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Afghanistan Traditional Medicine License Exam study materials
Afghanistan Traditional Medicine License Exam study resources

Afghanistan Traditional Medicine License Exam practice questions

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Question 1Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which type of joint is the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?

  1. Hinge joint
  2. Ball-and-socket joint Correct answer.
  3. Saddle joint
  4. Pivot joint

Explanation

A ball-and-socket joint has a rounded head fitting into a cup-shaped cavity, permitting movement in all planes. The glenohumeral joint fits this description, allowing flexion, extension, abduction, rotation and circumduction.

Question 2Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs?

  1. Pulmonary vein
  2. Pulmonary artery Correct answer.
  3. Superior vena cava
  4. Aorta

Explanation

The pulmonary artery arises from the right ventricle and carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs, making it the exception to the rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins.

Question 3Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which formed element of blood is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?

  1. Erythrocytes Correct answer.
  2. Platelets
  3. Lymphocytes
  4. Neutrophils

Explanation

Erythrocytes contain haemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues. The other formed elements serve in haemostasis or immunity rather than gas transport.

Question 4Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals and conducts them toward the cell body?

  1. Dendrite Correct answer.
  2. Myelin sheath
  3. Axon hillock
  4. Axon

Explanation

Dendrites are branched processes that receive synaptic input and carry impulses toward the soma. The axon conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Question 5Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which epithelium lines the alveoli of the lung and is suited to gas exchange?

  1. Simple squamous epithelium Correct answer.
  2. Transitional epithelium
  3. Stratified squamous epithelium
  4. Simple columnar epithelium

Explanation

Simple squamous epithelium is a single flat layer, giving the shortest diffusion distance for gas exchange. Its thinness is the key structural adaptation for the alveolar surface.

Question 6Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which hormone is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets?

  1. Somatostatin
  2. Cortisol
  3. Insulin Correct answer.
  4. Glucagon

Explanation

Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans synthesise and release insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises it.

Question 7Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which organ produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder?

  1. Pancreas
  2. Stomach
  3. Spleen
  4. Liver Correct answer.

Explanation

Hepatocytes in the liver synthesise bile, which is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder before release into the duodenum. Bile aids in the emulsification of fats.

Question 8Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which process describes the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to one of higher solute concentration?

  1. Osmosis Correct answer.
  2. Active transport
  3. Filtration
  4. Diffusion

Explanation

Osmosis is the passive movement of water down its concentration gradient across a semipermeable membrane. It is driven by the difference in solute concentration between the two compartments.

Question 9Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A patient has a lesion of the right radial nerve in the spiral groove of the humerus. Which movement is most likely to be impaired?

  1. Extension of the wrist Correct answer.
  2. Adduction of the shoulder
  3. Flexion of the hip
  4. Flexion of the elbow

Explanation

The radial nerve supplies the extensor compartment of the forearm, including the wrist extensors, so its injury causes wrist drop. Elbow flexion is served mainly by the musculocutaneous nerve.

Question 10Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which cardiac structure prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole?

  1. Pulmonary valve
  2. Aortic valve
  3. Mitral valve Correct answer.
  4. Tricuspid valve

Explanation

The mitral (bicuspid) valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle and closes during ventricular systole to prevent regurgitation. The semilunar valves guard the ventricular outflow tracts.

Question 11Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which change in the blood occurs during an acute inflammatory response?

  1. Reduced blood flow to the area
  2. Increased number of neutrophils in the tissue Correct answer.
  3. Decreased capillary permeability
  4. Suppression of vasodilation

Explanation

Acute inflammation is characterised by vasodilation, increased vascular permeability and neutrophil emigration into the tissue. These changes produce the classic signs of redness, heat, swelling and pain.

Question 12Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which type of hypersensitivity reaction underlies anaphylaxis following a bee sting?

  1. Type III immune complex hypersensitivity
  2. Type I immediate hypersensitivity Correct answer.
  3. Type IV delayed hypersensitivity
  4. Type II cytotoxic hypersensitivity

Explanation

Anaphylaxis is a Type I reaction in which IgE bound to mast cells triggers rapid degranulation and release of histamine. This produces widespread vasodilation, bronchospasm and shock.

