This listing was originally compiled by Mark Waddington
Worried about the Statistics question on the paper?
You probably
shouldn't be. A glance at the Statistics list shows that there are only
a small munber of
Stats questions that have been asked (& asked repeatedly) since 1995 so
unless they think up a new one these are the ones to have prepared
answers for.
When were the SAQs introduced? In the Mar-Apr 1995 paper,
with 10 questions in each area. From the Mar-Apr 1996 exam, this changed
to the current format of 8 questions in each area. The questions in
this listing prior to 1995 are not really SAQs but the previous
Essay-style questions - nevertheless, you may find them useful so these
are included here.
What was the pass rate for each question? I have started to add this information in the right-most column. It is not yet complete. It is interesting to note what happens to the pass rate when a question is repeated at a subsequent exam.
|
Cellular Physiology |
Pass rate | |
| 04B15 | Describe the mechanism of action of G-proteins in the cell | 60% |
| 01B5 | Describe the structure and function of voltage gated ion channels. | |
| 98B7 | Briefly describe structure of mitochondria. Outline the metabolic processes that occur in mitochondria | 64% |
| 97B2 | Describe mechanism of action in G proteins | 47% |
| 97A1 | Describe the structure and function of voltage sensitive ion channels | not stated |
| 93B3 | Briefly describe role of intercellular tight junctions | |
| 93A2 | What are 'membrane channels'? How are they investigated? Describe one commonly interfered with in Anaesthesia | - |
| 1991 | Write short notes on the Endoplasmic Reticulum | |
|
Fluid & Electrolyte Physiology |
||
| 05A11 | Describe how the body detects and responds to a water deficit | |
| 01A7 | Describe how the body detects and responds to a water deficit | 50% |
| 01A1 | Outline the determinants and regulation of extracellular fluid volume | 68% |
| 96A7 | In the diagram below indicate how the solvent and solute move a cross a semipermeable membrane and give a brief explanation of the principles involved. | |
| 95B5 | Outline the effects of IV administration of 500 mls of 20% mannitol, and the potential problems associated with its use. | |
| 1995 | Explain how a metabolic alkalosis develops in an adult patient with a small bowel obstruction and nasogastric losses in excess of 1000ml per day for 5 days. Give a brief account of the physiological principles determining fluid replacement. | |
| 1994 | Outline the effects of a rapid injection of 100mls of hypertonic Iodine containing angiography contrast medium in an otherwise healthy adult. | |
| 1994 | Compare the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic colloids and SPPS in volume replacement | |
| 1992 | Write short notes on serum calcium | |
| 1992 | Write short notes on osmoreceptors | |
| 1990 | Write short notes on the regulation of calcium | |
|
Acid-Base Physiology |
||
| 05A15 | Discuss how the body handles a metabolic acidosis | |
| 03A9 |
Explain the role of haemoglobin as a buffer. |
38% |
| 98B5 | Explain how metabolic acidosis develops in hypovolaemic shock. Describe the consequences of metabolic acidosis to the body. | 55% |
| 95A6 | Describe the effects of intravenously administered sodium bicarbonate (8.4%) 100ml used in asystolic cardiac arrest in a 70 kg man | 46% |
| 1992 | Write short notes on Haemoglobin as a buffer | |
| 1990 | Write short notes on extracellular buffers | |
|
Respiratory Physiology |
||
|
Control of Respiration |
||
| 02B10 | List the physiological factors which increase respiratory rate. Include a brief explanation of the mechanism by which each achieves this increase | 55% |
| 1995 | List physiological factors which increase respiratory rate and include a brief explanation of the mechanism by which each achieves this increase | 40% |
| 1993 | Write brief notes on breathlessness in exercise | |
|
Mechanics of Breathing |
||
| 03A14 | Describe the factors that affect lung compliance. | 39% |
| 01B2 | Describe the determinants of work of breathing in an adult human at rest. | 72% |
| 00A5 |
Describe the
important determinants of work of breathing in an adult human at
rest. Explain how to minimise work of breathing |
50% |
| 99B3 | Describe the factors that affect airway resistance | 60% |
