CELL PHYSIOLOGY

1. Describe in full the mitochondria and the cell membrane as cellular organelles. What is
their relevance to survival?
2. The human body is compartmentalized for effectivesness. What are these compartments
and their relevance to cell and body functions

3. Briefly explain two types of cellular joints necessary for intercellular activities. Add a note
on their importance in physiologic functions.

4. The eukaryotic cell is semiautonomous. Support this assertion by not less than five
physiological attributes.

5. How does the cell regulate its genetic activities?

6. What are the joints by which cell communication occur?
7. What are the functions of the cell cycle? Fully describe the M-phase of the cell cycle
8. Briefly discuss the body fluid compartments. What is the major difference(s) in ionic
distribution between ECF and ICF?

9. Explain briefly the strcture of DNA and enumerate the major differences between DNA and
RNA

10. In a schema, outline the process of meiosis in the animal cell

11. How can you measure as a physiologist the plasma volume? What are the ideal substances

used in measuring body volumes?

12. Describe briefly the four processes of protein synthesis

13. Briefly describe the cell cycle in humans

14. Describe the synthesis of the protein insulin

15. What is negative feedback mechanism? How does this mechanism contribute to

homeostasis?

16. Calculate the gain in feedback when non-functional control is -60 and functional control is

+10
 CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
1. Describe the events of the cardiac cycle
2. Write an essay on electrocardiogram
3. Discuss the circulatory dynamics in cardiac failure
4. Discuss the factors that control arterial blood pressure
5. Briefly discuss the coronary circulation
6. Define cardiac output. What are the factors affecting cardiac output?
7. In brief, what are the roles of chemoreceptors in the control of blood pressure?
8. Describe the features and clinical importance of the conducting system of the heart
9. Describe the Triple response In cutaneous circulatory response to injury
10. The arterial blood pressure varies among persons as well in the same person under

different physiological conditions. Discuss.

11. Describe briefly the structure anfd functions of the conducting system of the heart

12. Describe the Renin-angiotensin system

13. Describe the following terms a) End systolic volume. B) Ejection fraction. C) Stroke

volume. D) Systolic blood pressure

14. List the various types of capillaries and discuss the principle of fluid exchange across

capillaries

15. Discuss briefly the role of arterial baroreceptors in the regulation of arterial blood

pressure

16. Write a short note on heart sounds and murmurs

17. Draw a labelled diagram of a typical ECG waveform and list the amplitudes and

durations of the various waves and intervals

18. Write briefly on electrocardiogreaph leads

19. Explain the following terms; positive inotropic effect, positive chronopic effect,

idioventricular rhythm
20. List the functions of the cardiovascular system

21. Briefly explain the physiological changes that occur during shock

22. Discuss the intra atrial pressure curves and their physiological importance in the cardiac

cycle

23. Describe the cerebral blood flow and its regulation. Mention the clinical conditions

associated with cerebral blood flow

24. Explain briefly the ionic basis of cardiac muscle action potential

25. Draw and label the Einthoven’s triangle and describe how to connect the standard

bipolar limb leads

 BLOOD PHYSIOLOGY
1. Write using illustrative diagram, the process of haematopoiesis

2. State Landsteiner’s laws and add a note on the haemolytic disease of the new born

3. Write on the mechanism of haemostasis

4. What are autoimmune diseases? Write on any two

5. Describe the fate of red blood cells

6. Discuss erythroblastosis fetalis

7. Write an essay on innate immunity

8. A housemaid while preparing the family’s meal had an accidental knife cut on one of her

digits. After a while the bleeding stopped. Discuss the physiological processes involved in the

arrest of her bleeding

9. Define autoimmunity. Write on any two autoimmune conditions in humans
10. Describe fully the process of erythropoiesis

