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Question 1
Correct
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A 50-year-old patient was started on ezetimibe, for his cholesterol a few days back. Which among the following statements is true regarding ezetimibe?
Your Answer: Its principal action is to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption
Explanation:Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering agent that acts to prevent cholesterol absorption by directly inhibiting cholesterol receptors on enterocytes.It does not affect the absorption of drugs (e.g. digoxin, thyroxine) or fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and K) as the anion-exchange resins do. It does not affect the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.The increased risk of myositis associated with the statins is not seen with ezetimibe.The most common adverse effects include headache, runny nose, and sore throat. Less common reactions include body aches, back pain, chest pain, diarrhoea, joint pain, fatigue, and weakness.
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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 outer and inner surfaces of the arachnoid mater is covered with:
Your Answer: Mesothelial cells
Explanation:The arachnoid mater is one of the three meninges that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is interposed between the two other meninges, the more superficial and much thicker dura mater and the deeper pia mater, from which it is separated by the subarachnoid space. The arachnoid mater consists of a subdural mesothelial layer and a compact central layer
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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The main efferent input of the posterior pituitary gland comes from:
Your Answer: Paracrine hormones secreted from the hypothalamus via pituitary portal veins
Correct Answer: Paracrine hormones secreted from the hypothalamus via axons.
Explanation:The posterior pituitary or neurohypophysis consists of a collection of axonal projections emerging from the hypothalamus. It releases hormones directly from these axonal endings into circulation; these hormones are oxytocin and vasopressin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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An 18 year old girl presents with short history of marked, right hip pain and an associated limp. She has a history of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for which she completed treatment for last six months.
Your Answer: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Explanation:Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a pathological process that results from disruption of the blood supply to the bone and occurs most commonly in the femoral epiphysis. Patients usually present with pain and limited joint motion. The mechanism involves impaired circulation to a specific area that ultimately becomes necrotic. AVN is most frequently associated with high doses of oral and intravenous corticosteroids and prolonged duration of therapy. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are usually also treated with corticosteroids.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Where is Vitamin B 12 absorbed?
Your Answer: Terminal ileum
Explanation:Protein-bound vitamin B12 must be released from the proteins by the action of digestive proteases in both the stomach and small intestine. Gastric acid releases the vitamin from food particles; therefore antacid and acid-blocking medications (especially proton-pump inhibitors) may inhibit absorption of B12. B12 must be attached to Intrinsic Factor (IF) for it to be efficiently absorbed, as receptors on the enterocytes in the terminal ileum of the small bowel only recognize the B12-IF complex; in addition, intrinsic factor protects the vitamin from catabolism by intestinal bacteria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Correct
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During bone growth-the epiphysis are separated from the diaphysis by actively proliferating cartilage known as:
Your Answer: Epiphysial plate
Explanation:The epiphysial plate, physis, or growth plate, is a hyaline cartilage plate located near the ends of long bones; it consists of growing tissue. It is found in children and teenagers; in adults, it is replaced by an epiphysial line or epiphysial closure. The epiphysial plate is divided into zones: zone of reserve, proliferation, maturation and hypertrophy, calcification, and ossification.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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The position of the kidneys besides the vertebral column retroperitoneally spans levels:
Your Answer: T12 – L3
Explanation:The asymmetry within the abdominal cavity, caused by the position of the liver, typically results in the right kidney being slightly lower and smaller than the left, and being placed slightly more to the middle than the left kidney. The left kidney is approximately at the vertebral level T12 to L3, and the right is slightly lower.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a function of Vitamin C?
Your Answer: Iron transport across the enterocytes
Correct Answer: Hydroxylation of proline to hydroxyproline for collagen synthesis
Explanation:Vitamin C acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes: Three enzymes (prolyl-3-hydroxylase, prolyl-4-hydroxylase, and lysyl hydroxylase) that are required for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine in the synthesis of collagen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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The free radical most abundantly formed by the immune system is:
Your Answer: Hydroxyl radical
Explanation:Neutrophil and macrophage phagocytosis stimulates various cellular processes including the respiratory burst whereby increased cellular oxygen uptake results in the production of the potent oxidant bactericidal agents, hypochlorous acid and hydroxyl radical.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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Which of the following is the most common causative organism in infective endocarditis?