Question 13Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which mechanism best explains the shift of the oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve to the right during exercise?

  1. Increased carbon dioxide and hydrogen ion concentration Correct answer.
  2. Increased pH of the blood
  3. Decreased body temperature
  4. Decreased 2,3-diphosphoglycerate

Explanation

Rising carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions in exercising tissue lower haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, shifting the curve right and favouring oxygen unloading. This is known as the Bohr effect.

Question 14Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which structure is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration and urine formation?

  1. Nephron Correct answer.
  2. Renal pelvis
  3. Ureter
  4. Glomerular capsule alone

Explanation

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, comprising the renal corpuscle and the tubule. It performs filtration, reabsorption and secretion to form urine.

Question 15Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A patient with damage to the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord at one segment would most likely show which finding?

  1. Spastic paralysis with hyperreflexia
  2. Flaccid paralysis with muscle atrophy Correct answer.
  3. Loss of pain and temperature sensation
  4. Sensory loss in a dermatomal pattern

Explanation

Anterior horn cells are lower motor neurons; their destruction produces flaccid paralysis, atrophy and areflexia in the muscles they supply. Upper motor neuron lesions instead cause spasticity and hyperreflexia.

Question 16Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which of the following best describes the Frank-Starling relationship in the heart?

  1. Stroke volume is fixed regardless of preload
  2. Greater ventricular filling increases the force of contraction Correct answer.
  3. Cardiac output falls as venous return rises
  4. Heart rate is independent of autonomic tone

Explanation

The Frank-Starling law states that within physiological limits, increased ventricular filling (preload) stretches the myocardium and increases contractile force. This raises stroke volume and helps match output to venous return.

Question 17Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which cell type is the principal source of collagen in healing granulation tissue?

  1. Fibroblasts Correct answer.
  2. Macrophages
  3. Endothelial cells
  4. Plasma cells

Explanation

Fibroblasts migrate into the wound and synthesise collagen and other extracellular matrix components during repair. Macrophages coordinate the process but are not the main collagen producers.

Question 18Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which change in the blood acid-base status is most consistent with prolonged vomiting of gastric contents?

  1. Respiratory alkalosis with low carbon dioxide
  2. Respiratory acidosis with high carbon dioxide
  3. Metabolic acidosis with low bicarbonate
  4. Metabolic alkalosis with high bicarbonate Correct answer.

Explanation

Gastric juice is rich in hydrogen and chloride ions, so prolonged vomiting removes acid and causes metabolic alkalosis. The kidneys compensate by excreting bicarbonate.

Question 19Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which nerve supplies the diaphragm?

  1. Phrenic nerve Correct answer.
  2. Facial nerve
  3. Vagus nerve
  4. Intercostal nerves

Explanation

The phrenic nerve arises from cervical roots C3 to C5 and provides the motor supply to the diaphragm. Its injury causes paralysis of the corresponding hemidiaphragm.

Question 20Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A patient presents with jaundice, dark urine and pale stools. Which mechanism best explains these findings?

  1. Excess unconjugated bilirubin from haemolysis
  2. Obstruction of the biliary tree preventing bilirubin reaching the gut Correct answer.
  3. Increased conjugation of bilirubin in the liver
  4. Failure of the kidney to excrete urobilinogen

Explanation

Biliary obstruction prevents conjugated bilirubin from reaching the intestine, so it refluxes into the blood (jaundice), appears in urine (dark urine), and stool lacks stercobilin (pale stools). This pattern is characteristic of obstructive jaundice.

Question 21Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential of a neuron is close to the equilibrium potential for potassium?

  1. The membrane is highly permeable to potassium at rest Correct answer.
  2. Chloride channels are closed at rest
  3. The membrane is freely permeable to calcium at rest
  4. Sodium-potassium pumps are inactive at rest

Explanation

At rest the membrane is far more permeable to potassium than to other ions because of open potassium leak channels, so the membrane potential approaches the potassium equilibrium potential. The sodium-potassium pump maintains the gradients that sustain this potential.

