Human Anatomy IV: Main Exam, 27 November 2018

Mount Kenya University · Department of Dental Sciences · Diploma in Community Oral Health, Diploma in Dental Technology · DDS1305

Human Anatomy IV past paper (DDS1305) from Mount Kenya University, 2018-2019, includes model answers. Use for exam preparation and revision.

Answer ALL questions in section A and answer ANY Other Two questions from Section B

Section A (30 marks)

1. Write notes on principles of child development. (10 marks)

Model answer
  • Principles of child development
  • Development occurs in stages, each with specific tasks and abilities.
  • Growth is a continuous, cumulative process influenced by genetics and environment.
  • Development is holistic; physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains interact.
  • Development is sequential but not strictly linear; some abilities may develop out of order.
  • Development is plastic, allowing adaptation and change in response to experiences.
  • Development is culturally mediated; norms and expectations shape outcomes.
  • Development is cumulative; earlier achievements provide the foundation for later skills.
  • Development is influenced by both nature (innate) and nurture (environment).

2. Explain the changes after birth of a child. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Physical changes
  • Rapid weight gain and increase in body length.
  • Development of reflexes (e.g., rooting, sucking) that fade as voluntary control emerges.
  • Skin becomes less translucent, vernix caseosa is absorbed.
  • Neurological changes
  • Myelination of nerve fibers accelerates, improving coordination.
  • Sensory systems mature: vision sharpens, hearing becomes fully functional.
  • Metabolic changes
  • Transition from fetal to neonatal metabolism; glycogen stores are used, then feeding establishes glucose regulation.
  • Thermoregulation
  • Ability to maintain body temperature improves as brown fat is utilized.
  • Immunological changes
  • Passive immunity from maternal IgG wanes; newborn begins producing its own antibodies.

3. Outline functions of amniotic fluid. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Provides a protective cushion, preventing mechanical injury to the fetus.
  • Allows free movement, facilitating musculoskeletal development.
  • Maintains a constant temperature, protecting the fetus from external temperature fluctuations.
  • Acts as a medium for exchange of nutrients, waste products and gases between mother and fetus.
  • Contributes to lung development by enabling fetal breathing movements.
  • Provides antimicrobial proteins that help guard against infection.

4. State abnormalities of umbilical cord (3 marks)

Model answer
  • Single umbilical artery (instead of the normal two arteries).
  • Velamentous insertion (cord inserts into fetal membranes rather than the placental disc).
  • Umbilical cord prolapse (cord descends into birth canal before the fetus).
  • Nuchal cord (umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal neck).
  • True knots in the cord.
  • More answers: short cord, marginal insertion, cystic or membranous abnormalities.

5. Name two types of cell division. (2 marks)

Model answer
  • Mitosis
  • Meiosis

6. Give stages of tooth development. (5 marks)

Model answer
  • Initiation (bud stage) – dental lamina forms buds that will become tooth germs.
  • Cap stage – enamel organ forms a cap over the dental papilla; differentiation of inner and outer enamel epithelium.
  • Bell stage – shape of the future crown is defined; odontoblasts and ameloblasts differentiate.
  • Apposition – dentin and enamel matrices are secreted.
  • Maturation – mineralization of dentin and enamel completes.
  • Root formation – Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath guides root dentin deposition and formation of cementum.
  • Eruption – tooth moves into the oral cavity.
  • Periodontal attachment – formation of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone around the root.

Section B (40 marks)

7. Explain the functions of placenta.

Model answer
  • Nutrient transfer: transports glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins from maternal to fetal blood.
  • Gas exchange: facilitates diffusion of oxygen to the fetus and removal of carbon dioxide.
  • Endocrine function: secretes hormones (hCG, progesterone, estrogen, placental lactogen) to maintain pregnancy and support fetal growth.
  • Waste removal: transfers metabolic waste products (urea, creatinine, bilirubin) from fetal circulation to maternal excretion.
  • Immunological barrier: provides selective protection by transferring maternal IgG antibodies and limiting pathogen passage.
  • Physical protection & attachment: anchors the fetus to the uterine wall, preventing premature separation and providing a cushioning environment.

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