Medical Coding CPC Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Nutrient absorption primarily takes place in the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Small intestine. The small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) is the primary site of nutrient absorption thanks to its villi and microvilli, which vastly increase surface area. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes.

Question 2

Urine passes from the kidneys to the urinary bladder via the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Ureters. The ureters are muscular tubes that carry urine from the renal pelvis of each kidney to the urinary bladder. The urethra transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Question 3

Erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production, is primarily produced by the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Kidneys (peritubular interstitial cells). EPO is produced mainly by peritubular interstitial cells in the renal cortex in response to hypoxia. It acts on the bone marrow to stimulate erythropoiesis. The liver produces a small amount.

Question 4

The brain and spinal cord together constitute the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all nerves outside the CNS, including cranial and spinal nerves.

Question 5

The myelin sheath around nerve axons is produced by which cells in the peripheral nervous system?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Schwann cells. In the PNS, Schwann cells produce the myelin sheath. In the CNS, oligodendrocytes perform this function. Astrocytes support CNS neurons; microglia are immune cells of the CNS.

Question 6

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main branches:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Sympathetic and parasympathetic. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary functions via its sympathetic ('fight-or-flight') and parasympathetic ('rest-and-digest') divisions. These two divisions often have opposing effects.

Question 7

The cauda equina is a bundle of nerve roots located below:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The conus medullaris (approximately L1–L2). The spinal cord ends at approximately L1–L2 as the conus medullaris. Below this, lumbar and sacral nerve roots form the cauda equina ('horse's tail'), which travel to their respective exit foramina.

Question 8

Insulin and glucagon are produced by which organ?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Pancreas (islets of Langerhans). Insulin (from beta cells) and glucagon (from alpha cells) are produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. They regulate blood glucose levels with opposing actions.

Question 9

Aldosterone, which regulates sodium reabsorption and blood pressure, is secreted by the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa). Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. It increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the renal tubules, raising blood volume and pressure.

Question 10

The fallopian tubes connect the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes (uterine tubes) transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.

Medical Coding CPC Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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