Your Answer: Streptococcus viridans
Explanation:Viridans Alpha-haemolytic streptococci, that are present in the mouth are the most frequently isolated microorganisms when the infection is acquired in a community setting. In contrast, Staphylococcus blood stream infections are frequently acquired in a health care setting where they can enter the blood stream through procedures that cause break in the integrity of skin like surgery, catheterisation or during access of long term indwelling catheters or secondary to intravenous injection of recreational drugs.Prosthetic valve endocarditis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis as it is capable of growing as a biofilm on plastic surfaces
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 76-year-old man has been admitted with a respiratory tract infection. On examination, he was found to be confused and dyspnoeic with O2 saturation of 88%. He has a 60 pack-year smoking history. An arterial blood gas analysis reveals CO2 retention. He has been deemed unfit for admission into the intensive care unit. The physician elects to begin a doxapram infusion. Among the following statements which best fits with the characteristics of doxapram?
Your Answer: Hypotension is a commonly seen side effect
Correct Answer: Epilepsy is a contraindication for doxapram use
Explanation:The statement that fits the characteristics of doxapram is, epilepsy is a contraindication for doxapram use. Concurrent use with theophylline may increase agitation not relaxation.Doxapram is a central respiratory stimulant. In clinical practice, doxapram is usually used for patients who have an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are unsuitable for admission to the intensive therapy unit for ventilatory support. Doxapram infusion may buy an extra 24 h to allow for recovery.Contraindications include: ischaemic heart disease, epilepsy, cerebral oedema, acute stroke, asthma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and pheochromocytoma. The infusion may worsen agitation and dyspnoea and lead to hypertension, nausea, vomiting and urinary retention.Drug interactions:Concomitant administration of doxapram and aminophylline (theophylline) can cause increased skeletal muscle activity, agitation, and hyperactivity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following options best describes rheumatoid factor?
Your Answer: IgG against the Fc portion of IgA
Correct Answer: IgM against the Fc portion of IgG
Explanation:Rheumatoid factor is an IgM antibody that targets the Fc portion of IgG.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Critical shortening of Telomeres result in:
Your Answer: Inactivation of p53 and prb and cell crisis
Correct Answer: Activation of p53 and prb and cell crisis
Explanation:Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten. When they become critically short, they can no longer protect the chromosome ends, triggering a DNA damage response.
This response leads to the activation of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb (retinoblastoma protein). Activated p53 can induce cell cycle arrest, allowing time for DNA repair or triggering apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. Similarly, pRb helps regulate cell cycle progression and can halt the cell cycle to prevent the proliferation of cells with damaged DNA.
As a result, the cell enters a state of crisis, characterized by widespread cell death and genomic instability, which ultimately prevents the propagation of cells with critically shortened telomeres.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Activation of p53 and pRb and cell crisis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 14
Incorrect
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If O2 makes up 21% of air, then at one atmosphere (760mmHg) it would be expected that the PO2 of inspired air should be 0,21 x 760 = 160mmHg. In the alveoli the actual measure is 149mmHg because…
Your Answer: Argon is an inert gas
Correct Answer: Water is equilibrated with air
Explanation:There are several factors that determine the value of alveolar partial oxygen pressure including: the pressure of outside air, the partial pressure of inspired oxygen and carbon dioxide, the rates of total body oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, the rates of alveolar ventilation and perfusion. The alveolar partial pressure is lower than the atmospheric oxygen partial pressure. One reason is, as the air enters the lungs, it is humidified by the upper airway and thus the partial pressure of water vapour reduces the oxygen partial pressure as water is equilibrated with air.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 28 year old female with a history of psoriatic arthritis would most likely have which of the following hand conditions?