Question 22Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A tumour is described as having invaded the muscularis propria but no lymph nodes are involved and there is no distant spread. Which classification applies?

  1. T3 N1 M0
  2. T1 N0 M0
  3. T4 N0 M1
  4. T2 N0 M0 Correct answer.

Explanation

In the TNM system, T2 denotes invasion of the muscularis propria, N0 denotes no regional lymph node metastasis and M0 denotes no distant metastasis. The combination is therefore T2 N0 M0.

Question 23Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which mechanism most directly accounts for oedema in a patient with severe hypoalbuminaemia?

  1. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
  2. Lymphatic obstruction
  3. Reduced plasma oncotic pressure Correct answer.
  4. Increased capillary permeability to proteins

Explanation

Albumin is the main contributor to plasma oncotic pressure, which draws fluid back into the capillaries. When albumin falls, oncotic pressure drops and fluid accumulates in the interstitial space, producing oedema.

Question 24Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which feature best distinguishes a malignant tumour from a benign one?

  1. Metastasis to distant sites Correct answer.
  2. Presence of a fibrous capsule
  3. Slow growth rate
  4. Well-differentiated cells

Explanation

Metastasis, the spread of tumour cells to distant sites, is the defining feature of malignancy and is never seen in benign tumours. Benign tumours remain localised and do not metastasise.

Question 25Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

During the cardiac cycle, which event coincides with the first heart sound?

  1. Closure of the atrioventricular valves Correct answer.
  2. Atrial contraction
  3. Opening of the aortic valve
  4. Closure of the semilunar valves

Explanation

The first heart sound is produced by closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves at the onset of ventricular systole. The second heart sound results from closure of the semilunar valves at the end of systole.

Question 26Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which type of blood vessel is the primary site of resistance to blood flow and therefore a major determinant of arterial blood pressure?

  1. Venules
  2. Capillaries
  3. Arterioles Correct answer.
  4. Elastic arteries

Explanation

Arterioles have the highest proportion of smooth muscle relative to their lumen size and therefore provide the greatest resistance to blood flow. This resistance is a key factor in regulating arterial blood pressure.

Question 27Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A patient has a lesion of the right optic nerve just anterior to the optic chiasm. Which visual field defect is most likely?

  1. Left homonymous hemianopia
  2. Bitemporal hemianopia
  3. Complete loss of vision in the right eye Correct answer.
  4. Right homonymous hemianopia

Explanation

The optic nerve carries visual information from the ipsilateral eye. A lesion anterior to the chiasm therefore causes monocular blindness in that eye.

Question 28Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

During the normal cardiac cycle, which event occurs during the period of isovolumetric ventricular contraction?

  1. Closure of the semilunar valves
  2. Opening of the aortic valve
  3. Closure of the atrioventricular valves Correct answer.
  4. Rapid ventricular filling

Explanation

Isovolumetric ventricular contraction begins after the atrioventricular valves close and before the semilunar valves open. During this phase, ventricular volume remains constant while pressure rises.

Question 29Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

A patient with chronic bronchitis has a persistently elevated arterial PCO2. Which renal adjustment helps to maintain a near-normal arterial pH?

  1. Increased excretion of hydrogen ions
  2. Decreased reabsorption of sodium
  3. Increased reabsorption of chloride
  4. Increased reabsorption of bicarbonate Correct answer.

Explanation

In chronic respiratory acidosis, the kidneys compensate by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption and generation, which raises plasma bicarbonate and helps restore the pH toward normal. This is a slow process but effective in chronic settings.

Question 30Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology)

Which component of the blood is primarily responsible for the osmotic pressure that retains fluid within the intravascular compartment?

  1. Red blood cells
  2. White blood cells
  3. Platelets
  4. Plasma proteins Correct answer.

Explanation

Plasma proteins, especially albumin, are the main contributors to colloid osmotic (oncotic) pressure, which draws fluid into the capillaries and maintains intravascular volume.

Question 31Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, the four basic humours (akhlat) are blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and which fourth humour?

