I’d like to give you a heads up on the way I write exam questions, so you’re better prepared for this first exam.

Exam questions should test your knowledge (obviously). You shouldn’t get a question wrong because it was confusing, or because it intentionally led you down the wrong path. When I write questions, I try to be as straightforward and clear as possible, so you understand what the question is asking you. And I don’t try to trick you into picking the wrong answer.

So if you look at a question and you know the answer right away, that’s okay! Don’t worry that you missed some sort of trick, or that the question can’t possibly be that simple.

Here are some examples of typical exam questions.

1. In general, what happens during the second phase of the embryonic period?
A. Cells proliferate and migrate
B. Internal and external structures begin to differentiate
C. Organs grow and mature
D. Organs reach their maximum size

2. Which of the following is derived from the second pharyngeal arch?
A. Laryngeal cartilages
B. Meckel’s cartilage
C. Muscles of facial expression
D. Muscles of mastication
E. Stylopharyngeus muscle

3. Which type of intercellular junction attaches epithelial cells to the basal lamina?
A. Gap junction
B. Hemidesmosome
C. Macula adherens (spot desmosome)
D. Zonula adherens (belt desmosome)
E. Zonula occludens (tight junction)

4. What would you call epithelium composed of one layer of cells that are much taller than they are wide?
A. Simple squamous
B. Simple columnar
C. Stratified squamous
D. Stratified cuboidal
E. Pseudostratified columnar

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Answers: 1. B, 2. C, 3. B, 4. B