Questions for the NRCMA were updated on : Dec 01 ,2025
Which of the following cells are part of the body's immune system and help fight infections?
B
Explanation:
Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs), are crucial components of the immune system, protecting
the body against infections and foreign invaders. There are several types of leukocytes, including
neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each with specific functions in the
immune response. Neutrophils, for example, are the first responders to bacterial infections, while
lymphocytes (such as T cells and B cells) are involved in adaptive immunity. Thrombocytes (platelets)
are involved in blood clotting, erythrocytes (red blood cells) carry oxygen, and osteocytes are bone
cells.
The medical term for high blood sugar is:
B
Explanation:
Hyperglycemia refers to elevated levels of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes
mellitus. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the
insulin it produces. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue,
and blurred vision. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular
disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and retinopathy. Management of blood glucose levels is
crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent these complications.
Which type of joint is found in the shoulder and hip, allowing for a wide range of movement?
B
Explanation:
Ball and socket joints, like those in the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) and hip (acetabulofemoral
joint), allow for rotational movement and a wide range of motion in multiple directions. These joints
consist of a spherical head (ball) that fits into a cup-like cavity (socket). The design of ball and socket
joints permits movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This
extensive range of motion makes them critical for various daily activities and athletic movements.
The process by which cells divide to form two identical daughter cells is called:
B
Explanation:
Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a
single parent cell. It is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular
organisms. Mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase,
followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm and organelles into two daughter cells. Unlike
meiosis, which produces four genetically diverse gametes (sperm or egg cells), mitosis ensures that
each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Which blood type is considered the universal donor?
D
Explanation:
Blood type O negative is considered the universal donor because it can be transfused to patients of
any blood type. This is due to the absence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells,
which reduces the risk of an immune reaction. However, type O negative individuals can only receive
blood from other O negative donors. Universal donors are crucial in emergency situations where
there may not be time to determine the recipient's blood type. Type AB positive is considered the
universal recipient because individuals with this blood type can receive red blood cells from any
blood type.
The outer layer of the skin is known as the:
B
Explanation:
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against environmental
damage from pathogens, UV radiation, and water loss. It is composed of multiple layers of
keratinocytes, which produce the protein keratin, giving the skin its strength and resilience. The
epidermis is avascular (contains no blood vessels) and relies on the dermis for nutrient and waste
exchange. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, consists of dead, flattened
cells that are continuously shed and replaced by new cells from the deeper layers.
The structure that connects muscles to bones is called:
B
Explanation:
Tendons are strong, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, enabling movement.
They transmit the force generated by muscle contractions to the bones, allowing the skeleton to
move. Tendons are composed mainly of collagen fibers, which give them strength and flexibility.
Unlike ligaments, which connect bones to other bones, tendons connect muscles to bones. Common
tendons include the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and the
patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle to the patella (kneecap).
What does the prefix "brady-" mean in medical terminology?
B
Explanation:
In medical terminology, the prefix "brady-" means slow. It is commonly used in terms related to
heart rate, such as bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. A normal resting
heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is typically defined as a
heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. It can be a sign of a healthy, well-conditioned heart,
but it can also indicate underlying health issues if it causes symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or
fainting.
Which of the following is a blood clotting disorder?
B
Explanation:
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, a process
needed to stop bleeding. This disorder is caused by the deficiency of specific clotting factors, such as
factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). People with hemophilia may bleed for a longer
time after an injury, and they may experience spontaneous internal bleeding, especially in the joints
and muscles. Hemophilia is typically inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, affecting mostly
males. Treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factors.
The hormone insulin is produced by which organ?
C
Explanation:
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin
plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells,
particularly in muscle and adipose tissue. It also inhibits the production of glucose by the liver. When
blood glucose levels rise after eating, insulin is released to help lower glucose levels back to a normal
range. Insufficient insulin production or action leads to diabetes mellitus, characterized by
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
B
Explanation:
The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, beneath the occipital lobes and behind the
brainstem. It plays a crucial role in motor control, particularly in the coordination, precision, and
timing of movements. The cerebellum integrates input from the sensory systems, the spinal cord,
and other parts of the brain to fine-tune motor activity. It helps maintain balance and posture by
coordinating the muscles used for these functions. Damage to the cerebellum can result in loss of
coordination (ataxia), tremors, and difficulty with balance and gait.
Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption in the body?
D
Explanation:
Vitamin D is essential for the body's ability to absorb calcium from the diet. It promotes the
absorption of calcium in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate
concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can
become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D is obtained from exposure to sunlight, dietary sources
(such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs), and supplements. It is converted in the skin to
its active form, calcitriol, which facilitates calcium absorption in the intestines.
The term "myocardial infarction" is commonly known as:
B
Explanation:
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of
the heart muscle is blocked for an extended period, leading to damage or death of the heart muscle
cells. This blockage is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply
blood to the heart muscle. Plaque is composed of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. When a
plaque ruptures, it can form a clot that obstructs the blood flow. Symptoms of an MI include chest
pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. Immediate medical attention is crucial to restore
blood flow and minimize heart damage.
The primary function of red blood cells is to:
B
Explanation:
Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are specialized cells in the blood responsible for
carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues to
the lungs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is
composed of four subunits, each containing an iron ion that can bind one molecule of oxygen. This
binding and release of oxygen are critical for cellular respiration, which provides energy for the
body's metabolic processes. The unique biconcave shape of RBCs increases their surface area for
efficient gas exchange and allows them to navigate through the narrow capillaries.
Which organ is responsible for filtering blood and producing urine?
B
Explanation:
The kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system. They filter waste products, excess substances, and
fluids from the blood to form urine. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons, which are the
functional units responsible for this filtration process. Blood enters the kidneys through the renal
arteries, is filtered in the nephrons, and then exits through the renal veins. The filtered waste is
collected in the renal pelvis, passes through the ureters to the bladder, and is eventually excreted as
urine. This process helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and overall
homeostasis.