Question 1

The ____ divides muscles into sections called fascicles.

Accepted Answer

The perimysium is the connective tissue that surrounds and divides the muscle into sections called fascicles.

Question 2

Which of the following is a protein that stores phosphate groups for use by ATP?

Accepted Answer

Creatine phosphate stores phosphate groups that can be donated to ADP to form ATP, providing a quick source of energy in muscle cells.

Question 3

Which of the following does not apply to skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Intercalated discs are characteristic of cardiac muscle, not skeletal muscle. They facilitate the rapid transmission of electrical signals between cardiac muscle cells, enabling the heart to contract in a coordinated manner. Skeletal muscle, on the other hand, does not have intercalated discs as it is composed of individual muscle fibers that are controlled voluntarily.

Question 4

In order to get tetanus, a person must have a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which typically enters the body through an open wound, especially from a puncture by a contaminated object.

Question 5

An early sign of tetanus is ____.

Accepted Answer

Muscle spasms in the jaw and neck, often referred to as "lockjaw," are classic early signs of tetanus, a bacterial infection characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms.

Question 6

Which of the following are characteristics of cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle is unique because it has intercalated discs that facilitate the rapid spread of electrical signals between cells, making the heart beat in a coordinated manner. It is also self-exciting, meaning it can generate its own contractions without needing external stimuli, unlike skeletal muscle which requires signals from the nervous system.

Question 7

Which of the following uses glucose to help make ATP?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic respiration uses glucose to produce ATP through a series of reactions that include glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Question 8

Small amounts of ATP are produced when pyruvic acid is converted to ____.

Accepted Answer

Small amounts of ATP are produced when pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid during anaerobic respiration, particularly in muscle cells under low oxygen conditions. This process allows for the temporary production of ATP without the need for oxygen.

Question 9

When muscles have a buildup of lactic acid, this ____.

Accepted Answer

Lactic acid buildup in muscles is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration, occurring when oxygen levels are low during intense exercise, leading to muscle fatigue.

Question 10

When working with parents of young children who are at risk of botulism, what is the most important instruction to give them to reduce this risk?

Accepted Answer

Botulism spores can be found in soil and can contaminate foods, especially canned foods if they are improperly processed. Damaged or bulging cans are a sign that the food inside may be contaminated with botulism toxin. Avoiding these foods is crucial in reducing the risk of botulism, especially in young children who are more susceptible to the disease.

Question 11

A man staggers into the clinic. He is known to be a heavy cocaine and alcohol user. Part of the clinical data gathered includes a urine sample, which is very dark in color. He complains of weakness and has a "small" seizure in the exam room. The practitioner suspects that he may have ____.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including dark-colored urine, weakness, and a seizure, suggest rhabdomyolysis. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue releasing a protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Heavy cocaine and alcohol use are risk factors for rhabdomyolysis.

Question 12

A mother calls your office about her 8-month-old, who is not very active, has a weak cry, and has not had a wet diaper for 2 days. This mom is known to make homemade baby food. What advice would be appropriate for the medical assistant to give to this mother?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as decreased activity, a weak cry, and especially not having a wet diaper for 2 days, suggest severe dehydration or another urgent condition. This warrants immediate evaluation in an emergency department rather than waiting for an appointment or attempting home remedies.

Question 13

Which type of muscle moves contents through hollow organs such as the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Visceral smooth muscle is responsible for moving contents through hollow organs such as the intestines, as it contracts in a rhythmic and coordinated manner to propel substances through the organ.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle is self-exciting, meaning it has the ability to initiate its own contraction without needing an external stimulus. This is a key feature that distinguishes it from skeletal muscle, which requires a signal from the nervous system to contract.

Question 15

Which of the following produces body movement?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle is primarily responsible for producing body movement by contracting and pulling on bones.

Question 16

Individual muscle cells are surrounded by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Individual muscle cells, also known as muscle fibers, are surrounded by a thin connective tissue layer called the endomysium. This layer provides support and separates the muscle cells from each other.

Question 17

Elysia is a young woman who has just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The practitioner asks the medical assistant to provide her with tips to help manage this disorder. The medical assistant should suggest that she ____.

Accepted Answer

Seeking counseling can help Elysia develop better coping skills to manage the chronic pain and stress associated with fibromyalgia.

Question 18

Two of the best players on a middle-school soccer team just showed up 15 minutes late for a match. They want to go out on the field immediately, but the coach insists that they warm up and do stretches before joining the game. Which of the following is the best explanation the coach can give these players about warming up before entering the game?

Accepted Answer

Warming up and stretching are crucial for preparing the muscles for intense activity, increasing flexibility, and significantly reducing the risk of injuries, which is why the coach insists on these activities before the players join the game.

Question 19

Which of the following does not apply to visceral smooth muscle?

Accepted Answer

Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, and uterus, but not in blood vessels. Blood vessels contain vascular smooth muscle, which is a different type.

Question 20

Which characteristic applies to smooth muscle?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle produces peristalsis, which is the wave-like contractions that move contents through tubular organs like the intestines.

Quiz 24: The Muscular System