Can You Tell Us All About You With This Human Body Quiz?
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 26 min play time
The human body is such an amazing yet fragile thing. We have the ability to withstand significant illnesses but can be brought to our knees by microscopic organisms. Take this quiz and tell us how much you know about you!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyHuman Body Quiz Questions
76 Questions · 193 Plays · No comments
Question 1
What is the name given to the body system whose primary function is to protect the body from infectious diseases?
-
AReproductive system
-
BImmune system
-
CDigestive system
-
DRespiratory system
Immune system
The immune system is responsible for immunity, the body system that fends off infectious diseases.
Question 2
Which of the following hormones is secreted by the testes?
-
AAnti-diuretic hormone
-
BTestosterone
-
CGlucagon
-
DInsulin
Testosterone
The testes (male gonads) produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
Question 3
Which of the following hormones is secreted by the ovaries?
-
AInsulin
-
BAdrenaline
-
CLeptin
-
DEstrogen
Estrogen
The ovaries (female gonads) produce estrogen, a female sex hormone.
Question 4
Spina bifida causes problems with the structure that develops into the _____.
-
Aspinal cord
-
Bsolar plexus
-
Ceye
-
Dbiceps femoris
spinal cord
Spina bifida occurs when the vertebrae of the spinal column don't properly enclose the neural tube, the structure that develops into the spinal cord.
Question 5
What is the name given to the orifice through which fecal matter exits the body?
-
APylorus
-
BGlottis
-
COral orafice
-
DAnus
Anus
The anus is the opening to the exterior through which fecal matter exits the body. The anal sphincters regulate the opening and closing of this exit.
Question 6
What is the name given to cells of the lymphatic system?
-
AOocyte
-
BOsteocyte
-
CLymphocytes
-
DErythrocyte
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes literally mean lymph cells.
Question 7
What term is given to the events surrounding decreased ovarian function?
-
ASenescence
-
BCessation
-
CWomanopause
-
DMenopause
Menopause
Menopause is the result of the tapering off of, and then cessation of, ovarian secretion of female sex hormones.
Question 8
A low red blood cell count or a reduced amount of hemoglobin is called _____.
-
Acytopenia
-
Bsarcopenia
-
Canemia
-
Dosteopenia
anemia
There are many causes of anemia, including, but not limited to, hemorrhage, iron deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Question 9
Which part of the digestive system is found behind the trachea?
-
AEsophagus
-
BStomach
-
CLarge intestine
-
DSmall intestine
Esophagus
Both the trachea and the esophagus are found in the chest cavity.
Question 10
Which of the following compounds transport oxygen in the blood?
-
ACeruloplasmin
-
BHemoglobin
-
CFerritin
-
DMyoglobin
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing, oxygen-binding, compound found in red blood cells.
Question 11
Auditory receptors are found in the _____.
-
Aear
-
Bnose
-
Ceye
-
Dmouth
ear
The word "auditory" refers to hearing.
Question 12
Another easy one. Which of these cells respond to an infection?
-
APlasma
-
BPlatelets
-
CRed blood cells
-
DWhite blood cells
White blood cells
White blood cells, leukocytes, play a major role in fighting infection.
Question 13
What is a splenectomy?
-
AThe lack of a spleen
-
BRemoval of the spleen
-
CAn enlarged spleen
-
DAm atrophied spleen
Removal of the spleen
The suffix "-ectomy" means removal. When damaged, the spleen bleeds readily and profusely. Removal of the spleen is done to prevent hemorrhaging.
Question 14
Which of the following comprise the central nervous system (CNS)?
-
ABrain and spinal cord
-
BPain and pressure receptors
-
CVisceral and somatic nerves
-
DSensory and motor nerves
Brain and spinal cord
The brain and spinal cord process the information they receive from the peripheral nervous system and, in response, send signals to muscles and glands.
Question 15
Scarring of the liver, from alcoholism for example, is called _____.
-
Ahemolysis
-
BChron's disease
-
Cdiverticulosis
-
Dcirrhosis
cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when liver tissue is so badly damaged that it is replaced by scar tissue. Scar tissue does not function as liver tissue.
Question 16
What is meningitis?
-
ACancer of the meninges
-
BShrinkage of the meninges
-
CInflammation of the meninges
-
DAtrophy of the meninges
Inflammation of the meninges
The suffix "-itis" means inflammation. So meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the tissues that overlay and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Question 17
The light receptors (photoreceptors) of the eye are found in the _____.
-
Asclera
-
Bconjunctivia
-
Cchroroid
-
Dretina
retina
While all of these are part of the eye, it is the retina where the photoreceptors (rods and cones) are found.
