What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?
- A. Bacteria
- B. Viruses
- C. Fungi
- D. Parasites
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.
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Which part of the brainstem is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing?
- A. Medulla oblongata
- B. Pons
- C. Midbrain
- D. Cerebellum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This part of the brainstem contains centers that regulate these essential autonomic functions to maintain homeostasis in the body. The pons and midbrain are also parts of the brainstem, but they are not primarily responsible for controlling these vital functions. The cerebellum, on the other hand, is involved in coordination and balance, not in regulating vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
What is the scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi?
- A. Pharynx
- B. Trachea
- C. Epiglottis
- D. Bronchiole
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The trachea is the correct scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. It is an essential part of the respiratory system, enabling the passage of air to and from the lungs. The pharynx is the region behind the mouth and nasal cavity, acting as a passageway for air and food. The epiglottis is a cartilage flap that shields the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. Bronchioles are smaller airways that branch off from the bronchi within the lungs, further dividing and distributing air within the lungs.
Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels by inhibiting the release of insulin and promoting the release of glucose into the bloodstream?
- A. Insulin
- B. Glucagon
- C. Cortisol
- D. Somatostatin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Somatostatin. Somatostatin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by inhibiting the release of insulin and promoting the release of glucose into the bloodstream. It acts as a counterbalance to insulin, preventing excess insulin secretion and ensuring the availability of glucose when needed. Therefore, somatostatin helps maintain blood sugar balance in the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Insulin is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels, while glucagon and cortisol have roles that differ from the functions described in the question.
What causes lymphedema, a chronic condition, to occur?
- A. Inflammation of lymph nodes
- B. Blockage of lymph vessels
- C. Malfunction of the spleen
- D. Decrease in bone marrow production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when lymph vessels become blocked, leading to swelling and fluid retention in the affected area. Inflammation of lymph nodes, spleen malfunction, or decreased bone marrow production are not directly associated with the development of lymphedema. Lymph vessels play a crucial role in carrying lymphatic fluid, and when they are blocked, it disrupts the normal flow of fluid, resulting in lymphedema. Therefore, the correct answer is that lymphedema occurs when lymph vessels become blocked.
The Gram stain is a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria appear
- A. Pink
- B. Blue
- C. Red
- D. Purple
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Gram stain is a differential staining technique that categorizes bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure. Consequently, Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under the microscope after staining. On the other hand, Gram-negative bacteria possess a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can be penetrated by the counterstain safranin, leading them to appear pink or red. Blue is not typically used to describe the color of bacteria in a Gram stain, making it an incorrect choice.