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Question 1
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old woman complains of left sided headaches which have been recurring for several years. She recently suffered from a focal seizure for the first time a few days ago. A CT scan shows a mass in the left hemisphere of the brain. The most likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Glioblastoma multiforme
Correct Answer: Meningioma
Explanation:Meningiomas are a common benign intracranial tumour, and their incidence is higher in women between the ages of 40-60 years old. Many of these tumours are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally, although some of them may have malignant presentations (less than 2% of cases). These benign tumours can develop wherever there is dura, over the convexities near the venous sinuses, along the base of the skull, in the posterior fossa and, within the ventricles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 2
Correct
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A young female in the 15th week of pregnancy presented to the emergency department with the passage of grape-like masses per vagina. Dilatation and curettage was done and microscopy revealed large avascular villi with trophoblastic proliferation. Which one of the following investigations is best recommended for her follow-up?
Your Answer: Serum β-hCG
Explanation:Trophoblast is the layer of cells surrounding the blastocyst and that later develops into the chorion and amnion. Gestational trophoblastic disease is a tumour arising from this trophoblast. It can occur during or after either an intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. If it occurs in a pregnant woman, it usually leads to spontaneous abortion, eclampsia or fetal death. It can be either malignant or benign.
In suspected cases, investigations include measurement of serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pelvic ultrasound. Confirmatory test is a biopsy. Post-removal, the disease is classified clinically to assess further treatment. To assess the presence of metastases, further work-up includes computed tomography of the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Chemotherapy is usually needed for persistent disease. If at least three consecutive, weekly serum β-hCG measurements are normal, treatment is considered successful. Follow-up is also done by measuring β-hCG.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 3
Correct
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An operation to resect a tumour of the right lung was stopped as the chest surgeon said that the tumour was crossing the oblique fissure. Which structures are separated by the oblique fissure of the right lung?
Your Answer: Lower lobe from both upper and middle lobes
Explanation:The oblique fissure on the right lung separates the lower lobe from both the middle and upper lobe. The lingual is only found on the left lung and is part of the upper lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 4
Correct
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A 56-year-old man undergoes tests to determine his renal function. His results over a period of 24 hours were:
Urine flow rate: 2. 0 ml/min
Urine inulin: 1.0 mg/ml
Plasma inulin: 0.01 mg/ml
Urine urea: 260 mmol/l
Plasma urea: 7 mmol/l
What is the glomerular filtration rate?Your Answer: 200 ml/min
Explanation:Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of fluid filtered from the renal (kidney) glomerular capillaries into the Bowman’s capsule per unit time. GFR is equal to the inulin clearance because inulin is freely filtered into Bowman’s capsule but is not reabsorbed or secreted. The clearance (C) of any substance can be calculated as follows: C = (U × V)/P, where U and P are the urine and plasma concentrations of the substance, respectively and V is the urine flow rate. Thus, glomerular filtration rate = (1.0 × 2. 0)/0.01 = 200 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 5
Correct
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A space defined by the teres major muscle, the teres minor muscle, long head of the triceps brachii muscle and surgical neck of the humerus contains the axillary nerve and the?
Your Answer: Posterior circumflex humeral artery
Explanation:This quadrangular space transmits the posterior circumflex humeral vessels and the axillary nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 6
Correct
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Which of these structures does NOT pass posterior to the medial malleolus?
Your Answer: Saphenous vein
Explanation:The saphenous vein passes anterior to the medial malleolus. The structures passing posterior, from nearest to furthest include: tibial, posterior tendon, flexor digitorum longus tendon, posterior tibial artery, posterior tibial vein, posterior tibial nerve and the flexor hallucis longus tendon.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 7
Incorrect
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The gluteus medius muscle:
Your Answer: Extends the thigh at the hip joint
Correct Answer: Is supplied by the superior gluteal nerve
Explanation:The gluteus medius is situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It arises from the outer surface of the ilium between the iliac crest and posterior gluteal line above and the anterior gluteal line below. The gluteus medius is supplied by the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral nerves through the superior gluteal nerve
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 8
Correct
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The anatomical dead space in a patient with low oxygen saturation, is 125 ml, with a tidal volume of 500 ml and pa(CO2) of 40 mm Hg. The dead space was determined by Fowler's method. If we assume that the patient's lungs are healthy, what will his mixed expired CO2 tension [pE(CO2)] be?
Your Answer: 30 mmHg
Explanation:According to Bohr’s equation, VD/VT = (pA(CO2) − pE(CO2))/pA(CO2), where pE(CO2) is mixed expired CO2 and pA(CO2) is alveolar CO2pressure. Normally, the pa(CO2) is virtually identical to pA(CO2). Thus, VD/VT = (pa(CO2)) − pE(CO2)/pa(CO2). By Fowler’s method, VD/VT= 0.25. In the given problem, (pa(CO2) − pE(CO2)/pa(CO2) = (40 − pE(CO2)/40 = 0.25. Thus, pE(CO2) = 30 mmHg. If there is a great perfusion/ventilation inequality, pE(CO2) could be significantly lower than 30 mm Hg, and the patient’s physiological dead space would exceed the anatomical dead space.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Choose the most correct answer regarding the obturator internus muscle.
Your Answer: It emerges from the pelvis through the obturator foramen
Correct Answer: It emerges from the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen
Explanation:The obturator internus arises from the inner surface of the anterolateral wall of the pelvis and the pelvic surface of the obturator membrane. The fibres converge rapidly towards the lesser sciatic foramen and end in four or five tendinous bands and leave the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A patient is diagnosed with Conn’s syndrome. Aldosterone is secreted from where?
Your Answer: Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: Zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex
Explanation:The adrenal gland comprises an outer cortex and an inner medulla, which represent two developmentally and functionally independent endocrine glands.
The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline (70%) and noradrenaline (30%)
The adrenal cortex consists of three layers (remembered by the mnemonic GFR):
G = zona glomerulosa – secretes aldosterone
F = zona fasciculata – secretes cortisol and sex steroids
R = zona reticularis – secretes cortisol and sex steroids.
Aldosterone facilitates the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions from the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts. Conn’s syndrome is characterized by increased aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Physiology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which structure holds the duodenojejunal flexure in place?
Your Answer: Lienorenal ligament
Correct Answer: Suspensory ligament (of Treitz)
Explanation:The duodenum is connected to the diaphragm by the suspensory ligament called the ligament of Treitz. It is a slip of skeletal muscle from the right crus of the diaphragm and a fibromuscular band of smooth muscle from the 3rd and 4th parts of the duodenum. It is an important landmark, used to divide the gastrointestinal tract into the upper and lower parts. Contraction of this ‘ligament’ leads to opening of the duodenojejunal flexure allowing the flow of chyme.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 12
Correct
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An elderly, diabetic man has firm, tender nodules at the base of his left middle and ring fingers, which he can't extend fully. What's the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Fibromatosis
Explanation:This case is suggestive of Dupuytren’s contracture due to palmar fibromatosis. Its incidence is higher in men over the age of 45 years, and it increases in patients with diabetes, alcoholism, or epilepsy. These nodules are benign, usually appearing as a tender nodule in the palm which becomes painless. The disease has an aggressive clinical behaviour and recurs frequently.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Orthopaedics
- Pathology
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Question 13
Correct
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Injury to this nerve will result to the loss of general sensory innervation of the lacrimal gland:
Your Answer: Ophthalmic nerve
Explanation:The lacrimal glands are paired, almond-shaped exocrine glands, that secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film. The lacrimal nerve, derived from the ophthalmic nerve, supplies the sensory component of the lacrimal gland. The greater petrosal nerve, derived from the facial nerve, supplies the parasympathetic autonomic component of the lacrimal gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 14
Correct
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A 22-year old man presented with a mass in his left scrotum which was more prominent when standing and felt like a 'bag of worms'. Examination revealed a non-tender mass along the spermatic cord. Also, the right testis was larger than the left testis. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Varicocele
Explanation:Varicocele refers to dilatation and increased tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus – which is a network of veins found in spermatic cord that drain the testicle. Defective valves or extrinsic compression can result in outflow obstruction and cause dilatation near the testis. Normal diameter of the small vessels ranges from 0.5 – 1.5mm. A varicocele is a dilatation more than 2mm.