| 98B8 | Briefly describe the factors that affect airway resistance | 11% |
| 1991 | Short notes on work of breathing | |
| 1991 | Short notes on measurement of transpulmonary pressure | |
| 1990 | Short notes on lung compliance | |
|
Pulmonary Gas Volumes and Ventilation |
||
| 03B13 |
Describe the factors that affect airways resistance. |
64% |
| 03B11 | Briefly describe the potential causes of a difference between measured end-tidal and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide. | 43% |
| 00B3 | Draw an expiratory flow volume curve for a forced expiration from total lung capacity. Describe its characteristics in people with normal lungs, as well as those with obstructive and restrictive lung disease. | 77% |
| 98A2 | Draw a flow/volume curve for a maximum forced expiration in a person with healthy lungs from: (a) Total lung capacity; (b) Function Residual capacity. Explain your curves | 61% |
| 97B7 | Explain the factors influencing the distribution of ventilation during the inhalation of 500ml of air from Functional Residual Capacity in the erect posture | 56% |
| 96B6 | Draw a respiratory flow/volume loop and outline how it is obtained. Briefly explain the physiological mechanisms involved in the concept of flow limitation. | 51% |
| 96B7 | Explain differences between measured end-tidal and arterial partial pressures of C02 | 67% |
| 1995 | What is the end tidal C02? How does it differ from arterial C02 tension and the mixed expired C02 tension? What factors influence its value? | |
| 1990 | Write short notes on physiological dead space | |
|
Ventilation Perfusion Inequalities |
||
| 02A3 | Define 'Venous Admixture'. Briefly explain how venous admixture influences arterial 02 tension and how an increase in inspired 02 concentration may affect this. | 46% |
| 97A2 | Describe the gravity dependent processes which affect pulmonary blood flow. What changes take place when the pressure increases in the pulmonary vessels? | 67% |
| 1997 | Compare the effect on arterial blood C02 and 02 levels of ventilation/ perfusion inequalities | |
| 95B1 | Define 'Venous Admixture'. Briefly explain how venous admixture influences arterial 02 tension and how an increase in inspired 02 concentration may affect this. | 34% |
|
Gas transport in the Blood |
||
| 05A12 | Describe the physiological factors influencing the carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood. | |
| 04B9 | Describe how carbon dioxide is produced in the body. How does it move from the site of production to the pulmonary capillary? | 60% |
| 04A11 | What is 2,3, DPG? How is it produced in the red blood cell and how does it interact with haemoglobin? What is its relevance in altitude exposure, anaemia and stored blood? | 84% |
| 03B12 |
Explain the difference between perfusion limitation and diffusion limitation in the transfer of gas between alveolus and pulmonary capillary. Outline the factors that determine whether gas transfer is perfusion or diffusion limited. |
45% |
| 02A1 | Explain how oxygen supply of organs is maintained during isovolaemic haemodilution | 45% |
| 00A2 | Briefly describe the factors that influence the partial pressure of oxygen in mixed venous blood | 56% |
| 99B5 | Describe the ways in which CO2 is carried in the blood | 55% |
| 99A3 | Describe the factors that affect the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide form the alveolus to the blood. | 44% |
| 97A3 | Describe the role of haemoglobin in the carriage of carbon dioxide in the blood | 59% |
| 96B8 | Briefly explain how an oxygen debt arises and how the body deals with it | 75% |
| 1996 | List the normal values for mixed venous blood gases and briefly explain the factors determining mixed venous oxygen tension. | |
| 95A1 | What is 2,3, DPG? How is it produced in the red blood cell and how does it interact with haemoglobin? What is its relevance in altitude exposure, stored blood and anaemia? | |
| 1993 | What factors influence the mixed venous C02 tension. Briefly explain how these factors exert their influence. | |
| 1991 | Write short notes on 2,3 diphosphoglycerate (DPG) | |
|
Pulmonary Circulation |
||
| 04A9 | Briefly outline the differences between the pulmonary circulation and the systemic circulation | 26% |
| 02A4 | Outline the physiological factors that influence pulmonary vascular resistance | |
