CNM Semester example test paper
questions & answers 2024
Explain what is meant by 'homeostasis' and list TWO physiological variables that must remain within
narrow parameters in the body - ANSWER-Homeostasis The condition of equilibrium (balance) in the
body's internal environment maintained by the body's own regulatory processes.
• Core temperature (36.5-37.5°C).
• Water and electrolyte concentrations.
• pH (acidity or alkalinity) of body fluids.
• Blood glucose levels.
• Blood and tissue O 2 / CO 2 levels.
• Blood pressure.
• Flow of Life Force.
List ONE key difference between 'diffusion' and 'facilitated diffusion' - ANSWER-Diffusion — the
movement of small substances from a high to low concentration.
Facilitated diffusion — the movement of larger substances from high to low concentration with the aid of
transmembrane proteins
Explain what is meant by a 'free radical' - ANSWER-Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive
molecules. They lack an electron in their atomic structure, which can be donated by antioxidants.
Explain how 'tight junctions' are formed between cells - ANSWER-Transmembrane proteins fuse cells
together to reinforce the junctions and seal off passageways/
Describe the difference between 'supine' and 'prone' body positions - ANSWER-Supine describes the
body lying face up.
, Prone describes the body lying face down
The skeletal system stores minerals such as _______________ and _______________, whilst functioning
to provide a support framework for the body.
Some bones in the body are known as 'long bones'. These contain a shaft known as the 'diaphysis', and 2
heads known as the '__________________'. An example of a long bone is the ____________________. -
ANSWER-The skeletal system stores minerals such as calcium phosphate and magnesium or potassium,
whilst functioning to provide a support framework for the body. Some bones in the body are known as
'long bones. These contain a shaft known as the 'diaphysis', and 2 heads known as the 'epiphyses'
Example: Femur or Tibia
Explain why a 'post-menopausal woman' could be susceptible to the development of osteoporosis -
ANSWER-Oestrogen would normally suppress osteoclast activity
Explain the key difference between the directional terms 'medial' and 'lateral' - ANSWER-Medial: Near to
midline
Lateral: Away from the midline
List TWO characteristics of 'slow oxidative' skeletal muscle - ANSWER-Any two of the following
Colour: dark red
Respiration: aerobic
Myoglobin and mitochondria: highest
Duration: Longest
Good for: endurance
Diameter: small
Describe the difference between muscle properties 'excitability' and 'extensibility' - ANSWER-Excitability
→ ability to conduct an electrical current. Nerve impulses cause muscles to contract.
Extensibility → ability to stretch without being damaged.
questions & answers 2024
Explain what is meant by 'homeostasis' and list TWO physiological variables that must remain within
narrow parameters in the body - ANSWER-Homeostasis The condition of equilibrium (balance) in the
body's internal environment maintained by the body's own regulatory processes.
• Core temperature (36.5-37.5°C).
• Water and electrolyte concentrations.
• pH (acidity or alkalinity) of body fluids.
• Blood glucose levels.
• Blood and tissue O 2 / CO 2 levels.
• Blood pressure.
• Flow of Life Force.
List ONE key difference between 'diffusion' and 'facilitated diffusion' - ANSWER-Diffusion — the
movement of small substances from a high to low concentration.
Facilitated diffusion — the movement of larger substances from high to low concentration with the aid of
transmembrane proteins
Explain what is meant by a 'free radical' - ANSWER-Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive
molecules. They lack an electron in their atomic structure, which can be donated by antioxidants.
Explain how 'tight junctions' are formed between cells - ANSWER-Transmembrane proteins fuse cells
together to reinforce the junctions and seal off passageways/
Describe the difference between 'supine' and 'prone' body positions - ANSWER-Supine describes the
body lying face up.
, Prone describes the body lying face down
The skeletal system stores minerals such as _______________ and _______________, whilst functioning
to provide a support framework for the body.
Some bones in the body are known as 'long bones'. These contain a shaft known as the 'diaphysis', and 2
heads known as the '__________________'. An example of a long bone is the ____________________. -
ANSWER-The skeletal system stores minerals such as calcium phosphate and magnesium or potassium,
whilst functioning to provide a support framework for the body. Some bones in the body are known as
'long bones. These contain a shaft known as the 'diaphysis', and 2 heads known as the 'epiphyses'
Example: Femur or Tibia
Explain why a 'post-menopausal woman' could be susceptible to the development of osteoporosis -
ANSWER-Oestrogen would normally suppress osteoclast activity
Explain the key difference between the directional terms 'medial' and 'lateral' - ANSWER-Medial: Near to
midline
Lateral: Away from the midline
List TWO characteristics of 'slow oxidative' skeletal muscle - ANSWER-Any two of the following
Colour: dark red
Respiration: aerobic
Myoglobin and mitochondria: highest
Duration: Longest
Good for: endurance
Diameter: small
Describe the difference between muscle properties 'excitability' and 'extensibility' - ANSWER-Excitability
→ ability to conduct an electrical current. Nerve impulses cause muscles to contract.
Extensibility → ability to stretch without being damaged.