11. Write concisely on the functions of plasma proteins

12. A) Discuss concisely the production and destruction of red blood cells. B) what is

jaundice? List 3 types of jaundice you know

13. What is immunity/ write a short note on acquired immunity

14. List the composition and functions of blood

15. Write short note on the physiology of blood transfusion

16. Discuss anemia

17. Enumerate the functions of the different white blood cells

18. A) Write an essay on the reticuloendothelial system. B) Classify leucocytes according to

structure and function. C) Write on the function of leukocytes

19. With the aid of a diagram, describe the extrinsic pathway f blood coagulation
20. Write on the four stages of haemostasis

21. Write short notes on a) haemophilia b)von Williebrand disease

22. Describe how you would determine the blood group of a person with blood group O.
state what antigens and antibodies a universal donor has

23. Write an essay on the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and its health implications

24. Outline the major blood group types and describe briefly how blood id typed and cross
matched
 ENDOCRINE PHYSIOLOGY
1. What is acromegaly? What is the endocrine basis for this condition
2. Write a short note on the sysnthesis of thyroxin. Why is the intake of a balanced diet
essential to this process?

3. Describe the physiological importance of calcium in the body. Describe the regulation of
blood calcium concerntration.

4. List the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. What are the physiological actions of
cortisol?

5. Describe the classification and mechanism of action of hormones

6. Explain in details the structural and functional relationship between the hypothalamus
and the anterior pituitary gland
7. How are calcium and phosphate levels regulated in the body
8. Explain the process of synthesis, transport and physiological actions of thyroid hormones
(T4 and T3)

9. Wite short notes on the following. A) Acromegaly. B) Diabetes insipidus. C) Cushing’s

syndrome. E) Diabetes Mellitus

10. List the hormones elaborated by the kidney and give the functions of each
 EXCITABLE TISSUES PHYSIOLOGY
1. Write a detailed essay on the properties of cardiac muscle. How do these properties
differentiate it functionally from skeletal and other smooth muscles?
2. Write short notes on a) physiology of muscle cramps b) excitation contraction coupling
3. Describe in detail the mechanism of contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles
4. Describe the sources of energy for muscle contraction and explain the energy transfer to
the skeletal muscle contractile mechanism

5. Distinguish between “excitation-secretion” and “excitation-contraction” coupling

6. What is resting membrane potential? Draw and label a typical action potential in a squid
axon (nerve). Describe the factors that lead to the generation of resting membrane
potential. Describe the events that lead to the production of action potential
7. Discuss with the aid of a diagram the contractile elements of a muscle
8. Write a note on the thermalchanges during muscle contraction
9. What is the role of calcium in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction? List the features of
hypocalcemia in the body
 GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
1. Mention 20 GIT hormones and briefly discuss the functions of any 5 of them
2. List the composition an functions of saliva
3. Write a short note on carbohydrate digestion
4. Express in a brief note your understanding of the pathophysiology of achalasia
5. Explain in details the exocrine and endocrine funtions of the pancrease
6. Write on peptic ulceration, mechanism of emesis and enteric nervous system of the Git
7. Describe the mechanism of HCL secretion and factors that affect it
8. Explain the various factors that affect the basal metabolic rate
9. Describe how a meal of palm oil gets into the body
10. Discuss deglutition reflex and its physiological importance

11. What is zollinger Ellison’s syndrome

12. Write on chron’s disease

13. Explain the composition, functions and regulation of gastric secetion

14. Briefly discuss the physiology of emesis. Mention 2 conditions in which emesis is

important
15. Explain briefly 5 factors that affect gastric emptying

16. With the aid ofa diagram only, describe a) the organization of the vomiting center b) the

functional anatomy of the intestinal wall

17. Describe one test you could conduct to asses the degree of acid production in the

stomach of pepetic ulcer patients

18. Explain briefly the deglutition reflex. Why is this reflex termed a productive cough?
 NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
1. A teenage girl trapped in an inferno at a shopping mall was attempting to find an escape
exit. A) describe the physiological responses in the body system. B) wrie a short note on

the division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the responses in a above

