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Question 1
Incorrect
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Which one of the following is a risk factor for torsade de pointes?
Your Answer: Hyperkalaemia
Correct Answer: Hypothermia
Explanation:The following is a list of factors associated with an increased tendency toward torsades de pointes:- Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)- Hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium)- Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium)- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)- Heart failure- Left ventricular hypertrophy- Hypothermia- Subarachnoid haemorrhage- Hypothyroidism
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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Which of the following statements correctly describes a function of the parasympathetic innervation of the GI tract.
Your Answer: Parasympathetic cholinergic activity increases the activity of intestinal smooth muscle
Explanation:The parasympathetic nerves stimulate peristalsis and relax the sphincters; they also stimulate secretion. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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The role of the hemidesmosome is?
Your Answer: Forming a tunnel for small molecule diffusion
Correct Answer: Attaches cells to underlying basal lamina
Explanation:Hemidesmosomes connect the basal surface of epithelial cells via intermediate filaments to the underlying basal lamina. The transmembrane proteins of hemidesmosomes are not cadherins, but another type of protein called integrin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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One function of the liver is synthesis and storage of protein. Which of the following will result in hypoalbuminemia?
Your Answer: Sepsis
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Both trauma and sepsis cause an acute inflammatory response causing plasma leakage of albumin. Nephropathy causes leakage of albumin from glomeruli and excretion of albumin in urine known as albuminuria. A hypercatabolic state is characterized by increased circulating catabolic hormones and increase break down of proteins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Question 6
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old male presented to the ER after being rescued from a house fire. He complained of feeling dizzy and having a worsening headache. On examination, he was dyspnoeic, drowsy and confused. There was no evidence of facial burns and no stridor. He was normotensive, tachycardic (pulse rate: 102 bpm), tachypnoeic (respiratory rate: 35/min) and had O2 saturation of 100% in room air. His venous blood gas results are given below: pH - 7.28pCO2 - 3.5 kPapO2 - 15.9 kPaNa+ - 139 mmol/LK+ - 4.5 mmol/LBicarbonate - 11 mmol/LChloride - 113 mmol/LLactate - 13.6 mmol/LKeeping in mind the likely diagnosis, which among the following is the most appropriate intervention for this patient?
Your Answer: Intubate and ventilate
Correct Answer: Intravenous hydroxocobalamin
Explanation:The most appropriate intervention in this patient is intravenous hydroxocobalamin.The clinical scenario provided is suggestive of acute cyanide toxicity secondary to burning plastics in the house fire. Cyanide ions inhibit mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, preventing aerobic respiration. This manifests in normal oxygen saturations, a high pO2 and flushing (or ‘brick red’ skin) brought on by the excess oxygenation of venous blood. In the question above it is important to note that the blood gas sample given is venous rather than arterial. His blood gas also demonstrates an increased anion gap, consistent with his high lactate (generated by anaerobic respiration due to the inability to use available oxygen).The recommended treatment for moderate cyanide toxicity in the UK is one of three options: sodium thiosulfate, hydroxocobalamin or dicobalt edetate. Among the options given is hydroxocobalamin and this is, therefore, the correct answer. Hydroxocobalamin additionally has the best side-effect profile and speed of onset compared with other treatments for cyanide poisoning.Other options:- Intubation would be appropriate treatment in the context of airway burns but this patient has no evidence of these, although close monitoring would be advised. – High-flow oxygen is the treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning – a sensible differential, but this man’s very high lactate and high venous pO2 fit better with cyanide toxicity. Intravenous dexamethasone would be another treatment for airway oedema once an endotracheal tube had been placed. – Intravenous sodium nitroprusside is a treatment for high blood pressure that can cause cyanide poisoning, and would, therefore, be inappropriate.Note:Cyanide may be used in insecticides, photograph development and the production of certain metals. Toxicity results from reversible inhibition of cellular oxidizing enzymesClinical presentation:Classical features: brick-red skin, the smell of bitter almondsAcute: hypoxia, hypotension, headache, confusionChronic: ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitisManagement:Supportive measures: 100% oxygenDefinitive: hydroxocobalamin (intravenously), also a combination of amyl nitrite (inhaled), sodium nitrite (intravenously), and sodium thiosulfate (intravenously).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Correct
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A 31 year old female with systemic lupus erythematosus wants to know if she has any predisposing factors for the disease. Which of the following carries the greatest risk of developing SLE?
Your Answer: Monozygotic twin
Explanation:An overall concordance rate in monozygotic twins was documented to be 25% as compared to dizygotic twins with 3%. First degree relatives have a chance of around 3% of developing the disease. Caucasians show an increase frequency of HLA-B8. The Japanese lupus patients had a stronger association with HLA-DR2.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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The mitochondrial chromosome is a circular DNA molecule. They encode for proteins needed for ATP production. These proteins are also essential for:
Your Answer: Krebs cycle
Correct Answer: Apoptotic cell death
Explanation:The intrinsic pathway or the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is activated due to the loss of BCL-2 and other antiapoptotic proteins. This loss results in the increased membrane permeability and release of cytochrome C which activates caspases downstream resulting in apoptosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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A 47-year-old woman diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer three months ago was started on treatment with tamoxifen. Which of the following is most likely a complaint of this patient during her review today?