The plexus travels from the posterior aspect of testis into the inguinal canal with other structures forming the spermatic cord. They then form the testicular veins out of which the right testicular vein drains into the inferior vena cava and the left into the left renal vein.
It affects 15-20% men, and 40% of infertile males. Usually diagnosed in 15-25 years of age, they are rarely seen after 40 years of age. Because of the vertical path taken by the left testicular vein to drain into left renal vein, 98% idiopathic varicoceles occur on the left side. It is bilateral in 70% cases. Right-sided varicoceles are rare.
Symptoms include pain or heaviness in the testis, infertility, testicular atrophy, a palpable mass, which is non-tender and along the spermatic cord (resembling a ‘bag of worms’). The testis on the affected side might be smaller.
Diagnosis can be made by ultrasound. Provocative measures such as Valsalva manoeuvre or making the patient stand up to increase the dilatation by increasing the intra-abdominal venous pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 15
Correct
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A 24 year old mother is breastfeeding her first child. Which of the following cellular adaptations occurred in her breast tissue to allow her to do this?
Your Answer: Lobular hyperplasia
Explanation:Under the influence of oestrogen in pregnancy, there is an increase in the number of lobules which will facilitate lactation.
Steatocytes occur due to loss of weight and nutritional deficit.
Metaplasia is a normal physiological process which is due to a change in normal epithelium with another type.
Lobular atrophy will result in a decreased capacity to provide milk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing; Female Health
- Pathology
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Question 16
Correct
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A 35 year-old man presents with high grade fever for 7 days after returning from a trip to India. He tested positive for widal test. What is the most likely organism that caused his fever?
Your Answer: Salmonella typhi
Explanation:Typhoid fever is caused by virulent bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi spread through contaminated food or water and occasionally through direct contact with someone who is infected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
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Question 17
Correct
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There are several mechanisms involved in the transport of sodium ions from blood to interstitial fluid of the muscle cells. Which of the following mechanisms best describes this phenomenon?
Your Answer: Diffusion through channels between endothelial cells
Explanation:Capillaries are the smallest of the body’s blood vessels, measuring 5–10 μm and they help to enable the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrients and waste substances between the blood and the tissues surrounding them. The walls of capillaries are composed of only a single layer of cells, the endothelium. Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that help to establish and control the small voltage gradient that exists across the plasma membrane of all living cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. An ion channel is an integral membrane protein or more typically an assembly of several proteins. The archetypal channel pore is just one or two atoms wide at its narrowest point. It conducts a specific ion such as sodium or potassium and conveys them through the membrane in single file.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 18
Correct
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A 40 year old patient with an history of obesity has been diagnosed with meralgia parasthetica. The condition was discovered to be caused by the pinching of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Injuries at what spinal levels usually affect this nerve?
Your Answer: L2, L3
Explanation:The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh arises from the dorsal division of the lumbar plexus of the second and the third lumbar nerves (L2 – L3). Spinal injuries at this level are likely to affect the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve innervates the skin on the lateral aspect of the thigh.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 19
Correct
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While conducting a physical examination of a patient, the GP passed a finger down the edge of the medial crus of the superficial inguinal ring and felt a bony prominence deep to the lateral edge of the spermatic cord. What was this bony prominence?
Your Answer: Pubic tubercle
Explanation:At the superficial inguinal ring, the pubic tubercle would be felt as a bony prominence lateral to the edge of the spermatic cord. This tubercle is the point of attachment of the inguinal ligament that makes up the floor of the inguinal canal.
Pecten pubis is the ridge on the superior surface of the superior pubic ramus and the point of attachment of the pectineal ligament.
The pubic symphysis is the joint between the two pubic bones and the iliopubic eminence is a bony process on the pubis found near the articulation of the pubis and the ilium.
The iliopectineal line is formed by the arcuate line of the ilium and the pectineal line of the pubis. It is the line that marks the transition between the abdominal and pelvic cavity.
The sacral promontory is found on the posterior wall of the pelvis and would not be felt through the inguinal ring.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 20
Correct
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Which of the following cells would be increased in a patient suffering from a hydatid cyst in the liver?
Your Answer: Eosinophils
Explanation:Eosinophils are granulocytes that respond to parasitic infections. They are also involved in allergy response and asthma. They contain granules which stain red with Romanowsky’s method and contain peroxidase, Rnase, Dnase, histamine, lipase and major basic proteins that are toxic to the parasite as well as the hosts tissue. They are about 1-5% of the total WBC population and persist in the blood for 6-12 hours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a fact worth noting about the development of the spleen?
Your Answer: It becomes retroperitoneal during its development
Correct Answer: It develops in the dorsal mesogastrium
Explanation:The spleen in the human embryo arises in week 5 of intrauterine life. It appears as a proliferating mesenchyme above the pancreas. The spleen is one the organs that develops in the dorsal mesogastrium. When the stomach changes its position during development, the spleen is made to move behind the stomach and stays in contact with the left kidney. The spleen is found within the peritoneum of the abdominal cavity thus it is an intraperitoneal organ.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 22
Incorrect
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When exposing the right saphenofemoral junction for flush-ligation of the saphenous vein, which of the following is the most likely to be seen passing through this opening?
Your Answer: Superficial circumflex iliac artery
Correct Answer: Superficial external pudendal artery
Explanation:The saphenous opening is an oval opening in the fascia lata. It is covered by the cribriform fascia and It is so called because it is perforated by the great saphenous vein and by numerous blood and lymphatic vessels and the superficial external pudendal artery pierces it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 23
Incorrect
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A chef, whilst preparing food, cut her thumb with a knife. She transected the arteria princeps pollicis. This artery is a branch of the?
Your Answer: Deep palmar arch
Correct Answer: Radial artery
Explanation:The radial artery branches into the arteria princeps pollicis as it turns medially into the deep part of the hand. The arteria princeps pollicis is distributed to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the thumb.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following accumulates within a cell due to the aging process?
Your Answer: Lipofuscin
Explanation:Lipofuscin , also known as lipochrome, is a wear and tear pigment or an aging pigment. It represents free radical injury or lipid peroxidation. On microscopic examination is appears as a yellowish brown pigment around the nucleus (perinuclear pigment). It is often seen in cells which are undergoing regressive changes, commonly in the liver and heart of old patients or patients with cancer, cachexia or severe malnutrition.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 25
Correct
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A 14 year-old girl is found to have haemophilia B. What pathological problem does she have?
Your Answer: Deficiency of factor IX
Explanation:Haemophilia B (also known as Christmas disease) is due to a deficiency in factor IX. Haemophilia A is due to a deficiency in factor VIII.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 26
Correct
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A 36-year-old female was advised to undergo genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour markers specifically for which organ?
Your Answer: Breast
Explanation:Women with harmful mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a risk of breast cancer that is about five times the normal risk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old male chronic smoker is diagnosed with non-small-cell cancer. His right lung underwent complete atelectasis and he has a 7cm tumour involving the chest wall. What is the stage of the lung cancer of this patient?
Your Answer: T4
Correct Answer: T3
Explanation:Non-small-cell lung cancer is staged through TNM classification. The stage of this patient is T3 because based on the TNM classification the tumour is staged T3 if > 7 cm or one that directly invades any of the following: Chest wall (including superior sulcus tumours), diaphragm, phrenic nerve, mediastinal pleura, or parietal pericardium; or the tumour is in the main bronchus < 2 cm distal to the carina but without involvement of the carina, Or it is associated with atelectasis/obstructive pneumonitis of the entire lung or separate tumour nodule(s) in the same lobe.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 28
Correct
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The gynaecologist suspects that her patient has a cervical cancer. What particular test should be done on this patient to screen for cervical cancer?