  1. Plasma
  2. Water
  3. Black bile Correct answer.
  4. Lymph

Explanation

Unani theory holds that the body contains four humours: dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile), and sauda (black bile). Health is understood as their balanced proportion and quality. The other listed substances are not classical humours.

Question 32Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani theory, which humour is associated with the quality 'cold and dry'?

  1. Yellow bile
  2. Black bile Correct answer.
  3. Phlegm
  4. Blood

Explanation

Each humour is paired with a quality pair: blood is hot and moist, phlegm cold and moist, yellow bile hot and dry, and black bile cold and dry. This quality pairing guides diagnosis and treatment selection.

Question 33Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

The Unani concept of 'mizaj' refers to which of the following?

  1. The body's innate heat
  2. The flow of vital spirits
  3. The temperament or balanced quality of a thing Correct answer.
  4. The patient's inherited constitution

Explanation

Mizaj denotes the temperament, the particular balance of qualities (hot, cold, moist, dry) that characterises a person, organ, drug, or food. It is central to Unani prescribing, since remedies are chosen to counterbalance the patient's temperament.

Question 34Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani physiology, the 'ruh' (spirit) is best described as which of the following?

  1. A subtle substance that carries vital faculty through the body Correct answer.
  2. A waste product of digestion
  3. A type of medicinal plant
  4. The physical heart muscle

Explanation

Ruh is understood as a subtle, vaporous substance generated from the vital organs and distributed through the vessels, enabling the faculties to act. It is not a physical organ or a waste product.

Question 35Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

The Unani principle of treatment 'ilaj bi'l-did' means treating a patient by which approach?

  1. Surgical removal of the cause
  2. Using the opposite or contrary remedy Correct answer.
  3. Dietary restriction alone
  4. Using the same quality as the disease

Explanation

Ilaj bi'l-did is treatment by contraries: a hot disease is treated with cooling remedies and a cold disease with warming remedies. This restores the disturbed temperament to balance.

Question 36Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, the term 'mufradat' refers to which category of materia medica?

  1. Dietary regimens
  2. Single simple drugs Correct answer.
  3. Compound formulations
  4. Surgical instruments

Explanation

Mufradat are single, simple drugs described in Unani pharmacopoeias, while 'murakkabat' are compound formulations. The distinction matters because single drugs are the building blocks of compound remedies.

Question 37Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In the Unani classification of drug actions, a 'muhallil' drug is one that primarily does which of the following?

  1. Produces sleep
  2. Causes purgation
  3. Induces vomiting
  4. Resolves swellings and disperses matter Correct answer.

Explanation

Muhallil denotes a resolvent action, helping to disperse accumulated matter and reduce swellings. Emetic, purgative, and hypnotic actions have their own distinct terms.

Question 38Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani therapeutic terminology, which term describes a drug that strengthens the heart?

  1. Muqawwi-e-qalb Correct answer.
  2. Mufattih
  3. Mudirr
  4. Mulayyin

Explanation

Muqawwi-e-qalb literally means a cardiac tonic, a drug that strengthens the heart. The other terms describe different actions: opening obstructions, softening, and promoting urine respectively.

Question 39Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

According to Unani principles, the first line of treatment for most diseases is which of the following?

  1. Regimenal therapy and diet correction Correct answer.
  2. Bloodletting
  3. Strong purgatives
  4. Surgery

Explanation

Unani places greatest emphasis on correcting regimen (asbab-e-sitta zarooriya) and diet before resorting to drugs or surgery. This reflects the principle of treating the cause and restoring balance with minimal intervention.

Question 40Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

The 'asbab-e-sitta zarooriya' in Unani medicine refers to which of the following?

  1. Six essential causes affecting health Correct answer.
  2. Six humours
  3. Six types of fever
  4. Six stages of disease

Explanation

The asbab-e-sitta zarooriya are the six essential factors that influence health: air, food and drink, bodily movement and rest, psychic movement and rest, sleep and wakefulness, and retention and evacuation. Their balance is central to preventive care.

Question 41Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, 'istifragh' refers to which therapeutic principle?

