Which of the following is a ligament that supports the spine?

• Iliofemoral ligament

• Posterior longitudinal ligament

• Medial collateral ligament

• Anterior talofibular ligament

Answer explanation

The posterior longitudinal ligament is a key ligament that runs along the back of the vertebral bodies, providing support and stability to the spine. The other options do not support the spine.

Which hormone regulates metabolism of all cells and tissues in the body?

• Insulin

• Thyroxine

• Cortisol

• Oestrogen

Answer explanation

Thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, is crucial for regulating metabolism in all cells and tissues. It influences how the body uses energy, making it the primary hormone for metabolic regulation.

When is delayed onset of muscular soreness (DOMS) typically experienced?

• Immediately after exercise

• 2–8 h after exercise

• 12–72 h after exercise

• 4–7 days after exercise

Answer explanation

Delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) is typically experienced 12–72 hours after exercise due to muscle damage and inflammation, making this the correct choice. It does not occur immediately or within the first 8 hours.

Which muscle in the legs is the longest in the human body?

• Splenius capitis

• Sartorius

• Supraspinalis

• Seratus anterior

Answer explanation

The Sartorius is the longest muscle in the human body, running from the hip to the knee. It is responsible for flexing, abducting, and laterally rotating the thigh, distinguishing it from the other options listed.

Which muscle crosses the elbow joint?

• Biceps femoris

• Triceps brachii

• Teres major

• Levator scapula

Answer explanation

The triceps brachii is the muscle that crosses the elbow joint, allowing for extension of the forearm. The biceps femoris is part of the hamstrings, while teres major and levator scapula do not cross the elbow.

What disease of the arteries is characterised by fatty material being deposited on their inner walls?

• Osteoporosis

• Atherosclerosis

• Arteriosclerosis

• Osteoarthritis

Answer explanation

Atherosclerosis is the disease characterized by the buildup of fatty materials, such as cholesterol, on the inner walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart disease.

Which is a function of systemic circulation?

• To carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the body

• To transfer oxygenated blood back to the heart from the body

• To carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body

• To transfer nutrients around the body

Answer explanation

The systemic circulation is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which is why the correct answer is 'To carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body'.

Which spinal disorder may also be known as 'hunchback'?

• Hyper-kyphosis

• Hyper-lordosis

• Upper-cross syndrome

• Lower-cross syndrome

Answer explanation

Hyper-kyphosis, commonly referred to as 'hunchback', is characterized by an excessive curvature of the spine in the thoracic region, leading to a rounded back appearance.

Which muscles are situated along each side of the spine?

• Erector spinae

• Teres minor

• Infraspinatus

• Deltoid

Answer explanation

The erector spinae muscles run along each side of the spine, providing support and enabling movement. The other options, such as teres minor and infraspinatus, are located in the shoulder region, not along the spine.

What must happen to start a muscle contraction?

• Stimulation of the muscle by a motor neuron impulse

• Stimulation of the muscle by an actin filament

• Stimulation of the muscle by a myosin filament

• Stimulation of the muscle by adenosine triphosphate

Answer explanation

A muscle contraction begins with the stimulation of the muscle by a motor neuron impulse, which triggers the release of calcium ions and initiates the contraction process.