Your Answer: Pap smear
Explanation:Worldwide, approximately 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 274,000 deaths are attributable to cervical cancer yearly. This makes cervical cancer the second most common cause of death from cancer in women. The mainstay of cervical cancer screening has been the Papanicolaou test (Pap smear).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 29
Correct
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A 33-year old lady presented to the gynaecology clinic with amenorrhoea for 6 months and a recent-onset of milk discharge from her breasts. She was not pregnant or on any medication. On enquiry, she admitted to having frequent headaches the last 4 months. Which of the following findings would you expect to see in her condition?
Your Answer: Hyperprolactinaemia
Explanation:Excessively high levels of prolactin in the blood is called hyperprolactinaemia. Normally, prolactin levels are less than 580 mIU/l in females and less than 450 mIU/l in men. The biologically inactive macroprolactin can lead to a false high reading. However, the patient remains asymptomatic. Dopamine down-regulates prolactin whereas oestrogen upregulates it. Hyperprolactinaemia can be caused due to lack of inhibition (compression of pituitary stalk or low dopamine levels), or increased production due to a pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma). Either of these causes can lead to a prolactin level of 1000-5000 mIU/l. However, levels more than 5000mIU/l are usually associated due to an adenoma and >100,000 mIU/l are seen in macroadenomas (tumours < 1cm in diameter). Increased prolactin causes increased dopamine release from the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus. This increased dopamine in turn, inhibits the GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone) thus blocking gonadal steroidogenesis resulting in the symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia. In women, it includes hypoestrogenism, anovulatory infertility, decreased or irregular menstruation or complete amenorrhoea. It can even cause production of breast milk, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis. In men, the symptoms include impotence, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and infertility. In men, treatment can be delayed due to late diagnosis as they have no reliable indicator such as menstruation that might indicate a problem. Most of the male patients seek help only when headaches and visual defects start to surface.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 40-year old woman with portal hypertension has impaired venous drainage of the anal canal above the pectinate line. Thus, there might be an increase in blood flow downward to the systemic venous system via anastomoses with the inferior rectal vein. This is a tributary of?
Your Answer: External iliac vein
Correct Answer: Internal pudendal vein
Explanation:The inferior rectal vein drains into the internal pudendal vein. In addition the external iliac vein is one of the two branches of the common iliac vein however the internal iliac vein and it’s tributaries (including the pudendal vein) are much more important in draining the pelvic structures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 31
Correct
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QT interval in the electrocardiogram of a healthy individual is normally:
Your Answer: 0.40 s
Explanation:QT interval extends from beginning of the QRS complex till the end of he T-wave and normally lasts for 0.40 s. It is important in the diagnosis of long-QT and short-QT syndrome. The QT interval varies on the basis of heart rate and may need to be corrected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 32
Correct
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Streptokinase is used to break down clots in some cases of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thromboembolism; however, it is not recommended to use it again after 4 days from the first administration. Which complication could arise from repeated use?
Your Answer: Allergic reaction
Explanation:Streptokinase belongs to a group of medications known as ‘fibrinolytics’ and is an extracellular metallo-enzyme produced by beta-haemolytic streptococci, used as an effective clot-dissolving medication in patients with myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. As Streptokinase is a bacterial product, the body has the ability to build up an immunity to it. Therefore, it is recommended that this medication should not be used again after four days from the first administration, as it may not be as effective and may also cause an allergic reaction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 33
Correct
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Which of the deep fasciae located in the anterolateral abdominal wall form the inguinal ligament?
Your Answer: External abdominal oblique aponeurosis
Explanation:The inguinal ligament is the inferior border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominis and extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle from whence it is reflected backward and laterally to attach to the pectineal line and form the lacunar ligament.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 34
Correct
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Which organ is most vulnerable to haemorrhagic shock?
Your Answer: Kidneys
Explanation:At rest, the brain receives 15% cardiac output, muscles 15%, gastrointestinal tract 30% and kidneys receive 20%. However, if normalised by weight, the largest specific blood flow is received by the kidneys at rest (400 ml/min x 100g), making them highly vulnerable in the case of a haemorrhagic shock.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 35
Correct
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The pleural cavity is the space between the two pulmonary pleurae which cover the lungs. What is the normal amount of pleural fluid?
Your Answer: 10 ml
Explanation:Pleural fluid is a serous fluid produced by the serous membrane covering normal pleurae. Most fluid is produced by the parietal circulation (intercostal arteries) via bulk flow and reabsorbed by the lymphatic system. The total volume of fluid present in the intrapleural space is estimated to be only 2–10 ml. A small amount of protein is present in intrapleural fluid. Normally, the rate of reabsorption increases as a physiological response to accumulating fluid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 36
Correct
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A 40 year old man from Japan was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus. He is to undergo esophagectomy. While mobilizing the oesophagus in the neck, for resection and anastomosis with the stomach tube on the left side, the surgeon must be cautious not to injure a vital structure. Which of the following is it?
Your Answer: Thoracic duct
Explanation:The oesophagus is divided into 3 portions: cervical (part that is in the neck), thoracic portion and the abdominal portion. The cervical part is bordered by the trachea anteriorly and the prevertebral fascia covering the bodies of the 6,7 and 8th vertebra posteriorly. The thoracic duct lies on the left side at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. The carotid sheath with its contents and lower poles of the lateral lobes of thyroid gland are lateral. The thoracic duct is the structure most likely to be injured.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 37
Correct
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A 46-year old lady presents with chief complaints of a large mass in the left breast. Histopathology of the mass revealed a stromal component with an epithelial component. What is the likely lesion?
Your Answer: Phyllodes tumour
Explanation:Phyllodes tumours are large, quickly growing tumours which arise from the periductal stroma of the breast. These are fibroepithelial tumours and account for less than 1% of breast cancers. These tumours can be benign, borderline or malignant based on the histology. The tumour usually affects adult women, mostly between the age of 40 to 50 years. It can be confused with fibroadenoma, which however affects much younger patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Women's Health
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Question 38
Incorrect
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Cancer of the testis most likely metastases to which set of lymph nodes?
Your Answer: Deep inguinal
Correct Answer: Aortic
Explanation:The lymphatic drainage of an organ is related to its blood supply. The lymphatic drainage of the testis drains along the testicular artery to reach the lymph nodes along the aorta.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 39
Incorrect
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An operation to remove a segment of the oesophagus through a right thoracotomy is complicated when a tear develops in a large venous structure in the posterior mediastinum that empties into the superior vena cava. Which of the following structures is likely to be injured?
Your Answer: Brachiocephalic vein
Correct Answer: Azygos vein
Explanation:The azygos vein is formed by the union of the right subcostal veins and the ascending lumbar veins at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra. It enters the thorax through the aortic hiatus to ascend in the posterior mediastinum and arching over the right main bronchus posteriorly at the root of the right lung to join the superior vena cava before it pierces the pericardium.
The basilic vein is a vein on the medial aspect of the arm that ascends to become the axillary vein.
The cephalic vein is also a vein of the arm.
The external jugular and brachiocephalic vein are not in the posterior mediastinum.
The median cubital vein is found in the cubital fossa of the arm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Thorax
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Question 40
Correct
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A surgeon ligates the left middle suprarenal artery while carrying out a left adrenalectomy. Where does the left middle suprarenal artery originate?
Your Answer: Abdominal aorta
Explanation:Middle suprarenal arteries arise from either side of the abdominal aorta, opposite the superior mesenteric artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 41
Incorrect
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A 40-year old gentleman, known with a history of peptic ulcer disease, was brought to the clinic in a dehydrated state with persistent vomiting. His blood investigations revealed:
- sodium = 142 mmol/l
- potassium = 2.6 mmol/l
- chloride = 85 mmol/l
- pH = 7.55
- p(CO2) = 50 mmHg
- p(O2) = 107 mmHg
- standard bicarbonate = 40 mmol/l
Your Answer: Mixed acidosis
Correct Answer: Metabolic alkalosis
Explanation:High pH with high standard bicarbonate indicates metabolic alkalosis. The pa(CO2) was appropriately low in compensation. This is hypokalaemic hypochloraemic metabolic acidosis due to prolonged vomiting. Treatment includes treating the cause and intravenous sodium chloride with potassium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 42
Incorrect
-
During an operation to repair a hiatal hernia, the coeliac branch of the posterior vagal trunk is injured. This damage would affect muscular movements as well as some secretory activities of the gastrointestinal tract. Which gastrointestinal segment is LEAST likely to be affected?