2. A 15 year old girl had a procedure at the hospital which involved introduction of a special
needle into the space between her L4 and L5 vertebrae. A clear fluid was collected

thereafter. A) write an essay on the formation, chemistry, properties and function of the
fluid. B) write a note on the common cause of accumulation of this fluid in the ventricles

of the brain
3. With the aid of a well labelled diagram describe the components of a reflex arc in relation
to the Bell and Magendie law
4. Describe the superficial and deep reflexes
5. Compare the dorsal column with the spinothalamic system
6. Explain the physiological features of spinal shock in human beings
7. Write on nociceptors, nerve fibre regeneration, central glial cell, gastrointestinal
autonomic reflexes

8. In a tabular form, list the anatomical and functional divisions of the nervous system and
their primary organs
9. Compare and contrast the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of
the autonomic nervous system

10. Draw and label the homunculus of the cerebral cortex

11. A) what are the functions of the cerebrospinal fluid. B) briefly write on the homunculus

12. Explain in brief the concept and types of communication among cells. B) describe 2 modes

of chemical messaging between cells

13. Describe the physiological structure of the muscle spindle

14. With a well labelled diagram, describe the mode of transduction of stimulus of action

potential in the Pacinian corpuscle

15. Discuss nerve regeneration

16. A) define synapse and describe 2 ways in which synapse can be classified. B) what are the

properties of a synapse

17. Classify neurotransmitters according to their chemical nature and function

18. Write short notes on the manifestations of cerebellar dysfunction

19. Classify the components of the limbic system and discuss the functions of the limbic

system

20. Draw and label the pyramidal tracts

21. Draw and label the pain pathway

22. Enumerate the functions of the hypothalamus

23. What are the nuclear components of the basal ganglia

24. Describe concisely the clinical manifestations of parkinson’s disease

25. Write briefly on referred pain

26. What are the manifestations of motor neuron lesion

27. Write a note about the motor cortex and its role in control of motor functions

28. Describe the type of brain wave pattern in electroencephalogram and explain briefly how

they relate to sleep

29. Write briefly on functions of the basal ganglia and disesases associated with lesions of the

basal ganglia

30. Write on A) tabes dorsalis. B) syringomelia

31. Write an essay on the physiology of the blood brain barrier

 EXCRETORY SYSTEM
1) List the physiological functions of the skin and explain in details any 2 of these functions

2) What if glomerular filtration rate. Describe the filteration barrier and how it relates to

glomerular filteration. What are the factors that regulate the net glomerular filteration
3) Describe the loop of Henle in the formation and concerntration of urine

4) Describe in details how the human kidney forms concerntrated urine

5) Describe the countercurrent multiplier mechanism. What is diabetes insipidus and how it

be managed using your knowledge of physiology?

6) Briefly describe the physiology of the glands in the skin

7) Discuss in brief the renal handling of glucose. Support with diagram where possible

8) Give a detailed account of how the body maintains normal ECF osmolarity

9) Describe the role of the loop of Henle in the formation and concerntration of urine

10) Mention 5 diuretics you know and briefly outline the physiology of their mechanism of

action

11) Discuss briefly how the kidneys maintain acid-base balance

12) Describe the innervations of the bladder, process of micturition and abnormalities of

micturition
13) What is acidosis? How does the kidney deal with acidosis?

14) What is the filteration barrier in the kidney. Enumerate the factors guiding glomerular

filteration
 REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
1. The function of the reproductive system like other systems is to maintain homeostasis.
Substantiate this above statement with three physiological activities of the system

2. Describe the physio-anatomy of the matured mammary gland. Support with a fully
labelled diagram

3. Compare and contrast the human breast milk with that of non-humans e.g cow’s
4. Discuss in details the master’s and Johnson’s sexual cycle. What are the abnormalities
associated with this cycle

5. A) Discuss in full the physiology of fertilization and implantation in humans. B) from your
knowledge of (a) above, explain in brief five factors that could lead to failure of
embryogenesis

