Ontario Biomedical Exam – Sample Questions

1. In assessing a patient with suspected myocardial infarction, understanding the supply areas of the coronary arteries is crucial. If a patient presents with symptoms indicative of an infarction in the posterior part of the heart, which coronary artery is most likely involved?

Left circumflex artery

Right coronary artery

Anterior interventricular artery

Left anterior descending artery

Question 1 of 20

2. What is the main role of the atrioventricular node (AV node) in cardiac conduction?

Regulating blood pressure

Initiating the heartbeat

Reversing the direction of impulse

Slowing electrical conduction

Question 2 of 20

3. A teenage patient exhibits delayed puberty with minimal development of secondary sexual characteristics. Which endocrine gland should primarily be evaluated for potential dysfunction?

Thyroid gland

Pituitary gland

Pancreas

Adrenal gland

Question 3 of 20

4. What is the origin of the liver and pancreas during embryological development?

Neural crest

Endoderm

Ectoderm

Mesoderm

Question 4 of 20

5. What is the primary immune function of the GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) in the gastrointestinal tract?

To absorb nutrients

To protect against pathogens

To regulate pH levels

To produce digestive enzymes

Question 5 of 20

6. When assessing a patient with suspected bone marrow dysfunction, which imaging technique is essential for evaluating the structure and viability of bone marrow?

Ultrasound

X-ray

MRI

CT scan

Question 6 of 20

7. At what stage of embryonic development do hematopoietic stem cells first appear?

Gastrulation

Fetal period

Organogenesis

At conception

Question 7 of 20

8. What type of cell is primarily responsible for cellular immunity?

T lymphocyte

Dendritic cell

Macrophage

B lymphocyte

Question 8 of 20

9. In managing a patient with chronic inflammation, how might understanding arachidonic acid metabolism be beneficial?

To increase dietary fat intake

To tailor dietary recommendations to modify eicosanoid production

To reduce protein synthesis

To prescribe high-dose antioxidants and decrease dietary fat intake

Question 9 of 20

10. In assessing a patient with an impaired ability to sweat, what aspect of temperature regulation should be carefully monitored during physical activity?

Respiratory rate

Blood pressure

Body temperature

Heart rate

Question 10 of 20

11. Where is spongy bone most likely found within the typical long bone?

Diaphysis

Epiphysis

Periosteum

Endosteum

Question 11 of 20

12. Which substance is a primary energy source for muscle contraction during the first few seconds of high-intensity exercise?

Fatty acids

Creatine phosphate

ATP

Glucose

Question 12 of 20

13. What is the primary function of the somatic part of the peripheral nervous system?

Control glandular secretion

Regulate digestion

Control voluntary muscle movements

Manage cardiac muscle contractions

Question 13 of 20

14. Which infectious agent is known to cause a chronic degenerative neurological condition called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

John Cunningham virus (JC virus)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Question 14 of 20

15. What is the role of the phrenic nerve within the thoracic cavity?

It stimulates the diaphragm

It senses pleural pain

It controls bronchial dilation

It modulates the heart rate

Question 15 of 20

16. What change occurs in the respiratory system as a result of long-term aerobic exercise?

Decreased lung capacity

Increased lung capacity

Reduced tidal volume

Increased breathing rate at rest

Question 16 of 20

17. Which hormone influences libido and is commonly associated with the modulation of sexual desire?

Thyroxine

Insulin

Cortisol

Testosterone

Question 17 of 20

18. What factor can inhibit milk production despite adequate prolactin levels?

Emotional stress

Increased fluid intake

High dietary calcium

High levels of physical activity

Question 18 of 20

19. Where are the kidneys located relative to the peritoneum?

Anteroperitoneal

Intraperitoneal

Infraperitoneal

Retroperitoneal

Question 19 of 20

20. A patient with a known mutation in the CYP24A1 gene presents with recurrent kidney stones. What is the most likely pathophysiological mechanism?

Increased uric acid production

Hypercalcemia

Impaired phosphate excretion

Reduced calcium absorption

Question 20 of 20

Ontario Biomedical Exam – Sample Questions

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