FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

COMPREHENSIVE QUESTION
CHAPTER 1
1. Explain how the physiology of a bone is related to its anatomy. Explain how the
physiology of the hand is related to its anatomy. (p. 4)
2. Describe anatomic position. Why is this knowledge important? (p. 12)
3. Name the organ system with each of the following functions: (p. 7)
4. Name the two major body cavities and their sub divisions. Name the cavity lined
by the peritoneum, meninges, and parietal pleura. (pp. 13, 15)
5. Name the four quadrants of the abdomen. Name at least one organ in each
quadrant. (p. 17)
6. Name the section through the body that would result in each of the following:
equal right and left halves, anterior and posterior parts, superior and inferior
parts. (pp. 15–16)
7. Review Table 1–2, and try to find each external area on your own body. (pp. 12–
13)
8. Define cell. When similar cells work together, what name are they given? (p. 4)
A. Moves the skeleton
B. Regulates body functions by means of hormones
C. Covers the body and prevents entry of pathogens
D. Destroys pathogens that enter the body
E. Exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and blood

9. Define organ. When a group of organs works together, what name is it given?
(p. 6)
10. Define metabolism, metabolic rate, and homeostasis. (pp. 7, 10)
a. Give an example of an external change and explain how the body responds
to maintain homeostasis
b. Give an example of an internal change and explain how the body responds to
maintain homeostasis
c. Briefly explain how a negative feedback mechanism works, and how a positive
feedback mechanism differs

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

CHAPTER 2
1. State the chemical symbol for each of the following elements: sodium,
potassium, iron, calcium, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, copper, and chlorine. (p.
24)
2. Explain, in terms of their electrons, how an atom of sodium and an atom of
chlorine form a molecule of sodium chloride. (p. 25)
3. a. Explain, in terms of their electrons, how an atom of carbon and two atoms of
oxygen form a molecule of carbon dioxide. (pp. 26–28)
b. Explain the functions of hydrogen bonds
c. Explain the function of disulfide bonds
4. Name the subunits (smaller molecules) of which each of the following is made:
DNA, glycogen, a true fat, and a protein. (pp. 34, 37, 41)
5. State precisely where in the body each of these fluids is found: plasma,
intracellular water, lymph, and tissue fluid. (p. 29)
6. Explain the importance of the fact that water changes temperature slowly. (pp.
28–29)
7. Describe two ways in which the solvent ability of water is important to the body.
(p. 28)
8. Name the organic molecule with each of the following functions: (pp. 34–36, 42)
a. The genetic code in chromosomes
b. “Self” antigens in our cell membranes
c. The storage form for glucose in the liver
d. The storage form for excess food in adipose tissue
e. The precursor molecule for the steroid hormones
f. The undigested part of food that promotes peristalsis
g. The sugars that are part of the nucleic acids
9. State the summary equation of cell respiration. (p. 30)
10. State the role or function of each of the following in cell respiration: CO 2,
glucose, O2, heat, and ATP. (p. 30)
11. State a specific function of each of the following in the human body: Ca, Fe, Na,
I, and Co. (p. 31)

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

12. Explain, in terms of relative concentrations of H+ ions and OH- ions, each of the
following: acid, base, and neutral substance. (p. 31)
13. State the normal pH range of blood. (p. 31) 14.
14. Complete the following equation, and state how each of the products affects pH:
(p. 33)
HCl +NaHCO3 → _______ +_______.
15. Explain the active site theory of enzyme functioning. (p. 38–39)
16. Explain the difference between a synthesis reaction and a decomposition
reaction. (p. 2)

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 FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