| 00A3 | What is a normal value for pulmonary vascular resistance? Outline physiological factors that influence pulmonary vascular resistance | 49% |
| 1995 | Briefly outline the differences between the pulmonary and systemic circulation | |
|
Other Respiratory Physiology |
||
| 05A13 | Describe the non-respiratory functions of the lung. | |
| 04A12 | What are the physiological consequences of decreasing functional residual capacity by one litre in an adult? | 50% |
| 01B1 | Explain the effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation on left ventricular output. | 55% |
| 01A8 | What are the physiological consequences of decreasing functional residual capacity by one litre in an adult? | 62% |
| 98A1 | Explain the effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation on left ventricular output | 38% |
| 96B3 | Explain briefly the effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation on left ventricular output. | 31% |
| 96B5 | Explain briefly how oxygenation of organs can be maintained during isovolaemic haemodilution. | 66% |
|
Cardiovascular Physiology |
||
|
Electrical Properties of the Heart |
||
| 02A2 | Draw a labelled diagram of a cardiac action potential highlighting the sequence of changes in ionic conductances. Explain the terms 'threshold', 'excitability', and 'irritability' with the aid of a diagram. | 56% |
| 1995 | Draw a labelled diagram of a cardiac action potential highlighting the sequence of changes in ion conductances. Explain the terms 'threshold', 'excitability' and 'irritability' with the aid of a diagram. | |
| 1993 | Briefly discuss the interaction of the action potential duration and conduction velocity in the ventricular myocardium and its effect on myocardial performance | |
|
Determinants and Control of the Cardiac Output |
||
| 04B10 | List the physiological factors which affect left atrial pressure and explain their effects | 19% |
| 02B9 | Draw a pressure volume loop for a left ventricle in a normal adult. Outline the information that can be obtained from such a loop. | 67% |
| 1996 | Draw a pressure volume loop for a left ventricle in a healthy adult and state the normal pressures and volumes. Outline the information which can be obtained from a pressure volume loop and how such a loop can be constructed. | |
| 95A3 | Draw and label a left atrial pressure trace against time. List the physiological factors which effect left atrial pressure and explain their effects. | 68% |
| 1993 | Quote Starlings law of the heart. Outline the factors that determine the right ventricular end diastolic volume | |
| 1990 |
Discuss the
relationship between cardiac output and venous return. Include factors that determine the magnitude of both. |
|
|
Peripheral Vascular System |
||
| 04B16 | Explain the physiological processes involved in the development of interstitial oedema | 76% |
| 01B8 | Explain the physiological processes involved in the development of interstitial oedema | 46% |
| 01A6 | Describe the substances released by the endothelium. Explain the role they play in regulating blood flow through the peripheral circulation | 72% |
| 99B8 | Draw both aortic root and a radial artery pressure wave forms on the same axes. Explain the differences between them. | 50% |
| 99A8 | Explain the significance of plasma oncotic pressure in capillary fluid dynamics. | 75% |
| 97B1 | Explain the local effects of a decrease on plasma colloid osmotic pressure in the skeletal muscle capillary bed | 64% |
| 1994 | Briefly discuss the factors that influence the rate of blood flow through a capillary bed | |
| 1994 | Describe the relationship between vascular tone and tissue oxygenation | |
| 1993 | Briefly discuss the humoral factors that control blood pressure | |
| 1991 |
Give an
account of the Starling forces within the capillary circulation. Include specific reference to the pulmonary and glomerular capillaries. |
|
|
Control of Circulation |
||
| 05A14 | Describe the compensatory mechanisms in a fit person moving from the supine to the standing position | |
| 04A10 | Describe the vasoactive substances released by the endothelium. Explain the role they play in regulating blood flow through the peripheral circulation. | 65% |
| 03B10 |
Describe the role of baroreceptors in the control of systemic arterial pressure. |
57% |
| 00B1 | Describe the role of baroreceptors in the control of arterial pressure | 54% |