Your Answer: Jejunum
Correct Answer: Sigmoid colon
Explanation:The vagus nerve supplies the parasympathetic fibres to the abdominal structures that are receive arterial supply from the coeliac trunk or superior mesenteric artery i.e. up to the transverse colon. The end of the transverse colon and the gastrointestinal structures distal to this point receive parasympathetic innervation from the pelvic splanchnic nerves and blood from the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA). The ascending colon, caecum, jejunum and ileum would all, thus, be affected by this damage. Sigmoid colon would not be affected.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 43
Correct
-
A young lady visited a doctor with complaints of fever and a dull, continuous pain in the right lumbar region for 6 days. On, enquiry, she recalled passing an increasing number of stools with occasional blood in last few months. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy was taken 5 cm proximal to ileocaecal valve which showed transmural inflammation with several granulomas. Tissue section showed the absence of acid-fast bacillus. She denies any history of travel and her stool cultures were negative. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Crohn’s disease
Explanation:Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but is usually seen in the distal ileum and colon. It is transmural and symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, anorexia and weight loss. On examination, there is usually abdominal tenderness with a palpable mass or fullness seen occasionally. Rectal bleeding is uncommon (except in isolated colonic involvement) which manifests like ulcerative colitis. Differential diagnosis includes acute appendicitis or intestinal obstruction. 25%-33% patients also have perianal disease in the form of fissure or fistulas.
Extra intestinal manifestations predominate in children, and include: arthritis, pyrexia, anaemia or growth retardation. Histologically, the disease shows crypt inflammation and abscesses initially, which progress to aphthoid ulcers. These eventually develop into longitudinal and transverse ulcers with interspersed mucosal oedema, leading to the characteristic ‘cobblestoned appearance’. Transmural involvement leads to lymphoedema and thickening of bowel wall and mesentery, leading to extension of mesenteric fat on the serosal surface of bowel and enlargement of mesenteric nodes. There can also be hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae, fibrosis and stricture formation, which can cause bowel obstruction.
Abscesses are common and the disease can also leas to development of fistulas with various other organs, anterior abdominal wall and adjacent muscles. Pathognomonic non-caseating granulomas are seen in 50% cases and they can occur in nodes, peritoneum, liver, and in all layers of the bowel wall. The clinical course does not depend on the presence of granulomas. There is sharp demarcation between the diseased and the normal bowel (skip areas).
35% cases show only the ileal involvement, whereas in 45% cases, both the ileum and colon are involved with a predilection for right side of colon. 20% cases show only colonic involvement, often sparing the rectum (unlike ulcerative colitis). In occasional cases, there is jejunoileitis – involvement of the entire small bowel. The stomach, duodenum and oesophagus are rarely involved, although there has been microscopic evidence of disease involving the gastric antrum in younger patients. The affected small bowel segments show increased rick of cancer. Moreover, patients with colonic disease show a long-term risk of cancer similar to that seen in ulcerative colitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 44
Incorrect
-
Selective destruction of which of the following cells will affect antibody synthesis?
Your Answer: T lymphocytes
Correct Answer: Plasma cells
Explanation:Plasma cell are memory cells. After the antigen Is engulfed by the B cells it is presented to the CD4+ helper cells via the MCH II receptor and this leads to their activation which in turn stimulates the B cells to form antibodies against that specific antigen. Some B cells differentiate into plasma cells also called memory cells that get activated after subsequent infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 45
Correct
-
A man had an injury to his right brachial plexus. After examination by the doctor they found that the diaphragm and the scapula were unaffected however the patient could not abduct his arm. When helped with abducting his arm to 45 degrees he was able to continue the movement. This means that he was unable to initiate abduction. Where is the likely site of injury?
Your Answer: Suprascapular nerve
Explanation:The loss of ability to initiate abduction means paralysis of the supraspinatus muscle. This muscle is supplied by the supraclavicular nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 46
Incorrect
-
Vincristine is a chemotherapy agent used to treat a number of types of cancer. Which of the following is a recognised major side-effect of vincristine?
Your Answer: Myelosuppression
Correct Answer: Peripheral neuropathy
Explanation:Vincristine is an alkaloid chemotherapeutic agent. It is used to treat a number of types of cancer including acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease, neuroblastoma, and small cell lung cancer among others. The main side-effects of vincristine are peripheral neuropathy and constipation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 47
Incorrect
-
Calculate the pulmonary vascular resistance in an adult male with the following parameters:
Heart rate 70 beats/min
Arterial [O2] 0.24 ml O2/min
Venous [O2] 0.16 ml O2/mi
Whole body O2 consumption 500 ml/min
Pulmonary diastolic pressure 15 mmHg
Pulmonary systolic pressure 25 mmHg
Wedge pressure 5 mmHg.Your Answer: 2.5 resistance units (mmHg/l per min)
Correct Answer: 2.0 resistance units (mmHg/l per min)
Explanation:Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) = (Mean pulmonary artery pressure – Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) divided by Cardiac output. To get cardiac output, Fick’s principle needs to be applied which states that VO2 = (CO × CAO2) – (CO × CVO2) where VO2 = oxygen consumption, CO = cardiac output, CA = oxygen concentration of arterial blood and CVO2 = oxygen concentration of venous blood. Thus, CO = VO2/CAO2– CVO2, CO = 500/0.24–0.16, CO = 500/0.8, CO = 6.25 l/min. To calculate mean pulmonary artery pressure, we use the formula: Mean pulmonary artery pressure = Diastolic pressure + 1/3(Systolic pressure – Diastolic pressure). Thus, Mean pulmonary artery pressure = 15 + 1/3(25 – 15) = 15 + 3. 33 = 18.33. Substituting these values in the first formula, PVR = 18.3–5/6.25 = 13.5/5.25 = 2.0 resistance units (mmHg/l per min) approximately.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 48
Correct
-
The most important difference between interstitial fluid and plasma is the:
Your Answer: Protein concentration
Explanation:Interstitial fluid (or tissue fluid or intercellular fluid) is a solution that surrounds the cells of multicellular animals. It is the main component of the extracellular fluid, which also includes plasma, lymph and transcellular fluid. Plasma, the major component in blood, communicates freely with interstitial fluid through pores and intercellular clefts in capillary endothelium. Interstitial fluid consists of a water solvent containing amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, coenzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, salts, as well as waste products from the cells. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma proteins cannot pass through the walls of the capillaries. The resulting mixture that does pass through is essentially blood plasma without the plasma proteins. Tissue fluid also contains certain types of white blood cells. Once the extracellular fluid collects into small vessels it is considered to be lymph, and the vessels that carry it back to the blood are called the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system returns protein and excess interstitial fluid to the circulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 49
Correct
-
In the human body, veins often run a course parallel to the artery that has the same name. Which of the following listed veins doesn't run parallel to the artery of the same name?
Your Answer: Inferior mesenteric
Explanation:The inferior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric vein don’t run in tandem because the vein is part of the portal venous system-draining into the splenic vein which drains into the hepatic portal vein. The inferior mesenteric artery is a branch of the descending aorta at the level of L3. The inferior mesenteric vein and artery, however, drain the same region i.e. the descending and sigmoid colon and rectum.
Superior epigastric vessels course together and are the continuation of the internal thoracic artery and vein.
Superficial circumflex iliac vessels course together in the superficial fat of the abdominal wall.
Superior rectal vessels are the terminal ends of the inferior mesenteric vessels, located on the posterior surface of the rectum.