Question 18
What are hormones?
-
AHydrological signals
-
BEtheric messengers
-
CElectrical signals
-
DChemical messengers
Chemical messengers
Hormones are chemical messengers that elicit responses from parts of the body. For example, insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas into the blood. When insulin reaches the liver, it stimulates the liver to remove sugar from the blood.
Question 19
What is the cause of shingles?
-
AAn STD.
-
BThe chickenpox virus.
-
CBotox injections.
-
DAn HIV infection.
The chickenpox virus.
The chicken pox virus hides out in the nervous system. As immune system function declines with age, the virus may become active and travel along the nerves in which it was hidden.
Question 20
What causes elephantiasis?
-
AExcessive fluid intake.
-
BElephants are infected after eating a particular type of parasite.
-
CA blockage of the flow of lymph that causes the accumulation of fluid and swelling in a region of the body.
-
DExtreme dehydration from a lack on fluid intake.
A blockage of the flow of lymph that causes the accumulation of fluid and swelling in a region of the body.
Well, elephants are rather large animals and the swelling is an enlargement, however, this condition is a human disease caused by parasitic worms known as filarial worms.
Question 21
Which of these muscles can you use to wrinkle your forehead?
-
ADeltoid
-
BGastrocnemius
-
CFrontalis
-
DMasseter
Frontalis
Your forehead is located on the front(alis) of your face.
Question 22
There is no such thing as a "master gland." Given that, which of the following is often referred to as the "master gland?"
-
APancreas
-
BPituitary gland
-
CAdrenal gland
-
DOvaries
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland may be referred to as the "master gland" because of its role in regulating the activity of other glands.
Question 23
If there are no risk factors, screening for colorectal cancer is recommended to start at the age of _____ years.
-
A50
-
B70
-
C60
-
D20
50
Unless your health or family history suggests otherwise, it is recommended that the first screening for colorectal cancer should be done at 50 years of age. Risk factors include blood in the fecal matter and a family, or personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
Question 24
Which of these terms applies to paralysis of all four limbs?
-
AParaplegia
-
BQuadriplegia
-
CHemiplegia
-
DHyperplegia
Quadriplegia
The prefiix "quadra-" refers to the four limbs of the human body.
Question 25
Only considering that the thyroid gland is located in the neck, it's enlargement may impair _____.
-
Ainsulin production
-
Bthe ability to breathe
-
Ctestosterone secretion
-
Destrogen secretion
the ability to breathe
The thyroid gland overlays the trachea. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can compress the trachea making it difficult to breathe.
Question 26
Let's start with an easy question. Which of the following cells transports oxygen?
-
APlasma
-
BRed blood cells
-
CWhite blood cells
-
DPlatelets
Red blood cells
Red blood cells, erythrocytes, contain hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood.
Question 27
Where in the body do hemorrhoids occur?
-
AEsophagus
-
BColon
-
CAnal canal
-
DSmall intestine
Anal canal
Hemorrhoids are clusters of blood vessels and connective tissue. If you don't have them now, wait, you will get them sooner or later.
Question 28
What is neuralgia?
-
ANight blindness
-
BNumbness
-
CBone pain
-
DNerve pain
Nerve pain
The prefix "neur-" refers to nerves and the suffix "-algia" refers to pain.
Question 29
Which of the following promotes blood clotting?
-
APlasma
-
BPlatelets
-
CRed blood cells
-
DWhite blood cells
Platelets
Platelets, fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes, promote blood clotting.
Question 30
Which neurotransmitter is also secreted by the adrenal glands?
-
AAdrenaline
-
BGABA
-
CGlutamate
-
DATP
Adrenaline
Adrenaline and adrenal have the same root.
Question 31
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the scientific term for a(n) _____.
-
Aaneurysm
-
Bstroke
-
Culcer
-
Dheart attack
heart attack
Myocardial refers to heart muscle and infarction refers to the death of tissue as a result of the obstruction of blood flow. The result is the death of cardia (heart) muscle.
Question 32
From the throat, ingested fluids/liquids may pass into the _____ rather than the esophagus.
-
Apalate
-
Btrachea
-
Cepiglottis
-
Dcalcaneus
trachea
The epiglottis covers the trachea to make sure ingested food/liquid enters the esophagus and not the trachea. From the trachea, the food/liquid will then enter the lungs.
Question 33
A hernia is a(n) _____.
