Introduction: The Definition and scope of anatomy and physiology MCQs With Answer for B. Pharm students clarifies how anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) interrelate across cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. This concise, clinically oriented overview emphasizes key concepts—cellular organization, histology, organ-system integration, homeostasis, and functional anatomy—essential for understanding pharmacology and drug action. Emphasis on clinical relevance, terminology, anatomical planes, and basic physiological mechanisms (cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, nervous) prepares pharmacy students for therapeutic reasoning and safe drug use. These MCQs reinforce core knowledge, link structure to function, and highlight scope for applied pharmacological study. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. What is the primary focus of anatomy compared to physiology?
- The chemical reactions inside cells
- The structure and spatial relationships of body parts
- The statistical analysis of clinical trials
- The psychological aspects of patient care
Correct Answer: The structure and spatial relationships of body parts
Q2. Which best defines physiology?
- The study of bone shapes and sizes
- The study of organ structure under the microscope
- The study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system
- The study of historical anatomical texts
Correct Answer: The study of the functions and mechanisms in a living system
Q3. Which level of structural organization is directly above the cellular level?
- Organism level
- Tissue level
- Organ level
- Molecular level
Correct Answer: Tissue level
Q4. Which anatomical plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?
- Transverse plane
- Sagittal plane
- Coronal (frontal) plane
- Oblique plane
Correct Answer: Coronal (frontal) plane
Q5. Homeostasis is best described as:
- The study of body parts in dead specimens
- The maintenance of a stable internal environment
- The adaptation of species over generations
- The mechanical movement of joints
Correct Answer: The maintenance of a stable internal environment
Q6. Which branch of anatomy studies tissues and their structure?
- Gross anatomy
- Histology
- Embryology
- Comparative anatomy
Correct Answer: Histology
Q7. Which imaging modality is most useful for high-contrast soft tissue anatomy?
- X-ray plain film
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound only
- Bone scan
Correct Answer: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Q8. The functional branch of physiology that focuses on kidney function is called:
- Cardiac physiology
- Endocrine physiology
- Renal physiology
- Respiratory physiology
Correct Answer: Renal physiology
Q9. What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
- Glomerulus
- Nephron
- Collecting duct
- Bowman’s capsule alone
Correct Answer: Nephron
Q10. Which statement correctly describes the cell in the context of anatomy and physiology?
- Cells are the largest organ systems
- Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life
- Cells refer only to red blood cells
- Cells are irrelevant to pharmacology
Correct Answer: Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life
Q11. Which membrane transport process requires cellular energy (ATP)?
- Simple diffusion
- Facilitated diffusion
- Osmosis
- Active transport
Correct Answer: Active transport
Q12. Which neurotransmitter is predominantly released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
- Serotonin
Correct Answer: Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
Q13. The Frank–Starling law of the heart relates stroke volume to which factor?
- Afterload only
- Preload (ventricular end-diastolic volume)
- Heart valve thickness
- Arterial oxygen content
Correct Answer: Preload (ventricular end-diastolic volume)
Q14. Which structure initiates the normal cardiac impulse in a healthy heart?
- Atrioventricular (AV) node
- Purkinje fibers
- Sinoatrial (SA) node
- Bundle of His
Correct Answer: Sinoatrial (SA) node
Q15. Gas exchange in the respiratory system primarily occurs across which anatomical structures?
- Bronchi
- Alveoli
- Trachea
- Intercostal muscles
Correct Answer: Alveoli
Q16. Which blood component is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
- Platelets
- Plasma proteins
- Erythrocytes containing hemoglobin
- Neutrophils
Correct Answer: Erythrocytes containing hemoglobin
Q17. Which organs are chiefly involved in long-term regulation of acid–base balance?
- Liver and spleen
- Kidneys and lungs
- Skin and muscles
- Pancreas and gallbladder
Correct Answer: Kidneys and lungs
Q18. Which gland type secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream and lacks ducts?
- Exocrine gland
- Endocrine gland
- Mixed gland only
- Accessory gland
Correct Answer: Endocrine gland
Q19. In anatomical terminology, which term describes a structure closer to the trunk of the body?
- Distal
- Superior
- Proximal
- Lateral
Correct Answer: Proximal
Q20. Which muscle type is voluntary and shows striations under the microscope?
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Skeletal muscle
- Connective muscle
Correct Answer: Skeletal muscle
Q21. Epithelial tissue performs which of the following primary functions?
- Impulse conduction only
- Support and mineral storage
- Protection, absorption, and secretion
- Fat storage exclusively
Correct Answer: Protection, absorption, and secretion
Q22. Which directional term means “toward the head” in human anatomy?
- Medial
- Superior (cranial)
- Caudal
- Inferior
Correct Answer: Superior (cranial)
Q23. During the rising phase (depolarization) of a neuronal action potential, which ion primarily enters the cell?
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Sodium (Na+)
- Potassium (K+)
- Calcium (Ca2+) only in all neurons
Correct Answer: Sodium (Na+)
Q24. A synovial joint typically contains which of these features?
- Cartilage without fluid
- Synovial fluid, articular cartilage, and a joint capsule
- Fibrous immobile connection only
- Bone fused directly to bone
Correct Answer: Synovial fluid, articular cartilage, and a joint capsule
Q25. One major function of the lymphatic system relevant to pharmacology is:
- Generating red blood cells
- Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and immune surveillance
- Secreting digestive enzymes
- Storing bile
Correct Answer: Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and immune surveillance
Q26. Which cell junction type primarily prevents paracellular passage of solutes between epithelial cells?
- Gap junctions
- Desmosomes
- Tight junctions (zonula occludens)
- Hemidesmosomes
Correct Answer: Tight junctions (zonula occludens)
Q27. Stratified squamous epithelium is typically found in which location?
- Alveoli of the lung
- Inner lining of blood vessels
- Skin epidermis and oral mucosa
- Renal glomerulus
Correct Answer: Skin epidermis and oral mucosa
Q28. The loop of Henle in the nephron contributes mainly to which renal function?
- Initial filtration of plasma
- Secretion of large proteins
- Concentration of urine via countercurrent multiplication
- Hormone secretion only
Correct Answer: Concentration of urine via countercurrent multiplication
Q29. Which organs reside primarily within the thoracic cavity?
- Liver and spleen
- Stomach and intestines
- Heart and lungs
- Kidneys and bladder
Correct Answer: Heart and lungs
Q30. Which of the following is NOT traditionally considered a branch of anatomy?
- Gross (macroscopic) anatomy
- Comparative anatomy
- Microscopic (histology) anatomy
- Pharmacology
Correct Answer: Pharmacology
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