The ileocolic artery and vein are branches off the superior mesenteric vessels. Both course in the mesentery, supplying/draining the caecum, appendix, terminal portion of the ileum. The inferior epigastric vessels run together.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 50
Correct
-
The dilator pupillae muscle is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres. Where do the postganglionic sympathetic fibres originate?
Your Answer: Superior cervical ganglion
Explanation:The postganglionic sympathetic axons are derived from the superior cervical ganglion and innervate the eye and lacrimal gland allowing for vasoconstriction of the iris and sclera, pupillary dilation, widening of the palpebral fissure, and a reduction in tear production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 51
Correct
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A 45-year old male patient with a long history of alcoholism developed liver cirrhosis that has led to portal hypertension. Which of the following plexuses of veins is most likely dilated in this patient?
Your Answer: Haemorrhoidal plexus
Explanation:The haemorrhoidal plexus or also known as the rectal plexus is a venous plexus that surrounds the rectum. This venous plexus in males communicates anteriorly with the vesical plexus and uterovaginal plexus in females. This venous plexus forms a site of free communication between the portal and systemic venous systems. In the case of portal hypertension this plexus would most likely dilate due to the increased pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Pelvis
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Question 52
Correct
-
A patient presented with continuous bleeding several hours after dental extraction. Which of the following findings is most often associated with clinical bleeding?
Your Answer: Factor IX deficiency
Explanation:Factor IX deficiency, also called Haemophilia B or Christmas disease, is a disorder caused by missing or defective clotting factor IX. Deficiency of the factor IX causes irregular bleeding that can happen spontaneously or after mild trauma, surgery and dental extractions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 53
Correct
-
Which of the following will be a seen in a patient with a plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 14 mU/l (normal < 5 mU/l) and a low T3 resin uptake of 19% (normal 25–35%)?
Your Answer: Periorbital swelling and lethargy
Explanation:Low T3 resin uptake combined with raised TSH is indicative of hypothyroidism. Signs and symptoms include dull expression, facial puffiness, lethargy, periorbital swelling due to infiltration with mucopolysaccharides, bradycardia and cold intolerance. Anxiety, palpitations, tachycardia, raised body temperature, heat intolerance and weight loss are all seen in hyperthyroidism.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 54
Incorrect
-
A lesion involving the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus is likely to affect:
Your Answer: Touch
Correct Answer: Vision
Explanation:The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus is the primary processor of visual information in the central nervous system. The LGN receives information directly from the retina and sends projections directly to the primary visual cortex. The LGN likely helps the visual system focus its attention on the most important information.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 55
Correct
-
A 30 year old male has a painless and transilluminant swelling at the upper pole of his left testi. There is a negative cough test. Which of the following is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Spermatocoele
Explanation:Spermatocele, also known as a spermatic cyst is a cystic mass usually occurring at the upper pole of the testis. Differential diagnosis included hydrocele as both are cystic, painless and transilluminant. Ultrasound is a useful modality. If symptomatic or large, surgical excision can be done.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Urology
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Question 56
Correct
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Question 57
Correct
-
Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen on ingestion of a fatty meal is seen in a condition which involves which of the following substances?
Your Answer: Cholecystokinin
Explanation:The clinical scenario described here favours the presence of gallstones. During food ingestion, vagal discharges stimulate gallbladder contraction. Moreover, presence of fat and amino acids in the intestinal lumen stimulates the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the duodenum. This causes sustained gallbladder contraction and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi. If gallstones are present, there will be inflammation in the gallbladder and CCK will aggravate it due to contractions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
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Question 58
Incorrect
-
A brain tumour causing blockage of the hypophyseal portal system is likely to result in an increased secretion of which of the following hormones?
Your Answer: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
Correct Answer: Prolactin
Explanation:The hypophyseal portal system links the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary. With the help of this system, the anterior pituitary receives releasing and inhibitory hormones from the hypothalamus and regulates the action of other endocrine glands. One of the inhibitory hormones carried by this system is the prolactin-inhibitory hormone. In the absence of this hormone which might occur in case of a blockage of the system, prolactin secretion increases to about three times normal levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 59
Correct
-
A 44-year old man, who was euthyroid underwent thyroidectomy following neoplastic cells found on fine-needle aspiration. Frozen section of multiple thyroid masses showed malignant neoplasm of polygonal cells in nests. The neoplasm also showed presence of amyloid which was positive with Congo-red staining. Immunoperoxidase staining for calcitonin was also positive. Chest X-ray revealed no abnormality. However, his blood pressure was found to be raised, and his serum ionised calcium was high. What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA
Explanation:MEN (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) syndromes are a group of three separate familial disease which consists of adenomatous hyperplasia and neoplasia in several endocrine glands. All three conditions are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, with a single gene producing multiple effects. MEN IIA is characterized by medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. It should be suspected in patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma, a familial history of MEN, or at least two characteristic endocrine manifestations. Genetic testing is used to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to aid in complete excision of the localized tumour. Pheochromocytomas can be detected by plasma free metanephrines and fractionated urinary catecholamines, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine).
Imaging studies such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging might also prove useful. Hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed by the standard finding of hypercalcaemia, hypophosphatemia and an increased parathyroid hormone level. Once MEN IIA syndrome is identified in any patient, it is recommended that his or her first-degree relatives and any other symptomatic also undergo genetic testing. Relatives should be subjected to annual screening for hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma beginning in early childhood and continue indefinitely. Serum calcium levels help in screening for hyperparathyroidism. Similarly, screening for pheochromocytoma is by history, measurement of the blood pressure and laboratory testing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrine
- Pathology
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Question 60
Correct
-
Which is the CORRECT statement regarding the small intestine:
Your Answer: The superior mesenteric artery courses between the body and uncinate process of the pancreas before the artery supplies the jejunum and ileum
Explanation:The small intestine extends from the pylorus to the ileocecal valve where It ends in the large intestine. It is surrounded on the sides and above by the large intestine. It is related anteriorly with the greater omentum and abdominal wall. Is connected to the vertebral column by a fold of peritoneum or otherwise known as the mesentery. Is divided into three portions: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The jejunum and ileum are supplied by the superior mesenteric artery that courses between the body and uncinate process of the pancreas before it gives off intestinal branches.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 61
Correct
-
A 30 year-old male patient sustained a sharp blow to the right side of the head, over the temporal region during a vehicular accident. This resulted to the rupture of the principal artery that supplies the meninges. Which artery is affected?
Your Answer: Middle meningeal artery
Explanation:The middle meningeal artery is typically the third branch of the first part of the maxillary artery, one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. After branching off the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, it runs through the foramen spinosum to supply the dura mater and the calvaria. The middle meningeal artery is the largest of the three (paired) arteries that supply the meninges, the others being the anterior meningeal artery and the posterior meningeal artery. The anterior branch of the middle meningeal artery runs beneath the pterion. It is vulnerable to injury at this point, where the skull is thin. Rupture of the artery may give rise to an epidural hematoma .An injured middle meningeal artery is the most common cause of an epidural hematoma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 62
Incorrect
-
The anatomical course of the phrenic nerve passes over the following muscle in the neck?
Your Answer: Trapezius
Correct Answer: Anterior scalene
Explanation:The phrenic nerve originates in the neck between C3-C5, mostly C4 spinal root. It enters the thoracic cavity past the heart and lungs to the diaphragm. In the neck, this nerve begins at the lateral border of the anterior scalene muscle, its course then continues inferiorly on the anterior aspect of the anterior scalene muscle as it moves towards the diaphragm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 63
Correct
-
Which of the following mediators of inflammation requires arachidonic acid for synthesis?
Your Answer: Prostaglandins
Explanation:Arachidonic acid is normally present in the phospholipids that make up the cell membrane and is cleaved by phospholipase A2 from the phospholipid. Arachidonic acid is a precursor for the production of eicosanoids which include: 1) prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxane, 2) leukotrienes and 3) anandamides. The production of these products along with their action on the body is called the arachidonic acid cascade.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology
- Pathology
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Question 64
Correct
-
On exploration of an axillary wound, a branch from the third part of the axillary artery was found to be transected. Which of the following arteries would have been likely injured?