  1. Application of cold compresses
  2. Evacuation of morbid matter Correct answer.
  3. Use of aromatic oils
  4. Strengthening of vital power

Explanation

Istifragh is the evacuation or elimination of excess and morbid humours through appropriate channels. It is balanced against 'imtila', the state of fullness or accumulation that calls for such evacuation.

Question 42Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, which of the following best describes the state called 'imtila'?

  1. Excessive accumulation of humours requiring evacuation Correct answer.
  2. Depletion of all humours
  3. Inflammation of a single organ
  4. A state of perfect balance

Explanation

Imtila denotes fullness, the accumulation of humours beyond what the body can tolerate. When imtila is present, the appropriate response is istifragh, the evacuation of the excess.

Question 43Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, which pulse quality is described by the term 'nabz-e-mutawatir'?

  1. An intermittent pulse
  2. A pulse felt only on one side
  3. A very slow pulse
  4. A pulse with regular, successive beats Correct answer.

Explanation

Nabz-e-mutawatir describes a pulse with regular, continuous, successive beats. Pulse examination is one of the classical diagnostic tools in Unani practice.

Question 44Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani diagnosis, examination of the urine (tahleel-e-baul) is used mainly to assess which of the following?

  1. The patient's age
  2. The patient's social status
  3. The state of the humours and organs Correct answer.
  4. The patient's occupation

Explanation

Urine examination in Unani is used to infer the state of humours, digestion, and organ function. It is one of the classical diagnostic methods alongside pulse examination.

Question 45Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In Unani medicine, which of the following is classified as a 'ghizai' (nutritive) rather than a 'dawai' (medicinal) item?

  1. Opium
  2. Wheat bread Correct answer.
  3. Senna
  4. Aloe

Explanation

Ghizai items are foods that nourish and build the body, such as wheat bread. Dawai items are medicinal substances used to correct a specific imbalance.

Question 46Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

Which Unani concept describes the body's natural power to resist disease and restore health?

  1. Quwwat-e-ghaziya
  2. Quwwat-e-mughayyira
  3. Quwwat-e-mudabbira Correct answer.
  4. Quwwat-e-nabiza

Explanation

Quwwat-e-mudabbira is the governing or restorative power that regulates the body and resists disease. The other faculties serve nutrition and transformation rather than overall regulation.

Question 47Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In herbal medicine, the term 'infusion' refers to a preparation made by which method?

  1. Steeping plant material in hot water Correct answer.
  2. Distilling plant material in alcohol
  3. Fermenting plant material in sugar
  4. Boiling plant material in oil

Explanation

An infusion is prepared by pouring hot water over plant material and steeping it, similar to making tea. It is suited to delicate parts such as leaves and flowers.

Question 48Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

A decoction (decoction) in herbal practice is best described as which of the following?

  1. A preparation made by expressing fresh juice
  2. A preparation made by simmering harder plant parts in water Correct answer.
  3. A preparation made by cold maceration in water
  4. A preparation made by drying and powdering

Explanation

A decoction is made by simmering harder plant materials such as roots and barks in water to extract their constituents. Cold maceration and juice expression are separate preparation methods.

Question 49Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

In herbal medicine, a tincture is typically prepared by dissolving plant constituents in which medium?

  1. Saline solution
  2. Alcohol or an alcohol-water mixture Correct answer.
  3. Boiling water alone
  4. Melted wax

Explanation

Tinctures are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic extracts that preserve and concentrate plant constituents. Water alone is used for infusions and decoctions, not tinctures.

Question 50Traditional Medicine Theory and Principles (Unani, Herbal, and Local Systems)

A herbalist wishes to prepare a remedy for a patient who cannot tolerate alcohol. Which preparation is most appropriate?

  1. A wine-based maceration
  2. An alcoholic elixir
  3. An aqueous infusion or decoction Correct answer.
  4. A strong tincture

Explanation

Aqueous preparations such as infusions and decoctions contain no alcohol and are suitable when alcohol is unacceptable. Tinctures, elixirs, and wine macerations all contain alcohol.