-
Adamage to a joint
-
Bis something only males can suffer from
-
Ca bulging muscle
-
Dtear in the muscular wall of the abdominopelvic cavity through which the innards of the body can protrude
tear in the muscular wall of the abdominopelvic cavity through which the innards of the body can protrude
While females can also get hernias, the inguinal hernia will occur in males because of the preexisting holes in the muscle of the pelvic cavity through which the testes descend. A hiatal hernia occurs as a result of a tear in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the thoracic (chest) cavity from the abdominopelvic cavity. An umbilical hernia is one that occurs at the belly button (navel).
Question 34
Which of the following diseases is caused by a decreased response to insulin?
-
AType 4 diabetes
-
BType 1 diabetes
-
CType 2 diabetes
-
DType 3 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
This decreased response to insulin is often the result of obesity. At one time it was also called adult-onset obesity. However, as younger and younger individuals become obese, adult-onset diabetes has increasingly become a misnomer.
Question 35
What is the name given to the proteins that circulate in the body and fend off infections?
-
AAntipathogens
-
BAntigens
-
CProgens
-
DAntibodies
Antibodies
As with the previous question, antibodies recognize antigens and attack anything that bears that antigen.
Question 36
Which of the following is largest?
-
ARectus abdominis
-
BDeltoid
-
CPectoralis major
-
DGluteus maximus
Gluteus maximus
The name says it all, gluteus maximus. We rely on this muscle to support our trunk and keep our body erect.
Question 37
What is heartburn?
-
AReflux of esophageal contents into the mouth.
-
BTooth decay.
-
CReflux of stomach contents into the heart.
-
DReflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
The stomach can usually handle the enzymes and acids it contains. The esophagus' only function is to transport food/drink from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach.
Question 38
What is the name given to the heart valves that make sure blood flows from the atria to the ventricles and not the other way around?
-
ASemilunar valves
-
BAtrioventricular (AV) valves
-
CIleocecal valves
-
DPyloric valves
Atrioventricular (AV) valves
Atrioventricular valves are shaped to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles and to block the backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria.
Question 39
Which of these muscles change the shape of the chest (thoracic) cavity so we can breathe?
-
APectoralis major and pectoralis minor
-
BBiceps brachii and biceps femoris
-
CDiaphragm and Intercostal (rib) muscles
-
DDeltoid and supraspinatus
Diaphragm and Intercostal (rib) muscles
By contracting and relaxing both the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, it changes the volume of the chest cavity enabling a person to inhale and exhale.
Question 40
What is an embolism?
-
AA cancer of red bone marrow
-
BA circulating blood clot that becomes lodged in a vessel
-
CA dilated blood vessel
-
DThe accumulation of plaque in arteries
A circulating blood clot that becomes lodged in a vessel
When this circulating blood clot (an embolus) becomes lodged in a vessel it can completely or partially obstruct flow of blood and the result can be severe tissue damage or even death.
Question 41
The electrical activity of the heart is evaluated using a(n) _____.
-
AEEG
-
BEKG
-
CEGG
-
DABC
EKG
An EKG (ECG) is an electrocardiogram. Any irregularities detected be an EKG could mean that there is a problem with the heart function.
Question 42
How does caffeine make you feel energetic?
-
ACaffeine stimulates the nervous system.
-
BCaffeine provides both calories and stimulates the nervous system.
-
CCaffeine inhibits nerve impulses.
-
DCaffeine provides the body with calories.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system.
Caffeine does not contain calories. It makes you feel energized by stimulating the nervous system without actually providing the body with any energy.
Question 43
Which of the following is a location where you are apt to find an abundance of involuntary muscle?
-
AForehead
-
BExternal anal sphincter
-
CStomach
-
DEye lids
Stomach
Of the structures listed, the stomach is the only one you cannot voluntarily move.
Question 44
Which cells "remember" the body's previous experience with an infection?
-
AB-cells
-
BMemory T-cells
-
CZ-cells
-
DHelper T-cells
Memory T-cells
Memory cells are long-living cells that "remember" a past infection and allow the body to mount a rapid response to a reinfection.
Question 45
What is an autoimmune disease?
-
AAn impaired immune response to a pathogen.
-
BA food intolerance.
-
CA type of allergy.
-
DA disease that is the result of the immune system attacking body tissues.
A disease that is the result of the immune system attacking body tissues.
"Auto-" meaning self and immune referring to the immune system.
Question 46
Which of the following is a reflex?
-
AFinger tapping when nervous
-
BGetting angry
-
CChewing food
-
DDilation and constriction of the pupils
Dilation and constriction of the pupils
Reflexes are involuntary responses to a stimulus.
Question 47
Olfactory receptors are found in the _____.