Your Answer: Anterior circumflex humeral
Explanation:The axillary artery gives off many branches from the first, second, or third parts along its course. The third part of the axillary artery gives off 3 branches: the subscapular, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 65
Correct
-
A 39-year old female patient was diagnosed with a tumour of the left adrenal gland. The tumour, which is metastasizing to the adjacent tissues, has already extended to the left suprarenal vein. If the tumour is still spreading, which of the following veins will most likely be affected after the involvement of the left suprarenal vein?
Your Answer: Left renal vein
Explanation:The suprarenal veins or also known as the veins of Warshaw, are the veins that receive blood from the suprarenal glands. These veins receive blood from the medullary venous plexus and the cortex of the adrenal glands (suprarenal glands). They are two in number – the left and the right suprarenal veins. The right suprarenal vein drains into the inferior vena cava while the left suprarenal vein drains into the left renal vein. This therefore means that in the case of a metastasizing tumour involving the left suprarenal vein, the tumour will most likely extend from the left suprarenal vein to the left renal vein into which it drains.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 66
Incorrect
-
A 25 year old women is pregnant with her second child. She is A- blood group. Her first child was Rh+ and the father is also Rh+. The second child is at a risk of developing which condition?
Your Answer: ABO incompatibility
Correct Answer: Haemolytic disease of the new-born
Explanation:This infant is at risk for haemolytic disease of the new born also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. In the pregnancy, Rh-positive RBC’s cross the placenta and enter the mothers blood system. She then becomes sensitised and forms IgG antibodies/anti-Rh antibodies against them. The second child is at a greater risk for this disease than the first child with Rh-positive blood group as during the second pregnancy, a more powerful response is produced. IgG has the ability to cross the placenta and bind to the fetal RBCs (type II hypersensitivity reaction) which are phagocytosed by the macrophages.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Haematology
- Pathology
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Question 67
Correct
-
A 45-year old farmer was referred to the surgical clinic with complaints of pain in his right hypochondrium. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with malignant ascites. According to you, what is the most likely cause of HCC in this patient?
Your Answer: Aflatoxin
Explanation:Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by the Aspergillus fungus (most often, A. flavus and A. parasiticus). These organisms are common and their native habitat is soil, decaying vegetation and grains. They can contaminate the grain before harvest or after storage, more likely in high-humidity (at least 7%) or high temperature environment of after stressful conditions like drought. Aflatoxins are mycotoxins and also carcinogenic. They get metabolized in the liver to an epoxide, aflatoxin M1. High exposure can lead to acute necrosis, cirrhosis or liver carcinoma. These substances can cause haemorrhage, acute liver damage, oedema, and alteration in digestion, absorption and/or metabolism of nutrients. Although humans are susceptible to these toxins like all other animals, they have a high tolerance level and hence, rarely develop acute aflatoxicosis. However, children are particularly susceptible to exposure leading to growth impairment and delayed development. Chronic exposure carries a high risk of hepatic cancer, due to intercalation of its metabolite aflatoxin M1 into the DNA and alkylation of the bases because of its epoxide moiety.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 68
Correct
-
The muscle that stabilizes the stapes is innervated by which of the following nerves?
Your Answer: Facial nerve
Explanation:The stapedius is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. At just over one millimetre in length, its purpose is to stabilize the smallest bone in the body, the stapes and is innervated by a branch of the facial nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 69
Incorrect
-
A 29-year-old pregnant woman suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum is prescribed metoclopramide. What is the mechanism of action of metoclopramide?
Your Answer: Competitively inhibits H2 receptors
Correct Answer: Dopamine antagonist
Explanation:Metoclopramide is a potent dopamine-receptor antagonist with anti-emetic and prokinetic properties. It is therefore commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting, and to facilitate gastric emptying in patients with gastric stasis. The anti-emetic action of metoclopramide is due to its antagonist activity at D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the central nervous system. Common adverse drug reactions associated with metoclopramide include restlessness (akathisia), and focal dystonia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
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Question 70
Correct
-
An abdominal aortogram of a 59 year-old female with an abdominal aortic aneurysm shows occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery. The patient, however, does not complain of any symptoms. Occlusion of the inferior mesenteric artery is rarely symptomatic because its territory is supplied by branches of the:
Your Answer: Middle colic artery
Explanation:The transverse colon is supplied by the middle colic artery which is a branch from the superior mesenteric artery. If the inferior mesenteric artery was occluded, branches from the middle colic may go to the marginal artery which supplies the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum.. Ileocolic and right colic arteries also branch from the superior mesenteric artery that supply the colon but the middle colic, which serves the more distal part of the colon is the better answer. The gastroduodenal artery branches off the common hepatic artery, which supplies part of the duodenum, pancreas and stomach. The splenic artery supplies the spleen, pancreas and curvature of the stomach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 71
Incorrect
-
A medical officer was shown an X ray with barium contrast and was asked to distinguish the small from the large bowel. Which of the following features listed is CORRECT?
Your Answer: Longitudinal smooth muscle layer in the wall
Correct Answer: Circular folds of the mucosa
Explanation:Distinguishing features include:
1. Three strips of longitudinal muscle-taenia coli- on the wall instead of a continuous surrounding longitudinal muscle that is seen in the small intestine
2. The colon has bulges called haustra that are not on the small bowel.
3. The surface of the colon is covered with fatty omental appendages. Both the colon and the small intestine have similar circular smooth muscle layer, serosa. Peyer’s patches are lymphoid tissues that are not visible on X ray with barium contrast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 72
Correct
-
A blood sample of a 58 year old male patient, who underwent an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, was sent to the laboratory. The laboratory technician said that the patient’s blood agglutinates with antisera anti-A and anti-D, while the patient’s serum agglutinates cells of blood group B. What is the blood group of this patient?
Your Answer: A positive
Explanation:Group A – has only the A antigen on red cells (and B antibody in the plasma)
Group B – has only the B antigen on red cells (and A antibody in the plasma)
Group AB – has both A and B antigens on red cells (but neither A nor B antibody in the plasma)
Group O – has neither A nor B antigens on red cells (but both A and B antibody are in the plasma). Many people also have a so-called Rh factor on the red blood cell’s surface. This is also an antigen and those who have it are called Rh+. A person with Rh– blood does not have Rh antibodies naturally in the blood plasma (as one can have A or B antibodies, for instance) but they can develop Rh antibodies in the blood plasma if they receive blood from a person with Rh+ blood, whose Rh antigens can trigger the production of Rh antibodies. A person with Rh+ blood can receive blood from a person with Rh– blood without any problems. In this scenario the person has blood group A+ as he has A antigen, anti B antibody and Rh antigen
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 73
Correct
-
A 70-year old man who is suspected to have a perforated colonic diverticulum is explored in theatre through a midline incision. This incision will be through the:
Your Answer: Linea alba
Explanation:The linea alba is the point where this incision was made. It is a tendinous raphe in the midline of the abdomen extending between the xiphoid process and the symphysis pubis. It is placed between the medial borders of the recti and is formed by the blending of the aponeuroses of the external and internal obliques and transversi.
The linea aspera is a vertical ridge on the posterior surface of the femur.
The arcuate line is the inferior border of the posterior rectus sheath behind the rectus abdominis muscle.
The semilunar line is the lateral margin of the rectus abdominis.
The iliopectineal line is a line on the pelvic bones formed by the arcuate line of the ilium and the pectineal line of the pubis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 74
Correct
-
The superior rectal artery is a continuation of the:
Your Answer: Inferior mesenteric artery
Explanation:The superior rectal artery or superior haemorrhoidal artery is the continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery. It descends into the pelvis between the layers of the mesentery of the sigmoid colon, crossing the left common iliac artery and vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 75
Correct
-
What is the nerve supply of the muscle that is inserted onto the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus?