| 99A7 | Describe the autonomic innervation of the heart and the direct effect of autonomic stimulation on the heart. | 59% |
| 98B2 | Describe the compensatory mechanism in a fit person moving from the supine to the erect position | 63% |
| 94B1 | On arising from the horizontal position, in a normal gravitational field, a series of reflex adjustments follows which results in a redistribution of blood volume and body water. DISCUSS the physics and physiology involved. | 54% |
| 94B2 |
Explain the
cardiovascular responses to a Valsalva manoeuvre maintained for 30
seconds. What can be learnt about cardiovascular function from observing these responses? |
-- |
| 1993 | Briefly discuss the humoral factors that control blood pressure. | |
| 1992 | Write short notes on volume receptors | |
|
Regional Circulations |
||
| 03B9 |
Describe the effects of tachycardia on myocardial oxygen supply and demand in a normal heart. |
40% |
| 03A12 | Explain the mechanisms that maintain cerebral blood flow on moving from a supine to a standing position. | 60% |
| 03A10 |
Describe the factors influencing hepatic blood flow. |
55% |
| 02B11 | Outline the factors that determine coronary vascular resistance | 65% |
| 99B6 | Explain the mechanisms that maintain cerebral blood flow on moving from a supine to a standing position. | 51% |
| 99A6 | Describe the factors influencing hepatic blood flow. | 73% |
| 1997 | List the determinants of coronary artery blood flow. Briefly compare phasic coronary blood flow in the left and right coronary arteries. | |
| 96B4 | Explain briefly the mechanisms that maintain cerebral blood flow on moving from a supine position to a standing position. | 56% |
| 95A4 | The heart rate of a healthy 20 yr old goes from 55bpm to 130 bpm after receiving atropine IV. Describe the effects of tachycardia on myocardial O2 supply and demand in a normal heart. | |
|
Renal Physiology |
||
| 04A16 | Explain how the kidney handles glucose. Describe the physiological consequences of glycosuria. | 57% |
| 04A13 | Describe the concept of renal clearance and its use to estimate glomerular filtration rate | 69% |
| 03B14 |
Outline the role of the kidney in the regulation of body water. |
34% |
| 03A16 |
Describe the functions of the loop of Henle, including the physiological mechanisms involved. |
64% |
| 02A6 | Explain the physiological processes which cause oliguria in response to hypovolaemic shock | 72% |
| 01B6 | Explain how the kidney handles glucose. Describe the physiological consequences of glycosuria. | 47% |
| 00B8 | Describe the factors governing glomerular filtration rate | 52% |
| 00A7 | List the hormones that regulate renal tubular reabsorption and describe their action and site of action | 70% |
| 99B4 | Outline the role of the kidneys in the regulation of total body water | 66% |
| 99B4 | Explain how the kidney handles glucose. Describe the physiological consequences of glycosuria. | 49% |
| 98B1 | Describe the concept of renal clearance and its use to estimate glomerular filtration rate | 79% |
| 98B3 | Describe the process of tubuloglomerular feedback. | 70% |
| 98A5 | Describe the factors governing glomerular filtration rate | 78% |
| 95B2 | Explain the physiological processes which cause oliguria in response to hypovolaemic shock | 63% |
| 95A9 | Briefly outline the role of the kidneys in the regulation of body water | 21% |
| 94A3 | Explain the mechanisms involved in sodium handling by the kidney | |
|
Neurophysiology |
Pass rate | |
| 05A10 | Write brief notes on the physiological changes associated with sleep. | |
| 04A15 | List the physiological factors that determine intracranial pressure. Explain briefly how intracranial pressure is regulated. | 57% |
| 03B15 |
Briefly describe the NMDA (N-methyl d-aspartate) receptor and its physiological role in the central nervous system. |
55% |
| 02A5 | Outline the factors contributing to the generation and maintenance of the resting membrane potential | 77% |
| 00B6 | Briefly discuss the physiological control of intraocular pressure | 30% |
| 98A8 | Briefly describe the NMDA (n-methyl d-aspartate) receptor and its physiological role in the central nervous system. | 59% |
| 97B3 | List the physiological factors which determine intracranial pressure and explain briefly how it is regulated. | |