6. During embryogenesis, the maternal physiology undergpoes changes to adapt to the state
of pregnancy. Enumerate these systemic changes concisely. B) intrauterine and

extruterine lives are different functionally; substantiate this statement with

cardiorespiratory activities of how the fetus survives at birth

7. What is parturition? List the adaptive changes of the new born at birth
8. Discuss briefly the maternal changesthat take place during birth

9. Describe the stages of spermatogenesis from the primordial germ cell to the matured
spermatozoa. What are the factors affecting spermatogenesis
 RESPITATORY PHYSIOLOGY
1. A) What are the lung volumes you know?
b) Enumerate four instruments that can be used to asses the volumes in the baboratory

c) Describe how you will estmate the peak flow expiratory rate
2. The oxygen dissociation curve provides a snap picture of the availability of oxygen for
cellular use and the body’s response to hypoxia

a) Correctly draw and label this curve

b) What are the variables that can affect this curve

c) What are the ways the body adjust to hypoxia physiologically?

3. The body response to hypoxia in the systemic and pulmonary tissues differ physiologically.
Explain

4. Write short note on the transport of carbon iv oxide in the body

5. Describe in brief the respiratory membrane. What are the factors that facilitate fst gas
diffusion across it?

6. Discuss in full the chemical control of respiration

7. Explain in brief the dynamics of fluid exchange between the capillary and interstitium in the
pulmonary bed
8. Discuss the various types of hypoxia
9. What is compliance in respiratory physiology? What is the role of surfactant in this?
10. Discuss in brief the mechanism of ventilation, taking into cognizance the influence of the

appropriate gas laws

11. What is hyoperbarism describe the physiology of Bend’s disease

12. Cells abhor hypoxia. Substantiate the statement by describing tissue reaction to hypoxia

with the aim of counteracting hypoxia on acute basis

13. Describe the physioanatomy of the respiratory regulatory centers. What is Ondine’s

disease?
14. You have been sneezing incessantly as a result of flu; describe the reflex mechanism

involed with ypour knowledge of physiology

15. With your knowledge of physiology, how will you manage an athlete who is suffering from

Bend’s disease?

16. Name two instruments you can use to assess respiratory volumes. How does this

knowledge of respiratory volume help in assessment of respiratory function

17. Explain what you know about gas exchange in the lungs and the various factors that may

affect this function

18. It is generally agreed that the respiratory system is valuable to the smooth functioning of

the body. Support this assertion from physiological point of view

19. What is Kartegener’s syndrome? Explain the significance of disease in the respiratory

system

20. Give ten characteristics of the pulmonary circulation that enable it to effectively perform

its functions in the respiratory system

 SPECIAL SENSES
1. Write a note about the optics of the eye, the refractive errors and their correction
2. Describe how light energy is converted to electrical energy in the rod of the eye and the
visual pathway

3. List the established taste modalities and write on any three of them
4. With the aid of a well labelled diagram describe the olfactory pathway. List any three
disorders of smell

5. Discuss the test for hearing

6. Write short notes on auditory pathway and mechanism of hearing
7. Write short notes on the following a) refractive index b)retina c) acqueous humour
8. What is the physiological defect in th lesion at the following a) optic nerve b)optic
chiasma c) optic tract

9. Briefly explain the physiological visual pathway

10. Briefly describe how sounds are perceived in the somatosensory cortex. Illustrate with

diagram

11. A) explain the various functions of the external ear. B) discuss the characteristics of sound

waves

12. What are the physiological mechanisms for transduction of taste modalities

13. Write a note on olfactory threshold and discrimination

14. What is presbyaccuses? Describe briefly ossicular conduction of sound

15. Write short notes on a) determination of sound loudness b) physiological anatomy of the

ear ossicles

16. With illustrative diagram, descrie myopia and hypermetropia and how to correct them

17. With the aid of a diagram, discuss the visual pathway and state the effects of lesions at

the various parts of the pathway