Your Answer: Cutaneous lesions
Correct Answer: Nail dystrophy
Explanation:Nail dystrophy (pitting of nails, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis), dactylitis, sausage shaped fingers are most commonly seen with psoriatic arthropathy. There is asymmetric joint involvement most commonly distal interphalangeal joints. Uveitis and sacroiliitis may also occur. Arthritis mutilans may occur but is very rare. Cutaneous lesions may or may not develop. When they do, its usually much after the symptoms of arthritis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 85 year old male with a history of Alzheimer's dementia was brought into Casualty by family members, who stated that he had episodes of aggression. Which of the following drugs is most suitable as the pharmacological management for this presentation?
Your Answer: Valproate
Correct Answer: Risperidone
Explanation:Regarding the pharmacological management, Risperidone is the most suitable drug from the given answers as it is recommended for the treatment of aggression associated with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Quetiapine and Benzodiazepine are not recommended.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following conditions results from chromosomal ‘non-disjunction’?
Your Answer: Edward syndrome
Correct Answer: All of the options
Explanation:Non-disjunction can result in aneuploidy i.e. abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell. It results due to uneven division of chromosomes in the meiosis 1 or 2 phase. All the above mentioned examples are of non-disjunction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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When looking at the JVP what does the c wave signify:
Your Answer: Atrial systole
Correct Answer: Isovolumetric ventricular contraction
Explanation:The C wave signifies a rise in the atrial pressure during isovolumetric contraction due to the tricuspid valve bulging into the atria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of the following hormones cause negative feedback on the CRH/ACTH axis?
Your Answer: Testosterone
Correct Answer: Cortisol
Explanation:The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, also known as HPA axis is a set of interactions that regulate the secretion of several hormones through negative feedback. Cortisol, for example, is produced by the adrenal cortex, binds to its receptors in the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis and inhibits secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The drop in CRH secretion leads to a decrease in ACTH secretion, which in turn causes less cortisol to be secreted.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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Regarding taste threshold and intensity discrimination:
Your Answer: 30% change in concentration of substance tasted is necessary before an intensity difference can be detected
Explanation:The ability of humans to differentiate differences in intensity of taste is poor. A 30% change in the concentration of the substance being tasted is required before an intensity difference is perceived.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 21
Correct
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Antibiotic resistance may happen by:
Your Answer: By enzymes which inactivate the drug
Explanation:The three main mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are, enzymatic degradation of antibacterial drugs, alteration of bacterial proteins that are antimicrobial targets, and changes in membrane permeability to antibiotics.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following acts on the pancreas to secrete pancreatic juice that is rich in enzymes?
Your Answer: Elastase
Correct Answer: CCK
Explanation:CCK (Cholecystokinin): CCK is released by the duodenum in response to the presence of fats and proteins in the small intestine. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete enzyme-rich pancreatic juice, which aids in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile.
Secretin: Secretin is released by the duodenum in response to acidic chyme entering from the stomach. It primarily stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice to neutralize the acid, but it does not primarily stimulate enzyme secretion.
Gastrin: Gastrin is produced by G-cells in the stomach. It stimulates gastric acid secretion by the stomach, not pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Chymotrypsin: Chymotrypsin is an enzyme produced by the pancreas. It does not act to stimulate the pancreas; rather, it is a component of the pancreatic juice that helps digest proteins.
Elastase: Elastase is also an enzyme produced by the pancreas. Like chymotrypsin, it is involved in the digestion of proteins and does not stimulate the pancreas.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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In the absence of insulin:
Your Answer: Entry of glucose to skeletal muscle is normal
Correct Answer: Glucose uptake by most of the brain is normal
Explanation:Although it is known that insulin levels affect glucose uptake, oxidation and storage in peripheral tissues, its role in the brain isn’t as clear. However, studies have shown that bulk brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin. Glucose transport into the neurons is GLUT3 dependent, and its transport into glia and brain endothelial cells rely on GLUT1. Insulin isn’t necessary for GLUT1 or GLUT3, which explains why brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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The main breakdown of fatty acids (by B-oxidation) occurs in which part of the cell?