Your Answer: Lower subscapular
Explanation:The muscle is the subscapularis muscle which is supplied by the lower subscapular nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 76
Incorrect
-
The posterior boundary of the carotid triangle is bounded by which of the following muscles?
Your Answer: Anterior belly of the digastric
Correct Answer: Sternocleidomastoid
Explanation:The carotid triangle is a portion of the anterior triangle of the neck. It is bounded superiorly by the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, antero-inferiorly by the superior belly of omohyoid and posteriorly by the sternocleidomastoid. The floor is formed by the thyrohyoid, hyoglossus, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors and the roof is formed by the skin, superficial fascia, platysma and deep fascia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 77
Correct
-
A medical student is asked to calculate the net pressure difference in a capillary wall, considering: Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure = –3 mmHg, Plasma colloid osmotic pressure = 28 mmHg, Capillary hydrostatic pressure = 17 mmHg, Interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure = 8 mmHg, and Filtration coefficient = 1. Which is the correct answer?
Your Answer: 0 mmHg
Explanation:The rate of filtration at any point along a capillary depends on a balance of forces sometimes called Starling’s forces after the physiologist who first described their operation in detail. The Starling principle of fluid exchange is key to understanding how plasma fluid (solvent) within the bloodstream (intravascular fluid) moves to the space outside the bloodstream (extravascular space). Fluid movement = k[(pc– pi)–(Πc– Πi)] where k = capillary filtration coefficient, pc = capillary hydrostatic pressure, pi= interstitial hydrostatic pressure, Πc = capillary colloid osmotic pressure, Πi = interstitial colloid osmotic pressure. Therefore: 1 × [capillary hydrostatic pressure (17) – interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure (–3)] – [plasma colloid osmotic pressure (28) – interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressure (8)] = 0 mmHg
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Physiology
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Question 78
Incorrect
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Glucose is the most important source of energy for cellular respiration. The transport of glucose in the renal tubular cells occurs via:
Your Answer: Facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: Secondary active transport with sodium
Explanation:In 1960, Robert K. Crane presented for the first time his discovery of the sodium-glucose cotransport as the mechanism for glucose absorption. Glucose transport through biological membranes requires specific transport proteins. Transport of glucose through the apical membrane of renal tubular as well as intestinal epithelial cells depends on the presence of secondary active Na+–glucose symporters, SGLT-1 and SGLT-2, which concentrate glucose inside the cells, using the energy provided by co-transport of Na+ ions down their electrochemical gradient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Renal
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Question 79
Incorrect
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A 20-year old gentleman was brought to the emergency department with headache and nausea for 2 days. He also complained of intolerance to bright light and loud sounds. Lumbar puncture showed glucose < 45 mg/dl, protein > 5 mg/dl and neutrophil leucocytosis. The likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Encephalitis
Correct Answer: Meningitis
Explanation:Diagnosis of meningitis can be carried out with examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a lumbar puncture (LP). In a case of bacterial meningitis, the CSF analysis will show:
– Opening pressure: > 180 mmH2O
– White blood cell count: 10–10 000/μl with neutrophil predominance
– Glucose: < 40 mg/dl – CSF glucose to serum glucose ratio: < 0.4 – Protein: > 4.5 mg/dl
– Gram stain: positive in > 60%
– Culture: positive in > 80%
– Latex agglutination: may be positive in meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and group B streptococci
– Limulus, lysates: positive in Gram-negative meningitis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 80
Correct
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A 41 year old women presents with a history of carcinoma involving the right breast with enlarged axillary nodes on the same side. She underwent mastectomy and axillary node clearance. These were sent for histopathological examination. They showed no signs of metastasis. What could be cause of this enlargement in the lymph nodes?
Your Answer: Sinus histiocytosis
Explanation:Sinus histiocytosis also referred to as reticular hyperplasia, refers to the enlargement, distention and prominence of the sinusoids of the lymph nodes. This is a non-specific form of hyperplasia characteristically seen in lymph nodes that drain tumours. The endothelial lining of the lymph node becomes markedly hypertrophied, along with an increase in the number of macrophages which results in the distortion, distention and enlargement of the sinus. In this scenario there is no evidence that an infection or another malignancy could account for the enlargement. Paracortical lymphoid hyperplasia is caused by an immune response.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Female Health
- Pathology
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Question 81
Correct
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Muscles and tendons in the planter region of the foot mainly take blood supply from:
Your Answer: Posterior tibial artery
Explanation:The posterior tibial artery is the main source of blood supply to the posterior compartment of the leg.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Lower Limb
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Question 82
Correct
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Lack of findings in the bladder but presence of atypical epithelial cells in urinalysis is most often associated with which of the following conditions?
Your Answer: Transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis
Explanation:The presence of atypical cells in urinalysis without findings in the bladder suggests a lesion located higher up, most probably in ureters or renal pelvis. Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis is a disease in which malignant cells form in the renal pelvis and is characterised by the presence of abnormal cells in urine cytology.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Pathology
- Renal
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Question 83
Correct
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A ‘claw hand’ is usually associated with injury to which of the following nerves?
Your Answer: Ulnar nerve
Explanation:A ‘claw hand’ is associated with injury to the ulnar nerve at the wrist affecting the interossei, lumbricals and hypothenar muscles of the hand. It is characterized by hypothenar eminence wasting, hyperextended metacarpophalangeal joints and flexed interphalangeal joints.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 84
Correct
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Regarding abduction of the digits of the hand, which of the following is correct?
Your Answer: All of the adductors of the digits take at least part of their attachments from metacarpal bones
Explanation:Lying on the palmer surfaces of the metacarpal bones are four palmar interossei which are smaller than the dorsal interossei. Arising from the entire length of the metacarpal bone of one finger, is a palmar interosseous, which is inserted into the side of the base of the first phalanx and the aponeurotic expansion of the extensor digitorum communis tendon to the same finger. All the interossei are innervated by the eighth cervical nerve, through the deep palmar branch of the ulnar nerve. The palmar interossei adducts the fingers to an imaginary line drawn longitudinally through the centre of the middle finger.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Upper Limb
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Question 85
Correct
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The following organs would be expected to lie within the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, assuming that the gastrointestinal tract is rotated normally:
Your Answer: Distal jejunum, caecum, vermiform appendix
Explanation:The abdomen is divided by theoretical anatomic lines into four quadrants. The median plane follows the linea alba and extends from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis and splits the abdomen in half. The transumbilical plane is a horizontal line that runs at the level of the umbilicus. This forms the upper right and left quadrants and the lower right and left quadrants. Structures in the right lower quadrant include: caecum, appendix, part of the small intestine, ascending colon, the right half of the female reproductive system, right ureter. Pain in this region is most commonly associated with appendicitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Abdomen
- Anatomy
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Question 86
Correct
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The middle meningeal artery is the largest among the arteries that supplies that dura mater of the brain. The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the?
Your Answer: Maxillary artery
Explanation:The middle meningeal artery is the largest of the three (paired) arteries that supply the meninges.
The middle meningeal artery is a large arterial branch of the maxillary artery which is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery. Upon originating, the middle meningeal artery passes through the foramen spinosum. In the skull, it courses in the middle cranial fossa where it provides several branches.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 87
Incorrect
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The specimen sent to the pathologist for examination was found to be benign. Which one of the following is most likely a benign tumour?
Your Answer: Haematoma
Correct Answer: Warthin’s tumour
Explanation:Warthin’s tumour is also known as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum. It is a benign cystic tumour of the salivary glands containing abundant lymphocytes and germinal centres. It has a slightly higher incidence in males and most likely occur in older adults aged between 60 to 70 years. This tumour is also associated with smoking. Smokers have an eight-fold greater risk in developing the tumour compared to non-smokers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 88
Correct
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The thyroid gland is a large ductless gland located in which part of the neck?
Your Answer: Visceral space
Explanation:The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the neck, consisting of two lobes connected by an isthmus. It is situated at the front and sides of the neck in the visceral space.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 89
Correct
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After a prolonged coronary artery bypass surgery, a 60-year old gentleman was transfused 3 units of fresh-frozen plasma and 2 units of packed red cells. Two days later, the nurse noticed that he was tachypnoeic and chest X-ray showed signs consistent with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following variables will be low in this patient?
