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Physiology Flashcards

7 cards from real NBME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which gastric cell type produces both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor?

    Answer: Parietal cells

    Parietal cells secrete HCl via the H+/K+-ATPase pump and also produce intrinsic factor required for vitamin B12 absorption in the terminal ileum.

  2. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released from duodenal I cells primarily in response to:

    Answer: Dietary fats and amino acids in the duodenum

    CCK is stimulated by fats and amino acids in the duodenum, triggering gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme release, and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi.

  3. Secretin, released by duodenal S cells in response to acidic chyme, primarily acts to:

    Answer: Stimulate pancreatic ductal bicarbonate secretion

    Secretin stimulates pancreatic ductal cells to secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid, neutralizing acidic chyme entering the duodenum.

  4. Which of the following is an example of PRIMARY active transport?

    Answer: Na+/K+-ATPase

    Na+/K+-ATPase directly hydrolyzes ATP to move 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in against their concentration gradients — the definition of primary active transport.

  5. A patient with complete biliary obstruction would most likely develop deficiency of which vitamins?

    Answer: Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

    Bile salts are required for micelle formation and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K); biliary obstruction prevents this, causing deficiencies and coagulopathy.

  6. Erythropoietin (EPO) is primarily produced by which cells in response to hypoxia?

    Answer: Peritubular fibroblasts of the renal cortex

    Hypoxia stabilizes HIF-1α in renal peritubular fibroblasts, driving EPO transcription; the kidney is the primary EPO-producing organ in adults.

  7. The resting membrane potential of neurons (~−70 mV) is primarily maintained by:

    Answer: K+ leak channels combined with Na+/K+-ATPase activity

    K+ leak channels allow K+ efflux down its concentration gradient, creating a negative interior; Na+/K+-ATPase maintains the gradient and contributes a small electrogenic component.