Anatomy
3 questionsSympathetic supply to the heart arises from which of the following spinal segments?
Which of the following cell types is neuroectodermal in origin?
Which structure is located immediately posterior to the head of the pancreas?
NEET-PG 2012 - Anatomy NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 181: Sympathetic supply to the heart arises from which of the following spinal segments?
- A. T1 to T5 (Correct Answer)
- B. T2 to T6
- C. T3 to T7
- D. T4 to T8
Explanation: The preganglionic sympathetic fibers that innervate the heart originate from the lateral horns of the thoracic spinal segments T1 to T5. These fibers synapse in the cervical and upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia, from which postganglionic fibers extend to the heart. While there is some overlap, the primary and most significant sympathetic innervation to the heart stems predominantly from T1 to T5, making T2 to T6 a less precise answer. Including T6 would extend past the typical primary cardiac sympathetic innervation, which largely concludes at T5. This range is too caudal and largely beyond the principal segments providing sympathetic innervation to the heart. Segments T6-T8 are more involved in sympathetic supply to abdominal organs and other structures rather than direct cardiac control.
Question 182: Which of the following cell types is neuroectodermal in origin?
- A. Smooth muscle cells (Correct Answer)
- B. Skeletal muscle cells
- C. Endothelial cells
- D. Cardiac muscle cells
Explanation: ***Smooth muscle cells*** - This is the **correct answer** based on a **specific exception**: smooth muscle cells of the **iris dilator and sphincter muscles** and the **ciliary muscle** in the eye are derived from **neuroectoderm** (specifically from the **optic cup**, an outgrowth of the neural tube). - **Important note:** The vast majority of smooth muscle in the body is of **mesodermal origin** (e.g., in blood vessels, GI tract, respiratory tract). This question tests knowledge of this **notable embryological exception**. - In the context of the given options, this is the only cell type with any neuroectodermal component. *Skeletal muscle cells* - Skeletal muscle cells are entirely derived from the **paraxial mesoderm**, specifically from **somites** (myotome portion). - They form the voluntary muscles of the body and are **never** of neuroectodermal origin. *Endothelial cells* - Endothelial cells lining blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are derived from the **mesoderm** (specifically from **angioblasts**). - They are part of the cardiovascular system and are **entirely mesodermal** in origin. *Cardiac muscle cells* - Cardiac muscle cells are derived from the **splanchnic mesoderm** (lateral plate mesoderm). - The heart musculature is **entirely mesodermal** with no neuroectodermal contribution. **Clinical Pearl:** Classic neuroectodermal derivatives include neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes), ependymal cells, and neural crest derivatives (Schwann cells, melanocytes, chromaffin cells). The smooth muscle of the iris represents an important exception to the general rule that smooth muscle is mesodermal.
Question 183: Which structure is located immediately posterior to the head of the pancreas?
- A. Portal vein (Correct Answer)
- B. Splenic artery
- C. Inferior mesenteric vein
- D. Coeliac trunk
Explanation: ***Portal vein*** - The **portal vein** is formed by the union of the **splenic vein** and the **superior mesenteric vein** (SMV) posterior to the **neck** of the pancreas [1]. - It then runs in a **groove on the posterior surface** of the head of the pancreas, lying anterior to the **inferior vena cava** (IVC). - Among the given options, the portal vein has the most direct posterior relationship to the head of the pancreas. *Splenic artery* - The **splenic artery** runs along the **superior border** of the pancreas, following its body and tail. - It does not lie posterior to the head of the pancreas. - It is a branch of the **celiac trunk** and supplies the spleen. *Inferior mesenteric vein* - The **inferior mesenteric vein** typically drains into the **splenic vein** or the junction of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. - It ascends **anterior** to the left kidney and does not lie immediately posterior to the head of the pancreas. *Coeliac trunk* - The **celiac trunk** originates from the **abdominal aorta** at the level of T12-L1 vertebra. - It lies **superior and anterior** to the pancreas, giving off the splenic artery, common hepatic artery, and left gastric artery. - It is not located posterior to the head of the pancreas.
Biochemistry
2 questionsWhat cofactor is required for the proper functioning of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase?
How do enzymes function in biochemical reactions?
NEET-PG 2012 - Biochemistry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 181: What cofactor is required for the proper functioning of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase?