CHAPTER 3
1. State the functions of the organic molecules of cell membranes: cholesterol,
proteins, and phospholipids. (p. 48)
2. Describe the function of each of these cell organelles: mitochondria, lysosomes,
Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, proteasomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. (p. 51)
3. Explain why the nucleus is the control center of the cell. (p. 49)
4. What part of the cell membrane is necessary for facilitated diffusion? Describe
one way this process is important within the body. (p. 54)
5. What provides the energy for filtration? Describe one way this process is
important within the body. (p. 54)
6. What provides the energy for diffusion? Describe one way this process is
important within the body. (p. 52)
7. What provides the energy for active transport? Describe one way this process is
important within the body. (p. 54)
8. Define osmosis, and describe one way this process is important within the body.
(p. 52–53)
9. Explain the difference between hypertonic and hypotonic, using human cells as a
reference point. (p. 53)
10. In what way are phagocytosis and pinocytosis similar? Describe one way each
process is important within the body. (p. 56)
11. How many chromosomes does a human cell have? What are these
chromosomes made of? (p. 56)
12. Name the stage of mitosis in which each of the following takes place: (p. 63)
a. The two sets of chromosomes are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell
b. The chromosomes become visible as short rods
c. A nuclear membrane re-forms around each complete set of chromosomes
d. The pairs of chromatids line up along the equator of the cell
e. The centrioles organize the spindle fibers
f. Cytokinesis takes place after this stage

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

13. Describe two specific ways mitosis is important within the body. Explain why meiosis
is important. (pp. 60, 62)
14. Compare mitosis and meiosis in terms of: (pp. 60–62)
a. Number of divisions
b. Number of cells formed
c. Chromosome number of the cells formed
15. Explain the triplet code of DNA. Name the molecule that copies the triplet code of
DNA. Name the organelle that is the site of protein synthesis. What other function does
this organelle have in protein formation? (pp. 56–58)

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 FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

CHAPTER 4
1. Explain the importance of each tissue in its location: (pp. 70, 73, 79)
a. Simple squamous epithelium in the alveoli of the lungs
b. Ciliated epithelium in the trachea
c. Cartilage in the trachea
2. Explain the importance of each tissue in its location: (pp. 77, 79)
a. Bone tissue in bones
b. Cartilage on the joint surfaces of bones
c. Fibrous connective tissue in ligaments
3. State the functions of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. (p. 75)
4. Name two organs made primarily of nerve tissue, and state the general functions of
nerve tissue. (p. 81)
5. State the location and function of cardiac muscle. (p. 81)
6. Explain the importance of each of these tissues in the small intestine: smooth muscle
and columnar epithelium. (pp. 72, 79)
7. State the precise location of each of the following membranes: (p. 82)
a. Peritoneum
b. Visceral pericardium
c. Parietal pleura
8. State the function of: (pp. 74, 82, 84)
a. Serous fluid
b. Mucus
c. Blood plasma
9. State two functions of skeletal muscles. (p. 79)
10. Name three body tracts lined with mucous membranes. (p. 82)
11. Explain how endocrine glands differ from exocrine glands. (pp. 73–74)
12. State the function of adipose tissue: (p. 76)
a. Around the eyes
b. Between the skin and muscles
13. State the location of: (p. 84)
a. Meninges

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

b. Synovial membranes
14. State the important physical characteristics of collagen and elastin, and name the
cells that produce these protein fibers (p. 75)

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 FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

CHAPTER 5
1. Name the parts of the integumentary system. (p. 90)
2. Name the two major layers of skin, the location of each, and the tissue of which each is made.
(pp. 90, 95)
3. In the epidermis: (pp. 90, 93)
a. Where does mitosis take place?
b. What protein do the new cells produce?
c. What happens to these cells?
d. What is the function of Langerhans cells?
4. Describe the functions of the stratum corneum. (p. 90)
5. Name the cells that produce melanin. What is the stimulus? Describe the function of melanin
(p. 94)
6. Where, on the body, does human hair have important functions? Describe these functions. (p.
95)
7. Describe the functions of nails. (p. 96)
8. Name the cutaneous senses. Describe the importance of these senses. (p. 96)
9. Explain the functions of sebum and cerumen. (pp. 96–97)
10. Explain how sweating helps maintain normal body temperature. (p. 98)
11. Explain how the arterioles in the dermis respond to cold or warm external temperatures and
to stress situations. (p. 98)
12. What vitamin is produced in the skin? What is the stimulus for the production of this
vitamin? (p. 90)
13. Name the tissues of which the superficial fascia is made. Describe the functions of these
tissues. (p. 99)

