Integrative Physiology Practice Questions

Q: A neonate while suckling milk can respire without difficulty due to:

High larynx. ***High larynx*** - A neonate's **larynx** is positioned much higher in the neck compared to an adult, specifically near the **nasopharynx**. - This high position allows the **epiglottis** to overlap with the **soft palate**, creating a continuous air passage from the nose to the lungs even while milk is being swallowed in the oral cavity. *Small pharynx* - While neonates do have smaller anatomical structures, a "small pharynx" itself does not explain simultaneous breathing and suckling. - The critical factor is how the pharynx interacts with the larynx and soft palate, not just its size. *Soft palate* - The **soft palate** plays a crucial role by contacting the epiglottis, but it is its interaction with the high larynx that enables the dual function, not the soft palate in isolation. - The soft palate's ability to elevate and separate the oral and nasal cavities is important for swallowing, but its specific position relative to the larynx is key during suckling. *Small tongue* - A neonate's tongue is relatively large compared to the oral cavity, filling most of the space, which is actually beneficial for creating a seal around the nipple. - The size of the tongue does not directly account for the ability to respire during suckling; rather, it's about the **laryngeal positioning**.

Q: Which of the following is the most immediate cardiovascular response to acute stress?

Increased heart rate. ***Increased heart rate*** - The **sympathetic nervous system** is immediately activated during acute stress, leading to a rapid release of **catecholamines** (epinephrine and norepinephrine). - These hormones directly stimulate the heart, causing an almost instantaneous increase in its **rate and contractility**. *Decreased heart rate* - A decreased heart rate, or **bradycardia**, is characteristic of a **parasympathetic response**, which aims to conserve energy and promote rest. - This is the opposite of the "fight-or-flight" response seen in acute stress. *Release of cortisol* - **Cortisol** is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex as part of the **hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis** response to stress. - While important in the stress response, its release and effects are **slower** and more sustained compared to the immediate cardiovascular changes mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. *Decreased blood pressure* - Acute stress typically causes an **increase in blood pressure** due to **vasoconstriction** and increased cardiac output. - A decrease in blood pressure (hypotension) would be an atypical and potentially dangerous response to acute stress, often indicative of shock or other severe conditions.

Question 1

What does GAS refer to?

Accepted Answer

The pathway of stress (autonomic nervous system) when aroused by a stressful situation

Answer

Homeostasis

Answer

Adaptation to new situations

Answer

The pattern of physiological response to stress

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of feed forward mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Temperature regulation

Answer

Vasoconstriction in response to cooling

Answer

Increase in cardiac output in response to anemia

Answer

HR increases from supine to standing

Question 3

A neonate while suckling milk can respire without difficulty due to:

Accepted Answer

High larynx

Answer

Small pharynx

Answer

Soft palate

Answer

Small tongue

Question 4

Which of the following is the most immediate cardiovascular response to acute stress?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Decreased heart rate

Answer

Release of cortisol

Answer

Decreased blood pressure

Integrative Physiology — MCQs

Integrative Physiology — MCQs

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