- A. NAD
- B. NADP (Correct Answer)
- C. FAD
- D. FMN
Explanation: ***NADP*** - **NADP+** (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) acts as the **electron acceptor** in the **glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)** reaction, becoming **NADPH**. - **NADPH** is crucial for maintaining the **redox balance** in cells, particularly in red blood cells, by reducing **oxidative stress**. *NAD* - **NAD+** (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a primary cofactor for many **dehydrogenase reactions** in catabolic pathways like **glycolysis** and the **Krebs cycle**. - It primarily functions as an electron acceptor in pathways that generate **ATP**, distinct from the role of **NADPH** in reductive biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. *FAD* - **FAD** (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme derived from **riboflavin (vitamin B2)** that is involved in various redox reactions, often in the form of **flavoproteins**. - Enzymes like **succinate dehydrogenase** in the electron transport chain utilize **FAD** as an electron acceptor, which is not the case for G6PD. *FMN* - **FMN** (flavin mononucleotide) is another coenzyme derived from **riboflavin**, structurally similar to FAD but lacking the additional adenosine monophosphate. - It participates in electron transfer reactions, particularly within **complex I** of the **electron transport chain**, but is not a cofactor for G6PD.
Question 182: How do enzymes function in biochemical reactions?
- A. Increase in activation energy
- B. Decrease in activation energy (Correct Answer)
- C. Shift equilibrium constant
- D. Provide energy to the reaction
Explanation: ***Decrease in activation energy*** - Enzymes act as **biological catalysts** by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower **transition state energy**. - This reduction in the **activation energy** allows a higher proportion of reactant molecules to overcome the energy barrier and react, thereby increasing the reaction rate. *Increase in activation energy* - This statement is incorrect as increasing activation energy would slow down the reaction rate, which is contrary to the function of enzymes. - Enzymes are designed to accelerate reactions, not inhibit them, by making them energetically more favorable to proceed. *Shift equilibrium constant* - Enzymes catalyze both the forward and reverse reactions equally, meaning they accelerate the rate at which equilibrium is reached but **do not alter the equilibrium constant (Keq)** of a reaction. - The equilibrium constant is determined by the difference in free energy between reactants and products, which enzymes do not change. *Provide energy to the reaction* - This statement is incorrect because enzymes do **not provide energy** to reactions; they only lower the activation energy barrier. - Enzymes facilitate reactions by stabilizing the transition state, not by adding energy to the system, which would violate thermodynamic principles.
Physiology
5 questionsWhat is the primary factor that determines the resting membrane potential in a nerve fiber?
During acclimatization to hot environments, increased sweating efficiency is primarily due to enhanced sensitivity of which receptors?
Insensible water loss per day is ?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the function of the spinocerebellar tract?
What is the average daily volume of pancreatic secretion in humans?
NEET-PG 2012 - Physiology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 181: What is the primary factor that determines the resting membrane potential in a nerve fiber?
- A. Is equal to the resting potential of cardiac muscle fibers.
- B. Can be accurately measured using intracellular electrodes.
- C. Increases with elevated extracellular potassium concentration.
- D. Is primarily determined by the equilibrium potential of potassium ions. (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Is primarily determined by the equilibrium potential of potassium ions*** - The **resting membrane potential** of a nerve fiber is predominantly set by the efflux of **potassium ions** through leak channels, bringing the membrane potential close to potassium's equilibrium potential. - The high permeability of the nerve membrane to **potassium** at rest means that K+ movement is the most significant factor influencing the potential. *Is equal to the resting potential of cardiac muscle fibers* - **Cardiac muscle fibers** have a distinct resting potential (around -80 to -90 mV) influenced by different ion channels and regulatory mechanisms compared to nerve fibers (around -70 mV). - While both involve potassium currents, their specific conductances and the contribution of other ions differ significantly. *Can be accurately measured using intracellular electrodes* - While **intracellular electrodes** are indeed used to measure the resting membrane potential, this statement describes a measurement method, not the *primary factor* that determines the potential itself. - The method of measurement does not explain the underlying biophysical mechanisms that establish the potential. *Increases with elevated extracellular potassium concentration* - An **elevated extracellular potassium concentration** would make the resting membrane potential *less negative* (depolarize) rather than "increase" it in the typical sense of a more positive value. - This is because a higher external K+ reduces the concentration gradient for potassium efflux, bringing the membrane potential closer to zero.
Question 182: During acclimatization to hot environments, increased sweating efficiency is primarily due to enhanced sensitivity of which receptors?
- A. Adrenergic receptors
- B. Noradrenergic receptors
- C. Dopaminergic receptors
- D. Cholinergic receptors (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Cholinergic receptors*** - **Sweat glands** are innervated by **sympathetic postganglionic fibers** that release **acetylcholine**, acting on **muscarinic cholinergic receptors** to stimulate sweating. - During **acclimatization**, the sweat glands become more sensitive to acetylcholine, resulting in **increased sweating efficiency** and a lower threshold temperature for sweating. *Adrenergic receptors* - Adrenergic receptors are primarily involved in the sympathetic nervous system's response to **norepinephrine** and **epinephrine**, mediating effects like **vasoconstriction** and **bronchodilation**. - They are not the primary receptors responsible for stimulating **eccrine sweat gland** secretion in response to heat. *Noradrenergic receptors* - **Noradrenergic receptors** are a type of adrenergic receptor that respond to **norepinephrine** (noradrenaline). - While sympathetic activity increases in hot environments, the primary stimulation of **sweat glands** is via **acetylcholine** acting on cholinergic receptors, not noradrenergic receptors. *Dopaminergic receptors* - **Dopaminergic receptors** respond to **dopamine** and are involved in various functions including **motor control**, **reward**, and **neuroendocrine regulation**. - These receptors are not directly involved in the physiological regulation of **sweating efficiency** during heat acclimatization.