Your Answer: Compliance of the lung
Explanation:Acute or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a reaction to several forms of lung injuries and is commonly associated with sepsis and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome), severe traumatic injury, severe head injury, narcotics overdose, drowning, pulmonary contusion, and multiple blood transfusions. There is an increase in risk due to pre-existing liver disease or coagulation abnormalities. It results due to indirect toxic effects of neutrophil-derived inflammatory mediators in the lungs. ARDS is defined by the 1994 American–European Consensus Committee as the acute onset of bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray, a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (pa(O2)) to fraction of inspired oxygen Fi(O2) ratio of less than 200 mmHg and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of less than 18 or the absence of clinical evidence of left arterial hypertension. ARDS is basically pulmonary oedema in the absence of volume overload or poor left ventricular function. This is different from acute lung injury, which shows a pa(O2)/Fi(O2) ratio of less than 300 mmHg. Pathogenesis of ARDS starts from damage to alveolar epithelium and vascular endothelium, causing increased permeability. Damage to surfactant-producing type II cells disrupts the production and function of pulmonary surfactant, causing micro atelectasis and poor gas exchange. There is a decrease in lung compliance and increase in work of breathing. Eventually, there is resorption of alveolar oedema, regeneration of epithelial cells, proliferation and differentiation of type II alveolar cells and alveolar remodelling. Some show resolution and some progress to fibrosing alveolitis, which involves the deposition of collagen in alveolar, vascular and interstitial spaces.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 90
Correct
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A sexually active 21 year old man presents with the history of dysuria for the past 3 days. Urine culture confirmed Neisseria gonorrhoeae and smear showed abundant neutrophils. Which of the following mediators is responsible for causing diapedesis of the neutrophils to reach the site of infection?
Your Answer: Complement C5a
Explanation:C5a is part of the complement cascade and is released frim the complement C5. It acts as a chemotactic factor for neutrophils. Other chemotactic mediators are TNF, leukotrienes and bacterial products.
Bradykinin is associated with the production of pain and vasodilation.
Hageman factor is a clotting factor.
Histamine causes vasodilation.
C3B causes opsonisation.
IL-6 and IL-12 are inflammatory mediators causing B cell maturation and mediating inflammation and prostaglandins are involved with pain, increasing cell permeability and vasodilation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Urology
- Pathology
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Question 91
Incorrect
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Regarding the coagulation cascade, Factor VII:
Your Answer: Is activated by von Willebrand factor
Correct Answer: Is a serine protease
Explanation:Factor VII (FVII) is a zymogen for a vitamin K-dependent serine protease essential for the initiation of blood coagulation. It is synthesized primarily in the liver and circulates in plasma. Within the liver, hepatocytes are involved in the synthesis of most blood coagulation factors, such as fibrinogen, prothrombin, factor V, VII, IX, X, XI, XII, as well as protein C and S, and antithrombin, whereas liver sinusoidal endothelial cells produce factor VIII and von Willebrand factor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 92
Correct
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Which of the following morphological characteristic is a salient feature of a pure apoptotic cell?
Your Answer: Chromatin condensation
Explanation:Apoptosis is the programmed death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development. The changes which occur in this process include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, chromosomal DNA fragmentation, and global mRNA decay. The cell membrane however remains intact and the dead cells are phagocytosed prior to any content leakage and thus inflammatory response.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Injury & Wound Healing
- Pathology
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Question 93
Correct
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What is the primary function of the Kupffer cells found in the liver?
Your Answer: Recycling of old red blood cells
Explanation:Kupffer cells found in the liver are part of the monocyte-reticular system. They are specialised macrophages and primarily function to recycle old and damaged RBCs. The RBCs are phagocytosed and the haemoglobin is broken down into haem and globin. The haem is further broken down into iron that is recycled and bilirubin that is conjugated with glucuronic acid and excreted in the bile.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Inflammation & Immunology; Hepatobiliary
- Pathology
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Question 94
Correct
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An 18 year-old with an iron deficient diet was prescribed an iron supplement by her GP. Lack of iron often results in:
Your Answer: Hypochromic anaemia
Explanation:Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. It can occur due to deficiency of iron from decreased intake, increased loss or inadequate absorption. An MCV less than 80 will indicated iron deficiency anaemia. On the smear the RBCs will be microcytic hypochromic and will also show poikilocytosis. Iron profile tests are important to make a diagnosis. Clinically the patient will be pale and lethargic.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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Question 95
Incorrect
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What is the 5 year survival rate of a patient who is diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, who underwent successful resection and completed the prescribed session of adjuvant chemotherapy?
Your Answer: 20-30%
Correct Answer: 30%–60%
Explanation:In this patient who has stage III colon cancer, the survival rate is 30-60%. For stage I or Dukes’ stage A disease, the 5-year survival rate after surgical resection exceeds 90%. For stage II or Dukes’ stage B disease, the 5-year survival rate is 70%–85% after resection, with or without adjuvant therapy. For stage III or Dukes’ stage C disease, the 5-year survival rate is 30%– 60% after resection and adjuvant chemotherapy and for stage IV or Dukes’ stage D disease, the 5-year survival rate is poor (approximately 5%).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neoplasia
- Pathology
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Question 96
Correct
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Which of these infectious agents tends to affect people under 20 and over 40 years old, can cause acute encephalitis with cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages, along with haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe. A lumbar puncture will reveal clear cerebrospinal fluid with an elevated lymphocyte count?
Your Answer: Herpes simplex virus
Explanation:Haemorrhagic lesions of the temporal lobe are typical of Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). It tends to affect patients aged under 20 or over 40 years, and is often fatal if left untreated. In acute encephalitis, cerebral oedema and petechial haemorrhages occur and direct viral invasion of the brain usually damages neurones. The majority of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), and about 10% of cases of herpes encephalitis are due to HSV-2, which is typically spread through sexual contact.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Pathology
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Question 97
Correct
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Thalamic syndrome will most likely result in:
Your Answer: Hyperaesthesia
Explanation:Signs and symptoms of thalamic syndrome include contralateral hemi anaesthesia, burning or aching sensation in one half of a body (hyperaesthesia), often accompanied by mood swings.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Neurology
- Physiology
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Question 98
Incorrect
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Which of the following causes the maximum increase in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Your Answer: Decreased plasma osmolarity
Correct Answer: Increased plasma osmolarity
Explanation:The most potent stimulus for ADH release is increased plasma osmolarity. Decreased plasma volume is a less potent stimulus in comparison. However, decrease blood volume and arterial pressure due to severe haemorrhage does lead to ADH secretion. Hypothalamic releasing factors do not control the release of posterior pituitary hormones ADH and oxytocin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
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Question 99
Correct
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Whilst snorkelling, a 30-year old gentleman has the respiratory rate of 10/min, tidal volume of 550 ml and an effective anatomical dead space of 250 ml. What is his alveolar ventilation?
Your Answer: 3000 ml/min
Explanation:Alveolar ventilation is the amount of air reaching the alveoli per minute. Alveolar ventilation = respiratory rate × (tidal volume – anatomical dead space volume). Thus, alveolar ventilation = 10 × (550 − 250) = 3000 ml/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
- Respiratory
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Question 100
Correct
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A teenage Somalian boy presents with a complaint of an enlarged lower jaw. His blood film shows blast cells and macrophages. Which virus is responsible for this?
Your Answer: Epstein–Barr virus
Explanation:Burkitt’s lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Histologically it is characterised by a starry sky appearance due to numerous neoplastic macrophages which are required to clear the rapidly dividing tumour cells/blast cells. Burkitt’s lymphoma commonly affects the jaw bone, forming a huge tumour mass. It is associated with translocation of c-myc gene and has three types: 1) endemic/African type, 2)sporadic and 3)immunodeficiency-associated. The first type is strongly associated with EBV.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- General
- Physiology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