-
Aeye
-
Bnose
-
Cear
-
Dmouth
nose
Olfaction is the sense of smell and humans smell with their noses. :)
Question 48
In the body, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged across blood vessels known as _____.
-
Acapillaries
-
Bdistributing arteries
-
Cvenules
-
Darterioles
capillaries
Capillaries are only one cell layer thick, making the exchange of substances easier than it would be were the vessels composed of more cell layers.
Question 49
Which of the following acids is secreted by the stomach?
-
ALactase
-
BSucrase
-
CMaltase
-
DHydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is the only acid listed here, all the other choices are enzymes.
Question 50
What name is given to the fluid that cushions the components of the central nervous system?
-
ACerebrospinal fluid
-
BSynovial fluid
-
CAqueous humor
-
DVitreous humor
Cerebrospinal fluid
The brain (cerebro-) and spinal cord are the two main components of the central nervous system.
Question 51
Excessive over-the-counter pain killer intake is a major cause of which of the following digestive system problems?
-
ALactose inolerance
-
BUlcers
-
CHeartburn
-
DDiverticula
Ulcers
Pain killers often inhibit the production of hormones that protect the lining of the digestive system from the damage that can be caused by the acid produced in the stomach. Other causes of ulcers of the digestive tract are bacterial infections and chronic heartburn.
Question 52
Which of the following is the single longest nerve in the body?
-
ASolar plexus
-
BUlnar nerve
-
CSciatic nerve
-
DRadial nevre
Sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower region of the spinal cord, past the buttocks, down the back of the leg to the foot. Now you know why sciatica is so painful.
Question 53
The thyroid may become enlarged when iodine is lacking in the diet. What name is given to this enlargement?
-
AMegathyroid
-
BSuperthyroid
-
CGoiter
-
DGigantothyroid
Goiter
This is a definition. Goiter is the term that is applied to an enlarged thyroid.
Question 54
The descending tracts of the spinal cord carry information from _____.
-
Athe brain to the spinal cord
-
Bpain receptors to the spinal cord
-
Cthe spinal cord to the brain
-
Dthe eyes to the brain
the brain to the spinal cord
The brain sends messages to the spinal cord, located beneath the brain, to regions located below the location of the brain.
Question 55
The following lymphatic system structure atrophies with age.
-
ALungs
-
BHeart
-
CThymus gland
-
DKidneys
Thymus gland
Of the choices, only the thymus gland is a component of the lymphatic system.
Question 56
The parotid glands are one of three sets of salivary glands. Unless you have been vaccinated, you are at risk for the virus-caused inflammation of the parotid glands known as _____.
-
Achicken pox
-
Bshingles
-
Cmeasles
-
Dmumps
mumps
Of the choices, mumps is the infectious viral disease of the parotid glands.
Question 57
Lymph nodes filter _____ out of body fluids.
-
Afat
-
Bsugar
-
Cpathogens
-
Dallergens
pathogens
Lymph nodes filter pathogens out of the blood, thus playing a role in the body's immune system.
Question 58
Low levels of thyroid hormones may cause _____.
-
Aearly puberty
-
Bweight loss
-
Chyperactivity
-
Dweight gain
weight gain
It was once thought that the weight gain that is associated with an underactive thyroid was due primarily to a reduction in metabolic rate. Biology is often not that simple. Much of the weight gain may actually be attributable to water and salt retention.
Question 59
The buildup of plaque in the arterial walls is called _____.
-
Aarterioclogus
-
Barteriosus
-
Carterionecrosis
-
Datherosclerosis
atherosclerosis
The plaque that builds up is composed of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. The plaques narrow the diameter of an artery and impede, sometimes to the point of blocking, blood flow.
Question 60
Ingestion is _____.
-
Athe chemical breakdown of any type of food molecule
-
Bthe process by which the products of digestion move from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood or lymph
-
Cthe process of taking food into the digestive tract
-
Dthe elimination of indigestible substances from the body via the anus
the process of taking food into the digestive tract
Ingestion is the introduction of food, liquids, or other substances to the digestive system.
Question 61
What is an aneurysm?
-
AInflammation of the arteries
-
BA ballooning of a region of an artery
-
CInflammation of the capillaries
-
DInflammation of the brain
A ballooning of a region of an artery
In an aneurysm a region of the arterial wall weakens and leads to a buldge in the region of the artery.
Question 62
The type of white blood cells that originate in the thymus are called _____.
-
AB-cells
-
BPlatelets
-
CT-cells
-
DErythrocytes
T-cells
T as in thymus. The thymus gland serves a vital role in the training and development of T-lymphocytes (T-cells), an extremely important type of white blood cell.
