EMT Anatomy and Physiology Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. Which sequence correctly traces inhaled air from the upper airway to the main site of gas exchange?
Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → alveoli
Pharynx → nasal cavity → trachea → bronchi → alveoli
Nasal cavity → esophagus → larynx → bronchioles → alveoli
Larynx → pharynx → trachea → alveoli → bronchi
2. What normally happens when the diaphragm contracts during inhalation?
It moves downward, increasing chest volume and lowering pressure
It rises and decreases the volume of the chest
It rises and increases pressure inside the chest
It moves downward, decreasing chest volume and raising pressure
3. When carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood, what primarily helps increase respiratory drive?
The kidneys immediately convert carbon dioxide into oxygen
Stretch receptors detect that the blood has become thicker
The cerebral cortex directly measures carbon dioxide in red blood cells
Carbon-dioxide-related pH changes stimulate central and peripheral chemoreceptors
4. Why can a major drop in blood glucose rapidly cause confusion or altered mental status?
The brain depends heavily on a continuous glucose supply and stores little fuel
Low glucose immediately prevents the lungs from expanding
The brain can use only stored protein during sudden energy shortages
Low glucose causes the skull to place pressure on the brain
5. A patient develops an uncomplicated pneumothorax after a chest injury. Why can the affected lung partially collapse?
Air entering the bloodstream blocks the pulmonary arteries
Air in the pleural space disrupts the pressure that normally helps keep the lung expanded
The diaphragm stops receiving oxygen and becomes rigid
The bronchi automatically close when the chest wall is injured
6. Which process moves oxygen from the alveoli into the pulmonary capillary blood?
Active transport powered by alveolar cells
Diffusion down an oxygen partial-pressure gradient
Osmosis driven by differences in water concentration
Filtration caused by ventricular contraction
7. A high cervical spinal cord injury can seriously impair breathing because the nerves controlling the diaphragm arise primarily from which levels?
C3–C5
C1–C2
T1–T4
L1–L3
8. In the standard anatomical position, how are the palms oriented?
Facing backward
Facing forward
Facing toward the thighs
Facing upward with the elbows bent
9. A patient suddenly develops weakness in the right arm due to a cerebral injury. Which side of the brain is most likely affected?
Both occipital lobes equally
The right cerebral hemisphere
The right cerebellar hemisphere
The left cerebral hemisphere
10. During a frightening emergency, a patient's pupils dilate and heart rate rises. Which division of the nervous system is producing this response?
Somatic sensory division
Parasympathetic division
Sympathetic division
Enteric division
11. An EMT checks a pulse on the thumb side of a patient's wrist. Which artery is being palpated?
Brachial artery
Ulnar artery
Radial artery
Carotid artery
12. Which statement best describes the kidneys' role in homeostasis?
They produce bile and store glycogen
They secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine
They exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the environment
They filter blood while regulating fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance
13. After significant blood loss, a patient has cool, pale skin. Which physiological response best explains this finding?
Peripheral blood vessels dilate to release heat
The parasympathetic system increases blood flow to the skin
Sympathetic vasoconstriction redirects blood toward vital organs
Capillaries produce extra blood to maintain skin temperature
14. A patient reports tenderness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Which major organ is located primarily in that region?
Spleen
Sigmoid colon
Urinary bladder
Liver
15. Blood leaving the left ventricle normally passes through which structure next?
The pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery
The mitral valve into the left atrium
The aortic valve into the aorta
The tricuspid valve into the right atrium
16. A patient can flex the knee but cannot actively straighten the lower leg after an injury. Which muscle group is most directly involved in the lost movement?
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Gastrocnemius and soleus
Gluteal muscles