Your Answer: Hot flushes
Explanation:The most likely complaint of this patient would be hot flushes.
Alopecia and cataracts are listed as possible side-effects, however they are not as prevalent as hot flushes, which are very common in pre-menopausal women.
Tamoxifen is a Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) which acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist. It is used in the management of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Adverse effects:
- Menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding, amenorrhoea
- Hot flushes – 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects.
- Venous thromboembolism.
- Endometrial cancer (although antagonistic with respects to breast tissue, tamoxifen may serve as an agonist at other sites. Therefore the risk of endometrial cancer is increased). Raloxifene is a pure oestrogen receptor antagonist and carries a lower risk of endometrial cancer.
Tamoxifen is typically used for 5 years following the removal of the tumour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The following are synthesized in the liver EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Apoprotein B
Correct Answer: Cholecystokinin
Explanation:The liver is responsible for the mainstay of protein metabolism, synthesis as well as degradation. It is also responsible for a large part of amino acid synthesis. The liver plays a role in the production of clotting factors as well as red blood cell production. Some of the proteins synthesized by the liver include coagulation factors I (fibrinogen), II (prothrombin), V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII, as well as protein C, protein S and antithrombin. The liver is a major site of production for thrombopoietin, a glycoprotein hormone that regulates the production of platelets by the bone marrow. The liver also produces albumin, the most abundant protein in blood serum and angiotensinogen. Cholecystokinin, previously called pancreozymin, is synthesized and secreted by enteroendocrine cells in the duodenum
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 12
Correct
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Translation usually begins at which codon?
Your Answer: AUG
Explanation:The start codon is the first codon of a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript translated by a ribosome. The start codon always codes for methionine in eukaryotes and the most common start codon is AUG.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 13
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old male presents to the emergency department about 4 hours after ingesting 20g of paracetamol. N-acetyl cysteine was started immediately. What is the mechanism of action of N-acetyl cysteine?
Your Answer: Promotes formation of N-acetyl-B-benzoquinone imine
Correct Answer: Replenishes glutathione
Explanation:N-acetylcysteine depletes glutathione reserves by providing cysteine, which is an essential precursor in glutathione production.Glutathione within the liver can normally detoxify these minuscule quantities of NAPQI and prevent tissue damage.N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the mainstay of therapy for acetaminophen toxicity.Paracetamol overdose:The liver normally conjugates paracetamol with glucuronic acid/sulphate. During an overdose, the conjugation system becomes saturated leading to oxidation by cytochrome P450 (predominately CYP2E1) mixed-function oxidases. This produces a toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).Normally glutathione acts as a defence mechanism by conjugating with the toxin forming the non-toxic mercapturic acid. If glutathione stores run-out, the toxin forms covalent bonds with cell proteins, denaturing them and leading to cell death.Other uses: In COPD, cystic fibrosis, and other lung conditions, nebulized NAC has mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Correct
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Although variable, branches of which artery most often supply the SA and AV nodes?
Your Answer: Right coronary artery
Explanation:The RCA (right coronary artery) supplies the SA and the AV nodes along with the postero-basal wall of the left ventricle, posterior one third of the inferior vena cava, right ventricle and the posteromedial papillary muscle in the left ventricle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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A 72-year-old with varicose veins complains of swollen, red, itchy legs. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Varicose eczema
Explanation:Varicose eczema is a common problem, particularly in elderly patients due to stasis or blood pooling from insufficient venous return; the alternative name of varicose eczema comes from a common cause of this being varicose veins. It is often mistaken for cellulitis, but cellulitis is rarely bilateral and is painful rather than itchy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which substance has the lowest taste threshold concentration, in other words which substance can be present in the lowest concentration before taste buds will respond?
Your Answer: Sodium chloride (salt)
Correct Answer: Strychnine hydrochloride (bitter)
Explanation:The lowest concentration of a gustatory stimulus to which the taste buds respond is considered to be the threshold concentration for that substance. The threshold concentration for strychnine is 0.0001 mm; this is because it allows the body to detect potentially dangerous substances (bitter plant components) at lower concentrations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 17
Correct
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Coronary arteries fill up during
Your Answer: Diastole
Explanation:During contraction of the ventricular myocardium (systole), the subendocardial coronary vessels (the vessels that enter the myocardium) are compressed due to the high ventricular pressures. This compression results in momentary retrograde blood flow (i.e., blood flows backward toward the aorta) which further inhibits perfusion of myocardium during systole. However, the epicardial coronary vessels (the vessels that run along the outer surface of the heart) remain open. Because of this, blood flow in the sub endocardium stops during ventricular contraction. As a result, most myocardial perfusion occurs during heart relaxation (diastole) when the subendocardial coronary vessels are open and under lower pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old man with a history of hyperlipidaemia, currently under treatment with simvastatin 10mg was found to have persistently high cholesterol levels. Previous attempts to increase the dose of simvastatin have resulted in myalgia. Given this history, which one of the following lipid-regulating drugs should definitely be avoided?