Question 63
Which of the following attaches muscle to bone?
-
ATendon
-
BAdipose tissue
-
CCartilage
-
DLigament
Tendon
By definition, tendons connect muscle to bone.
Question 64
The hardest material produced by the body is _____.
-
Athe enamle that makes up the outer layer of teeth
-
Bcartilage
-
Cbone
-
Dmuscle
the enamle that makes up the outer layer of teeth
While enamel is hard, it is also brittle and can be damaged by the by-products of oral bacteria metabolism.
Question 65
Which of the following is a name for muscle over which you have voluntary control?
-
ACardiac
-
BVisceral
-
CSmooth
-
DSkeletal
Skeletal
Skeletal muscle can also be referred to as either striated or voluntary muscle. Cardiac muscle is involuntary (would you want to constantly have to tell your heart to beat?). Smooth muscle and visceral muscle are synonyms for a type of muscle that is involuntary. An example of smooth muscle can be found in the intestines where it propels food through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Question 66
Which of the following structures separates the mouth (oral cavity) from the nasal cavity?
-
AEpiglottis
-
BTrachea
-
CHumerus
-
DPalate
Palate
The palate is the structure that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.
Question 67
The portion of a pathogen, or an allergen, that provokes an immune response is called a(n) _____.
-
Aantibody
-
Bunclebody
-
Cantigen
-
Dunclegene
antigen
Antibodies recognize and attack specific antigen-bearing targets.
Question 68
Diverticula, outpouching in the wall of the colon, are often caused by _____.
-
Aexcessive fiber intake
-
Ba lack of dietary fiber
-
Ca lack of saturated fat
-
Dexcessive saturated fat intake
a lack of dietary fiber
As an American, your diet is likely lacking in fiber, putting you at risk of getting diverticulosis (having diverticula).
Question 69
Which of the following is not a part of the endocrine system?
-
AOvaries
-
BSpleen
-
CPancreas
-
DAdrenal glands
Spleen
The spleen is the only option listed that does not secrete hormones into the blood.
Question 70
By volume, what is the primary component of blood?
-
AWhite blood cells
-
BWater
-
CPlatelets
-
DRed blood cells
Water
Approximately 50% of blood is water. Blood is roughly 55% plasma (the liquid portion of blood), and plasma is approximately 91% water.
Question 71
Which of the following terms refers to the blood pressure that is measured when the heart is contracting?
-
AHyperstolic
-
BHyperbolic
-
CDiastolic
-
DSystolic
Systolic
Blood pressure is higher when the heart contracts than when it relaxes. Of the two numbers you are told when your blood pressure is taken, the higher number, the systolic pressure, is your blood pressure when your heart is contracting. The smaller number, diastolic blood pressure, is your blood pressure when the heart has relaxed. Together, these values are an important measure of cardiovascular health.
Question 72
The fluid that bathes your body tissues (interstitial fluid) is returned to your blood vessels via _____.
-
Alymph vessels
-
Bveins
-
Carteries
-
Dblood vessels
lymph vessels
When it moves into lymphatic vessels, interstitial fluid is known as lymph.
Question 73
What is a sprain?
-
AThe blurring of vision that can occur after long periods of reading in poor light.
-
BA stretched or torn ligament.
-
CAn overstretched muscle
-
DAn involuntary contraction of skeletal muscle.
A stretched or torn ligament.
The overstretching or tearing of a ligament, the tissue that crosses a joint and connects bone to bone, is called a sprain.
Question 74
The _____ is a major site of water and nutrient absorption.
-
AStomach
-
BLarge intestine
-
CSmall intestine
-
DEsophagus
Small intestine
The majority of all digestion and absorption occurs in the small intestine.
Question 75
Muscles that work together to accomplish a single action, such as the brachialis working with the biceps brachii to bend the elbow, are known as _____.
-
Asynergists
-
Bantagonists
-
Cprotagonists
-
Dagonists
synergists
The prefix "syn-" refers to things that are together, things that act as one.
Question 76
What is muscular dystrophy?
-
AMuscle enlargement as a result of taking amino acid supplements.
-
BMuscle degeneration, with the muscle being replaced by fat.
-
CMuscle enlargement as a result of engaging in resistance exercise.
-
DMuscle atrophy as a result of disuse.
Muscle degeneration, with the muscle being replaced by fat.
The prefix "dys-" means that there is something wrong. Muscular dystrophy refers to a weakening and loss of muscle mass.
Comments (0)
We want to hear your feedback! Share your scores and discuss the quiz, but keep it civil.