are **two alpha (α) subunits**. - A functional ENaC has a single alpha subunit, making this option incorrect.
Question 40: Which of the following statements about lung compliance is false?
- A. Decreased in emphysema (Correct Answer)
- B. Total compliance is 0.2 L/cm H2O
- C. A measure of lung distensibility
- D. Change in volume per unit change in pressure
Explanation: ***Decreased in emphysema*** - This statement is **false** because **emphysema** is characterized by the destruction of elastic fibers in the lung parenchyma, which paradoxically leads to an **increase** in lung compliance. - The loss of elastic recoil makes the lungs more distensible and easier to inflate, but also impairs their ability to passively exhale. *Total compliance is 0.2 L/cm H2O* - This value represents the **normal total lung compliance** in a healthy adult (0.17 to 0.25 L/cm H2O), including both lung and chest wall compliance. - Lung compliance alone is typically around 0.2 L/cm H2O for healthy lungs. *A measure of lung distensibility* - **Compliance** is intrinsically defined as a measure of how easily the lungs or chest wall can be stretched or distended. - High compliance means the lungs are easy to inflate, while low compliance means they are stiff and difficult to inflate. *Change in volume per unit change in pressure* - This is the explicit **formula and definition of compliance** (C = ΔV/ΔP). - It quantifies the change in lung volume in response to a given change in transpulmonary pressure.