Your Answer: Lysosomes
Correct Answer: Mitochondria
Explanation:Once inside the mitochondria, the β-oxidation of fatty acids occurs via five recurring steps:Activation by ATPOxidation by FAD,Hydration,Oxidation by NAD+,Thiolysis,The final product is acetyl-CoA, the entry molecule for the citric acid cycle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 25
Correct
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With regard to cell membrane proteins:
Your Answer: Carriers are involved in facilitated diffusion
Explanation:Pumps use a source of free energy such as ATP to transport ions against a gradient and is an example of active transport. Unlike channel proteins which only transport substances through membranes passively, carrier proteins can transport ions and molecules either passively through facilitated diffusion, or via secondary active transport. Channels are either in open state or closed state. When a channel is opened, it is open to both extracellular and intracellular. Pores are continuously open to both environments, because they do not undergo conformational changes. They are always open and active.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Regarding oxidative deamination of amino acids, which of the following is true?
Your Answer: Is also called ubiquitination
Correct Answer: Occurs in the kidney & liver
Explanation:Oxidative deamination is a form of deamination that generates α-keto acids and other oxidized products from amine-containing compounds, and occurs largely in the liver and kidney. Oxidative deamination is an important step in the catabolism of amino acids, generating a more metabolizable form of the amino acid, and also generating ammonia as a toxic by-product. The addition of ubiquitin to a substrate protein is called ubiquitination.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Tunica intima is made up of?
Your Answer: Epidermal cells
Correct Answer: Endothelial cells
Explanation:Tunica intima is a single cell thick lining of endothelial cells that lines the inside of the blood vessels. It is the inner most layer of the blood vessel.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Following an action potential, cytosolic Ca2+ is increased. The binding of free Ca2+ to troponin C results in all of the following except:
Your Answer: Exposure of actin binding site for myosin
Correct Answer: Weakening of the troponin i interaction with actin
Explanation:At rest, troponin i is bound to actin and tropomyosin and covers the site where the myosin head interacts with actin. When Calcium enters into the muscle, it binds with troponin C and cause a structural change in troponin i which moves out of the myosin binding site and causes the cross bridges between the actin and myosin filaments to occur.
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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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A 31 year old female complains of bilateral proximal muscle weakness. There is marked blanching of fingers especially in response to cold weather. Lab results are as follows: Anti Jo-1: positive ANA: positiveCK: 2000 U/LESR: 60mm/hrEMG: myopathic changesPresence of which of the following signifies the worst prognosis?
Your Answer: Interstitial lung disease
Explanation:Polymyositis is an inflammatory disorder causing symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness. It is thought to be a T-cell mediated cytotoxic process directed against muscle fibres. It may be idiopathic or associated with connective tissue disorders. It may also be associated with malignancy for example small cell lung carcinoma.Dermatomyositis is a variant of the disease where skin manifestations are prominent, for example a purple (heliotrope) rash on the cheeks and eyelids.It typically affects middle-aged, female: male 3:1. Features include proximal muscle weakness +/- tenderness, Raynaud’s phenomenon, respiratory muscle weakness, interstitial lung disease: e.g. fibrosing alveolitis or organising pneumonia, dysphagia, dysphonia. Investigations: elevated creatine kinase, other muscle enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase (LD), aldolase, AST and ALT) are also elevated in 85-95% of patients, EMG, muscle biopsy. Anti-Jo-1 antibodies are seen in pattern of disease associated with lung involvement, Raynaud’s and fever. Interstitial lung disease plays a major role in morbidity and mortality in patients with polymyositis and is considered a major risk factor for premature death in patients with myositis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Cranial nerves VI, VII, VIII enter/exit the base of the brain at the:
Your Answer:
Correct 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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