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 FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

CHAPTER 6
1. Explain the differences between compact bone and spongy bone, and state where each type is
found. (p. 106)
2. State the locations of red bone marrow, and name the blood cells it produces. (p.106)
3. Name the tissue of which the embryonic skull is first made. Explain how ossification of
cranial bones occurs. (p. 108)
4. State what fontanels are, and explain their function. (p. 108)
5. Name the tissue of which the embryonic femur is first made. Explain how ossification of this
bone occurs. Describe what happens in epiphyseal discs to produce growth of long bones. (p.
108)
6. Explain what is meant by “genetic potential” for height, and name the nutrients a child must
have in order to attain genetic potential. (p. 108)
7. Explain the functions of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone with respect to bone matrix and
to blood calcium level. (p. 112)
8. Explain how estrogen or testosterone affects bone growth, and when. (p. 112)
9. State one way each of the following hormones helps promote bone growth: insulin, thyroxine,
growth hormone. (p. 112)
10. Name the bones that make up the braincase. (p. 112)
11. Name the bones that contain paranasal sinuses and explain the functions of these sinuses. (pp.
116, 119)
12. Name the bones that make up the rib cage, and describe two functions of the rib cage. (p.
122)
13. Describe the functions of the vertebral column. State the number of each type of vertebra.
(pp. 119–120)

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

14. Explain how the shoulder and hip joints are similar and how they differ. (pp. 122, 125)
15. Give a specific example (name two bones) for each of the following types of joints: (p. 129)
a. Hinge
b. Symphysis
c. Pivot
d. Saddle
e. Suture
f. Ball and socket
16. Name the part of a synovial joint with each of the following functions: (p. 128)
a. Fluid within the joint cavity that prevents friction
b. Encloses the joint in a strong sheath
c. Provides a smooth surface on bone surfaces
d. Lines the joint capsule and secretes synovial fluid
17. Refer to the diagram (Fig. 6–4) of the full skeleton, and point to each bone on yourself. (p.
114

CHAPTER 7
1. Name the organ systems directly involved in movement, and for each state how they are
involved. (p. 138)
2. State the function of tendons. Name the part of a muscle and a bone to which a tendon is
attached. (p. 138)
3. State the term for: (pp. 138–139)

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

a. Muscles with the same function

b. Muscles with opposite functions
c. The muscle that does most of the work in a
movement
4. Explain why antagonistic muscle arrangements are necessary. Give two examples. (p. 138)
5. State three reasons why good muscle tone is important. (p. 140)
6. Explain why muscle sense is important. Name the receptors involved and state what they
detect. (p. 141)
7. With respect to muscle contraction, state the functions of the cerebellum and the frontal lobes
of the cerebrum. (p. 140)
8. Name the direct energy source for muscle contraction. Name the two secondary energy
sources. Which of these is more abundant? (p. 141)
9. State the simple equation of cell respiration and what happens to each of the products of this
reaction. (p. 142)
10. Name the two sources of oxygen for muscle fibers. State what the two proteins have in
common. (p. 142)
11. Explain what is meant by oxygen debt. What is needed to correct oxygen debt, and where
does it come from? (p. 142)
12. Name these parts of the neuromuscular junction: (p. 142)
a. The membrane of the muscle fiber
b. The end of the motor neuron
c. The space between neuron and muscle cell. State the locations of acetylcholine and
cholinesterase.
13. Name the contracting proteins of sarcomeres, and describe their locations in a sarcomere.
Where is the sarcoplasmic reticulum and what does it contain? (p. 142)
14. In terms of ions and charges, describe: (p. 145)

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 2022

a. Polarization
b. Depolarization
c. Repolarization
15. With respect to the sliding filament mechanism, explain the function of: (p. 146)
a. Acetylcholine
b. Calcium ions
c. Myosin and actin
d. Troponin and tropomyosin
e. Cholinesterase
16. State three of the body’s physiological responses to exercise, and explain how each helps
maintain homeostasis. (pp. 147–148)
17. Find the major muscles on yourself, and state a function of each muscle

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