Sample Questions for the Comprehensive Final Exam.

Spring, 2010

Below are ten sample questions for the comprehensive final exam. On the exam you will be asked to write a maximum of one page discussing broad concepts of anatomy. You will be given five or six questions and asked to select three. Each will be worth 33 points. The questions on the exam may be slightly different than the ones you have here, or they may combine ideas from two or more questions, but they will cover the same concepts.

Read the questions carefully to be sure that your answers address all aspects the questions. Answers to these questions will be graded more on their clarity of communication of the important concepts than on recitation of details (however, do not assume that important details may be ignored). This is particularly important for questions that ask to compare and contrast structures or systems. These require a discussion of how the systems in question are similar and how they differ; a simple description of each system is not sufficient. As for all discussion questions, you will be expected to answer these questions in an organized narrative of complete sentences. Diagrams can supplement the question if they are clearly labeled, but lists and tables are not acceptable.

Prior to the exam, you may ask for clarification of questions but I will not read nor grant preapproval of answers. Please see me if you have further questions.

Winston Lancaster

1. Explain how pelvic and perineal structures receive sympathetic innervation by different routes.

2. Describe a “typical” spinal nerve (e.g. 10^th thoracic). Include the major regions of the related segment of the spinal cord, the nerve roots and all the major branches and related nervous structures. Include the functional components contained in this nerve.

3. How does the hepatic portal vein differ from other veins in its course and its function? How can liver disease impact organs and veins in other parts of the body?

4. Discuss the homologies between structures of the female and male external genitalia.

5. Compare the arrangement of muscular compartments in the upper and lower limbs. Consider which muscular groups are functionally analogous between the two limbs.

6. Briefly discuss the concept of coelomic epithelium (or mesothelium) using either lungs, heart or abdominal organs as examples, and explain the function of the cavity for the organ system that you choose.

7. Compare and contrast the origin, course and distribution of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

8. Consider the motions of the thumb and little finger in comparison to those of the first and fifth toes. Compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the motions, the muscles that cause these motions, their attachments and patterns of innervations.

9. Explain the difference between the structure and function of the two atrioventricular valves (and related structures) in comparison to the aortic and pulmonary valves. How does the conducting system of the heart relate to this difference?

10. Discuss the nervous innervation of the structures of the orbit, including the nerves that pass through the orbit on their route to another location. Include all the nerves, their modalities, associated foramina and targets.