Your Answer: Omega-3 fatty acid
Correct Answer: Bezafibrate
Explanation:Both fibrates and nicotinic acid have been associated with myositis, especially when combined with a statin. However, the Committee on Safety of Medicines has produced guidance which specifically warns about the concomitant prescription of fibrates with statins concerning muscle toxicity.Bezafibrate: It is a fibric acid derivative (fibrate) that has been used as a class of agents known to decrease triglyceride levels while substantially increasing HDL-C levels.Pharmacological effects:- Increases VLDL catabolism by increasing lipoprotein and hepatic triglyceride lipase.- Decreases triglyceride synthesis by inhibiting acetyl-CoA reductase.- Decreases cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase.Side effects:- Hypersensitivity- Primary biliary cirrhosis- Pre-existing gallbladder disease- Concurrent use with HMG-CoA inhibitors (statins) can produce myopathy- Hepatic/renal impairment in a patient warrants dose adjustment as this drug is primarily excreted via the renal mechanism.Contraindications: Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors, hypersensitivity, pre-existing cholestasis, and pregnancy.Use: It can be used to treat Barth syndrome (characterized by dilated cardiomyopathy, neutropenia (presenting with recurrent infections), skeletal myopathy and short stature)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Cholinergic neurons that pass into a retrograde direction activate neurons that release:
Your Answer: Acetyl choline
Correct Answer: Substance P and acetyl choline
Explanation:Serotonin activates sensory neurons that activate the myenteric plexus. Cholinergic neurons passing in a retrograde direction in the myenteric plexus activate neurons that release substance P and acetylcholine, causing smooth muscle contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which cell secretes parathyroid hormone?
Your Answer: Parafollicular cells
Correct Answer: Chief cells
Explanation:Parathyroid chief cells, also known as parathyroid principal cells or parathyroid cells, are the most prevalent type of cell in the parathyroid gland and the only ones present at birth. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Almost all of the protein that appears in the stool is:
Your Answer: Of dietary origin
Correct Answer: Comes from bacteria and cellular debris
Explanation:75% of faecal weight is water. By dry weight 30% of faeces is bacteria,10-20% is fat and 2-3% proteins. Almost all proteins ingested are absorbed in the gut.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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What is the name of the area that indicates the site of active B lymphocyte proliferation?
Your Answer: Medulla
Correct Answer: Germinal centre
Explanation:The cortex of the lymph node consists of the lymphoid nodules and sinusoids and posses a germinal centre from which B cells proliferate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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What percentage of blood is supplied to the liver by the portal vein?
Your Answer: 25%
Correct Answer: 75%
Explanation:The portal vein supplies 75% of the blood to the liver and exceeds the arterial supply of the organ.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which mechanism of action do Quinolones use?
Your Answer: Inhibit cell wall synthesis
Correct Answer: Inhibit DNA gyrase
Explanation:The quinolones are a family of synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs. Quinolones exert their antibacterial effect by preventing bacterial DNA from unwinding and duplicating.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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What landmark divides the frontal and parietal lobes?
Your Answer: Lateral fissure
Correct Answer: Central sulcus
Explanation:The central sulcus divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe. It contains the motor cells for the movement function of the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 26
Correct
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Question 27
Correct
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Which area in the GIT lacks Basic Electrical Rhythm?
Your Answer: Oesophagus
Explanation:The basal or basic electrical rhythm acts to coordinate peristalsis and are initiated in the interstitial cells of Cajal, specialized pacemaker cells located in the wall of the stomach, below the oesophagus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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Humoral immunity is a major defence against:
Your Answer: Viral infections
Explanation:Humoral immunity is provided by the neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies that are formed from the B lymphocytes. This form of immunity is most important in viral infection. Non-neutralizing antibodies increases phagocytosis of the infected cell and inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 29
Correct
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Bile salts are responsible for:
Your Answer: The emulsification of fats
Explanation:The main function of bile acids is to allow digestion of dietary fats and oils by acting as a surfactant that emulsifies them into micelles, allowing them to be colloidally suspended in the chyme before further processing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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The outer and inner surfaces of the arachnoid mater is covered with:
Your Answer: Endothelial cells
Correct Answer: Mesothelial cells
Explanation:The arachnoid mater is one of the three meninges that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is interposed between the two other meninges, the more superficial and much thicker dura mater and the deeper pia mater, from which it is separated by the subarachnoid space. The arachnoid mater consists of a subdural mesothelial layer and a compact central layer
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
