Cold Exposure MCQ Quiz | Environmental Physiology

Welcome to the Environmental Physiology quiz on Cold Exposure. This quiz is designed for MBBS students to test and reinforce their understanding of the body’s complex physiological responses to cold environments. You will be tested on topics including thermoregulation, metabolic adjustments, hormonal control, acclimatization, and the pathophysiology of cold-related injuries like hypothermia and frostbite. This quiz consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, each carefully crafted to cover key concepts from the syllabus. After submitting your answers, you’ll see your score and a detailed review of the correct and incorrect responses. You can also download a PDF copy of all questions with their correct answers for your future reference and study. Good luck!

1. What is the primary mechanism of heat production during initial, acute exposure to cold in a healthy adult?

2. The central coordinating center for thermoregulation is located in which part of the brain?

3. The “Hunting reaction,” or cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD), is a physiological response characterized by:

4. Which hormone, acting on brown adipose tissue (BAT), is the primary mediator of non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in neonates and acclimatized adults?

5. A core body temperature below 35°C (95°F) is clinically defined as:

6. The mechanism of tissue damage in frostbite primarily involves:

7. Which of the following is a key feature of cold acclimatization?

8. Trench foot (immersion foot) is a non-freezing cold injury caused by:

9. What is the function of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipocytes?

10. Which physiological change contributes most significantly to heat conservation during cold exposure?

11. A patient with mild hypothermia (Stage 1) is most likely to present with:

12. Why are elderly individuals more susceptible to hypothermia?

13. The “diving reflex,” triggered by cold water immersion of the face, includes which triad of responses?

14. A mountaineer is found confused, has ceased shivering, and exhibits muscle rigidity. These are signs of which stage of hypothermia?

15. What is the primary and most dangerous risk associated with rapid, active external rewarming of a severely hypothermic patient?

16. The counter-current heat exchange mechanism in humans is most effective for reducing heat loss from the:

17. Which part of the hypothalamus is primarily responsible for sensing a drop in core body temperature and initiating heat production responses?

18. Frostnip, the mildest form of a freezing cold injury, is characterized by:

19. Which endocrine gland plays a crucial long-term role in increasing basal metabolic rate during cold acclimatization?

20. Why are neonates particularly efficient at non-shivering thermogenesis?

21. During prolonged cold exposure, the body shifts its fuel metabolism towards increased utilization of:

22. “Cold diuresis” is a phenomenon where cold exposure leads to:

23. Which of the following is NOT a typical cardiovascular response to acute cold exposure?

24. Inhalation of cold, dry air can trigger what response in the airways?

25. The phenomenon of “paradoxical undressing” in victims of severe hypothermia is thought to be caused by: