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Question 1
Correct
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Which of the following drugs requires plasma level monitoring?
Your Answer: Vancomycin
Explanation:All patients require plasma-vancomycin measurement (after 3 or 4 doses if renal function normal, earlier if renal impairment). There is a risk of nephrotoxicity including renal failure, interstitial nephritis and ototoxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Correct
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The Cellular Theory of Ageing involves?
Your Answer: Loss of telomeres
Explanation:Cellular theories of aging propose that human aging is the result of cellular aging, whereby an increasing proportion of cells reach senescence, a terminal stage at which cells will cease to divide. This will limit the body’s ability to regenerate and to respond to injury or stress. Telomeres are bits of DNA on the ends of chromosomes that protect chromosomes from sticking to each other or tangling, which could cause DNA to abnormally function. As cells replicate, telomeres shorten at the end of chromosomes, and this process correlates to senescence or cellular aging.
Other theories include:
- The Free Radical Theory: Implicates the gradual accumulation of oxidative cellular damage as a fundamental driver of cellular aging. This theory has evolved over time to emphasize the role of free radical induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and the accumulation of mtDNA deletions. Given the proximity of mtDNA to the electron transport chain, a primary producer of free radicals, it postulates that the mutations would promote mitochondrial dysfunction and concomitantly increase free radical production in a positive feedback loop. It is known that diet, lifestyle, drugs (e.g. tobacco and alcohol) and radiation etc., are all accelerators of free radical production within the body.
- Error theory: based on the idea that errors can occur in the transcription of the synthesis of DNA. These errors are perpetuated and eventually lead to systems that do not function at the optimum level. The organism’s aging and death are attributable to these events (Sonneborn, 1979).
- The Cross-Linking Theory: also referred to as the Glycosylation Theory of Aging. In this theory it is the binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a process that occurs under the presence of oxygen) that causes various problems. Once this binding has occurred the protein becomes impaired and is unable to perform as efficiently. Living a longer life is going to lead to the increased possibility of oxygen meeting glucose and protein and known cross-linking disorders include senile cataract and the appearance of tough, leathery and yellow skin.
- The Neuroendocrine Theory First proposed by Professor Vladimir Dilman and Ward Dean MD, this theory elaborates on wear and tear by focusing on the neuroendocrine system. This system is a complicated network of biochemicals that govern the release of hormones which are altered by the walnut sized gland called the hypothalamus located in the brain. The hypothalamus controls various chain-reactions to instruct other organs and glands to release their hormones etc. The hypothalamus also responds to the body hormone levels as a guide to the overall hormonal activity. But as we grow older the hypothalamus loses it precision regulatory ability and the receptors which uptake individual hormones become less sensitive to them. Accordingly, as we age the secretion of many hormones declines and their effectiveness (compared unit to unit) is also reduced due to the receptors down-grading
- The Membrane Theory of Aging:Â According to this theory it is the age-related changes of the cell’s ability to transfer chemicals, heat and electrical processes that impair it. As we grow older the cell membrane becomes less lipid (less watery and more solid). This impedes its efficiency to conduct normal function and in particular there is a toxic accumulation
- The Decline Theory: The mitochondria are the power producing organelles found in every cell of every organ. Their primary job is to create Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and they do so in the various energy cycles that involve nutrients such as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10 (Idebenone), NADH and some B vitamins etc. Enhancement and protection of the mitochondria is an essential part of preventing and slowing aging. Enhancement can be achieved with the above mention nutrients, as well as ATP supplements themselves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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Where do the spinothalamic axons decussate?
Your Answer: Spinal cord
Explanation:The second order neurons from the spinothalamic tract cross obliquely to the opposite side in the anterior grey and white commissure within one segment of the spinal cord.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 4
Correct
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In the jugular venous pressure wave…
Your Answer: Consists of 3 peaks and 2 troughs
Explanation:The jugular venous pressure (JVP, sometimes referred to as jugular venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system via visualization of the internal jugular vein. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease. Classically three upward deflections (peaks) and two downward deflections (troughs) have been described:The upward deflections are the a (atrial contraction), c (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and v = venous filling.The downward deflections of the wave are the x (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the y descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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What causes increased insulin sensitivity?
Your Answer: Exercise
Explanation:Physical activity, through its effect on insulin sensitivity, is one of the main modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that by each weekly 500 kcal increment in exercise related energy consumption, the lifetime risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes is reduced by 9%. Up to two hours after exercise, glucose uptake is elevated due to insulin independent mechanisms; however, insulin sensitivity remains increased for at least 16 hours after exercising.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 6
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A 52-year-old man has squamous-cell carcinoma of his lower lip. Which of the following is most likely to be a feature of this type of carcinoma?
Your Answer: It is capable of metastasising via the lymphatics
Explanation:Squamous-cell skin cancer usually presents as a hard lump with a scaly top but can also form an ulcer. Onset is often over months and it is more likely to spread to distant areas than basal cell cancer vie the lymphatics. The greatest risk factor is high total exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Other risks include prior scars, chronic wounds, actinic keratosis, lighter skin, Bowen’s disease, arsenic exposure, radiation therapy, poor immune system function, previous basal cell carcinoma, and HPV infection. While prognosis is usually good, if distant spread occurs five-year survival is ,34%
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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Which one of the following antibiotics is safest to use in pregnancy?
Your Answer: Erythromycin
Explanation:Antibiotics that should be avoided in pregnancy are included in the mnemonic: Countless SAFe Moms Take Really Good Care -Clarithromycin, Sulphonamides, Aminoglycosides, Fluoroquinolones, Metronidazole, Tetracyclines, Ribavirin, Griseofulvin, Chloramphenicol
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 8
Correct
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Cranial nerves VI, VII, VIII enter/exit the base of the brain at the:
Your Answer: Ponto-medullary junction
Explanation:Cranial nerves III, IV and V exit from the pons, VI, VII, VIII exit from the pontomedullary junction and cranial nerve IX, X, XI, XII exit from the medulla.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 9
Correct
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Where is the lower border of the liver usually found?
Your Answer: 10th rib anterior axillary line on right
Explanation:Assessment of liver margins is important clinically to determine the size of the liver and is done via percussion during the physical examination. The liver typically extends from the fifth intercostal space or 6th rib to the right costal margin in the midclavicular line and the 10th rib on anterior axillary line.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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The triangle with the heart at its centre, using limb leads is called:
Your Answer: Einthoven
Explanation:The Einthoven triangle is formed by placing the limb leads on both the arms and on the left leg with the heart in the centre.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 11
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A 62-year-old software developer with lung cancer is currently taking MST 30mg bd for pain relief. What dose of oral morphine solution should he be prescribed for breakthrough pain?
Your Answer: 10 mg
Explanation:The total daily morphine dose is 30 x 2 = 60 mg. Therefore, the breakthrough dose should be one-sixth of this, 10 mg.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Correct
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Where is the site of action of spironolactone?
Your Answer: Distal convoluted tubule
Explanation:Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist which acts in the distal convoluted tubule. It is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps the potassium levels from getting too low. Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Correct
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Immortality can result from over expression of which enzyme?
Your Answer: Telomerase
Explanation:Telomerase activity is seen in germ cells and is absent in somatic cells. Telomeres prevent the chromosomes from shortening and prevent the coding portion of the DNA from being lost, thus allowing the cell to replicate indefinitely.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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What is the mode of action of bisphosphonates?
Your Answer: Inhibit osteoclasts
Explanation:Bisphosphonates are analogues of pyrophosphate, a molecule which decreases demineralisation in bone. They inhibit osteoclasts by reducing recruitment and promoting apoptosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 15
Correct
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Which one of the following neurotransmitters is considered a monoamine?
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Monoamines are a class of neurotransmitters that include:
- Dopamine: A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.
- Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, attention, and stress responses.
- Serotonin: Although not listed in the options, it is another key monoamine involved in mood regulation.
The other neurotransmitters listed are not monoamines:
- Acetylcholine: This is a different type of neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and various brain functions.
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): This is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Glutamate: This is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Glycine: An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 16
Correct
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The hippocampus is involved in the memory of:
Your Answer: Facts
Explanation:The hippocampus plays an important role in forming new memories about experienced events. Some researchers say that hippocampus plays a major role in declarative memory for example memory of facts.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 17
Correct
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Pancreatic juice is usually?
Your Answer: Alkaline
Explanation:Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature and has a high amount of bicarbonate ions. About 1500 ml is secreted every day. It also contains a large quantity of enzymes in the inactive form.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 18
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Question 19
Correct
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A cohort study is being designed to look at the relationship between smoking and prostate cancer. What is the usual outcome measure in a cohort study?
Your Answer: Relative risk
Explanation:A cohort study is a particular form of longitudinal study that samples a cohort (a group of people who share a defining characteristic, typically those who experienced a common event in a selected period, such as birth or graduation), performing a cross-section at intervals through time. The relative risk (RR) or risk ratio is the ratio of the probability of an outcome in an exposed group to the probability of an outcome in an unexposed group. Relative risk is used in the statistical analysis of the data of experimental, cohort and cross-sectional studies, to estimate the strength of the association between treatments or risk factors, and outcomes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 20
Correct
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What is the function of secondary messengers?
Your Answer: Communication from extracellular to intracellular signalling pathways
Explanation:First messengers may not physically cross the phospholipid bilayer to initiate changes within the cell directly. This functional limitation necessitates the cell to devise signal transduction mechanisms to transduce first messenger into second messengers, so that the extracellular signal may be propagated intracellularly. Second messengers are intracellular signalling molecules released by the cell to trigger physiological changes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, and apoptosis. Secondary messengers are therefore one of the initiating components of intracellular signal transduction cascades.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Correct
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Which of the following with regard to DNA mutations does not fit:
Your Answer: All gene mutations cause clinical disease entities
Explanation:All gene mutations do not cause a clinical manifestation of the disease, some gene mutations are silent mutations. They are present but do not cause any disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 22
Correct
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What is the function of gap junctions?
Your Answer: Diffusion of small molecules between neighbouring cells
Explanation:Gap junctions are a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of cell-types. They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Correct
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The ENaC Transporter occurs in which part of the renal tubule?
Your Answer: Collecting duct
Explanation:The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a membrane-bound ion channel that is selectively permeable to Na+ ions. It is involved primarily in the reabsorption of sodium ions at the collecting ducts of the kidney’s nephrons.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 24
Correct
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The process whereby DNA fragments are separated by size and charge is called:
Your Answer: Gel electrophoresis
Explanation:Fragments of DNA of varying length can be separated on the basis of their charge and their size by a process called gel electrophoresis. Because DNA contains negatively charged phosphate groups, it will migrate in an electric field toward the positive electrode. Shorter chains migrate more rapidly through the pores of the gel, and thus separation depends on length. DNA bands in the gel can be visualized by various techniques including staining with dyes and autoradiography.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 25
Correct
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During strenuous exercise the following arterial change can take place in a fit athlete:
Your Answer: No change takes place
Explanation:The changes which occur in arterial pH, PO2 and PCO2 values during exercise are usually small. Arterial PO2 often rises slightly because of hyperventilation although it may eventually fall at high work rates. During vigorous exercise, when sufficient oxygen for flux through the Krebs cycle is not available, the increased reliance on glycolysis results in increased accumulation of lactic acid, which initially leads to an increase in PaCO2 . However, this is counteracted by the stimulation of ventilation and as a result PaCO2 is decreased. This provides some respiratory compensation for further lactic acid production and prevents a decline in blood pH, which remains nearly constant during moderate exercise.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 26
Correct
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Question 27
Correct
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The pyloric sphincter is largely made up of thickening of
Your Answer: The circular muscle layer
Explanation:The pyloric sphincter, or valve, is a strong ring of smooth muscle (circular muscle layer) at the end of the pyloric canal which lets food pass from the stomach to the duodenum. It controls the outflow of gastric contents into the duodenum. It receives sympathetic innervation from the celiac ganglion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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Coronary vasoconstriction can be caused by:
Your Answer: Beta blockage
Explanation:Coronary arteries contain alpha and beta receptors. The alpha receptor stimulates vasoconstriction and beta receptors stimulate vasodilation. When the chronotropic and inotropic effects of noradrenergic receptors are blocked by a B blocking drug, stimulation of the noradrenergic nerves will cause coronary vasoconstriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 29
Correct
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5-methyltetrahydrofolate (Methyl THF) is converted to THF with the help of which of the following?
Your Answer: B 12
Explanation:MTR, also known as methionine synthase, is a methyltransferase enzyme, which uses the Vitamin B12 to transfer a methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine, thereby generating tetrahydrofolate (THF) and methionine. This functionality is lost in vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in an increased homocysteine level and the trapping of folate as 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, from which THF (the active form of folate) cannot be recovered. THF plays an important role in DNA synthesis so reduced availability of THF results in ineffective production of cells with rapid turnover, in particular red blood cells, and also intestinal wall cells which are responsible for absorption.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 30
Correct
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The nucleus tractus solitaries is medullary nucleus that processes the following inputs except:
Your Answer: Sensory input from the semi-circular canal (CN VIII)
Explanation:Located in the brain stem is a series of purely sensory nuclei known as tractus solitaries. Inputs of the nucleus tractus solitaries include:Taste information from the facial nerve (anterior 2/3 of the tongue), glossopharyngeal nerve (posterior 1/3) and vagus nerve (small area on the epiglottis).Sensory information from the ear (auricular branch of the vagus nerve).Chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of the general visceral afferent pathway (GVA) in the carotid body via glossopharyngeal nerve, aortic bodies, and the sinoatrial node, via the vagus nerve.Chemically and mechanically sensitive neurons of the general visceral afferent pathway (GVA) with endings located in the heart, lungs, airways, gastrointestinal system, pharynx, and liver via the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
