Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Anatomy and Physiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for continuous cell division to replenish skin cells?
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum basale (Correct answer)
- Stratum spinosum
Correct answer: Stratum basale
The stratum basale is the deepest epidermal layer, sitting directly atop the dermis. It contains mitotically active keratinocytes that constantly divide, pushing older cells toward the surface to replace those that are shed.
Question 2: The head of the femur articulates with which structure to form the hip joint?
- Glenoid fossa
- Tibial plateau
- Olecranon fossa
- Acetabulum (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Acetabulum
The rounded head of the femur fits into the cup-shaped acetabulum of the os coxae (hip bone), creating the ball-and-socket hip joint. This structure provides both stability and a wide range of motion.
Question 3: Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction to initiate skeletal muscle contraction?
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Acetylcholine (Correct answer)
- Serotonin
Correct answer: Acetylcholine
Motor neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) into the synaptic cleft at the neuromuscular junction. ACh binds to nicotinic receptors on the motor end plate, generating an action potential that triggers the muscle fiber to contract.
Question 4: The sinoatrial (SA) node, which generates the heart's electrical impulse, is located in which chamber?
- Left ventricle
- Left atrium
- Right ventricle
- Right atrium (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Right atrium
The SA node sits in the posterior wall of the right atrium, near the opening of the superior vena cava. It spontaneously depolarizes to set the normal sinus rhythm and is therefore called the heart's natural pacemaker.
Question 5: Which of the following muscles is NOT part of the rotator cuff?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres major (Correct answer)
- Subscapularis
Correct answer: Teres major
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis (SITS). Teres major is a separate muscle that medially rotates and adducts the arm but does not attach to the glenohumeral capsule.
Question 6: What is the primary role of the lymphatic system with respect to interstitial fluid?
- Producing erythrocytes in lymph nodes
- Filtering metabolic waste through the kidneys
- Returning excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream (Correct answer)
- Secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine
Correct answer: Returning excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream
Lymph capillaries absorb excess fluid and proteins that have leaked from blood capillaries into the interstitial space, transporting the resulting lymph back to the venous circulation. This prevents tissue edema and maintains fluid homeostasis.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination MBLEx Test Anatomy and Physiology 1
Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for continuous cell division to replenish skin cells?