NAHP NRCMA Exam Actual Questions

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).