Question 183: Insensible water loss per day is ?
- A. 100 ml
- B. 1000 ml (Correct Answer)
- C. 700 ml
- D. 300 ml
Explanation: ***1000 ml*** - **Insensible water loss** occurs through the skin (evaporation) and respiratory tract (exhalation) without conscious perception. - The typical daily insensible water loss in an adult is approximately **800-1000 ml/day**. - **Breakdown**: Skin evaporation (~400-500 ml) + Respiratory tract (~300-400 ml) = **~900-1000 ml total**. - **1000 ml** is the standard value cited in major physiology textbooks (Guyton & Hall, Ganong) and is the most commonly accepted answer for NEET PG examinations. *100 ml* - This value is significantly **lower** than the actual insensible water loss, which occurs continuously throughout the day. - Such a low volume would imply negligible evaporation and respiratory loss, which is not physiologically accurate. *300 ml* - While greater than 100 ml, 300 ml is still **far below** the typical range for daily insensible water loss. - This amount represents only about one-third of the actual insensible losses from the skin and respiratory system combined. *700 ml* - Although this value is sometimes mentioned in literature, it is at the **lower end** of the physiological range. - The more widely accepted standard value for insensible water loss in a healthy adult under normal conditions is **900-1000 ml/day**. - 700 ml would underestimate the normal daily insensible losses.
Question 184: Which of the following statements is true regarding the function of the spinocerebellar tract?
- A. Smoothens and coordinates movements (Correct Answer)
- B. Involved in planning and programming motor activities
- C. Involved in maintaining equilibrium
- D. Facilitates learning through vestibulo-ocular reflex changes
Explanation: ***Smoothens and coordinates movements*** - The spinocerebellar tract provides the cerebellum with **unconscious proprioceptive information** from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs. - This information allows the cerebellum to compare intended movements with actual movements, thereby **smoothing and coordinating voluntary motor activity**. *Involved in planning and programming motor activities* - This function is primarily attributed to the **cerebral cortex** (e.g., premotor and supplementary motor areas) and the **basal ganglia**. - While the cerebellum is involved in motor learning and fine-tuning, the initial **planning and programming** of complex movements are cortical functions. *Involved in maintaining equilibrium* - Maintaining equilibrium and balance is primarily a function of the **vestibulocerebellum** (flocculonodular lobe), which receives input from the vestibular system. - While the spinocerebellum indirectly influences balance by coordinating limb movements, its direct role is less pronounced than that of the vestibulocerebellum. *Facilitates learning through vestibulo-ocular reflex changes* - This function is specific to the **vestibulocerebellum** and is crucial for adapting the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to maintain visual stability during head movements. - The spinocerebellar tract's primary role is proprioception for limb coordination, not VOR adaptation.
Question 185: What is the average daily volume of pancreatic secretion in humans?
- A. 5.0 L
- B. 10 L
- C. 1.5 L (Correct Answer)
- D. 2.5 L
Explanation: ***1.5 L*** - The **pancreas** produces approximately **1.5 liters (1200-1500 mL) of pancreatic juice** daily in humans. - This secretion is rich in **digestive enzymes** (amylase, lipase, proteases) and **bicarbonate** for neutralization of gastric acid in the duodenum. - This is the standard value cited in **major physiology textbooks** (Ganong, Guyton & Hall). *2.5 L* - **2.5 liters** overestimates the typical daily pancreatic secretion volume. - This value may represent **combined secretions** from multiple sources or confuse pancreatic output with total upper GI secretions. - Normal pancreatic secretion ranges from **1-2 liters**, making 2.5 L above the physiological range. *5.0 L* - **5.0 liters** represents an abnormally high volume for daily pancreatic secretion alone. - This volume is closer to the **total daily secretions** from stomach, pancreas, and bile combined. - Not consistent with **normal pancreatic physiology**. *10 L* - **10 liters** is grossly excessive for pancreatic secretion and represents approximately the **total volume of all gastrointestinal secretions** (saliva, gastric, pancreatic, bile, intestinal) combined daily. - This is **not physiologically realistic** for pancreatic output alone.