Anatomy
3 questionsWhich thalamic nuclei can produce basal ganglia symptoms?
Which of the following is a cerebellar nucleus?
What is the approximate number of cones in the human retina?
NEET-PG 2013 - Anatomy NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 391: Which thalamic nuclei can produce basal ganglia symptoms?
- A. Lateral dorsal
- B. Pulvinar
- C. Ventral anterior (Correct Answer)
- D. Intralaminar
Explanation: ***Ventral anterior*** - The **ventral anterior (VA)** and **ventral lateral (VL)** nuclei of the thalamus receive significant input from the **basal ganglia** and project to the motor cortex [1]. - Dysfunction in these nuclei can disrupt the basal ganglia's influence on motor control, leading to symptoms like **dyskinesia** or **rigidity** [1]. *Lateral dorsal* - The **lateral dorsal nucleus** is primarily involved in **limbic system** functions and episodic memory. - It does not have direct nor significant connections with the basal ganglia motor circuits that would produce typical basal ganglia symptoms. *Pulvinar* - The **pulvinar** is the largest thalamic nucleus, primarily involved in **visual processing**, attention, and eye movements. - While it has extensive cortical connections, it is not directly involved in the motor circuits of the basal ganglia. *Intralaminar* - The **intralaminar nuclei** (e.g., centromedian and parafascicular) receive input from the basal ganglia but primarily project diffusely to the cerebral cortex and are involved in **arousal** and consciousness [2]. - While they modulate cortical activity, their dysfunction typically wouldn't produce the classic motor symptoms associated with basal ganglia disorders.
Question 392: Which of the following is a cerebellar nucleus?
- A. Putamen
- B. Caudate nucleus
- C. Subthalamic nucleus
- D. Fastigial nucleus (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Fastigial nucleus*** - The **fastigial nucleus** is one of the four principal deep cerebellar nuclei, involved in regulating **balance** and **posture** [2]. - The deep cerebellar nuclei are crucial for the cerebellum's output, relaying processed information to other brain regions [2]. *Caudate nucleus* - The **caudate nucleus** is part of the **basal ganglia**, a group of subcortical nuclei in the forebrain [1]. - It plays a significant role in **motor control**, learning, memory, and reward processing. *Subthalamic nucleus* - The **subthalamic nucleus** is a small nucleus located in the **diencephalon**, below the thalamus and above the substantia nigra [1]. - It is also part of the **basal ganglia system** and is critical for modulating motor control [1]. *Putamen* - The **putamen** is another structure belonging to the **basal ganglia**, located in the forebrain [1]. - It is primarily involved in regulating various types of **motor behavior** and learning.
Question 393: What is the approximate number of cones in the human retina?
- A. Approximately 3-5 million cones (Correct Answer)
- B. Approximately 25-50 million cones
- C. Approximately 50-100 million cones
- D. Approximately 10-20 million cones
Explanation: Approximately 3-5 million cones - The human retina contains roughly **4.5 million cones**, concentrated in the **fovea**, which is responsible for **high-acuity vision** and color perception [1]. - Cones are light-sensitive cells that detect **fine details** and are essential for vision in **bright light conditions** [1]. *Approximately 10-20 million cones* - This range is significantly higher than the actual number of cones found in the human retina. - While there are millions of photoreceptors, the *majority are rods*, not cones [1]. *Approximately 25-50 million cones* - This figure vastly *overestimates* the number of cones in the human eye. - The total number of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones combined) in the retina typically ranges from **100-125 million** [1]. *Approximately 50-100 million cones* - This range is incorrect as it refers more closely to the *total number of rods* in the human retina, which is about **90-120 million** [1]. - Cones constitute a much smaller proportion of the total photoreceptor population [1].
Physiology
6 questionsWhat is the normal cerebral blood flow in milliliters per minute for a healthy adult?
What is the primary action observed in the withdrawal reflex?
Which of the following substances has the same concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma?
Cell bodies of orexigenic neurons are present in?
Cushing reflex is associated with all except?
Which of the following does not have sympathetic noradrenergic fibers?
NEET-PG 2013 - Physiology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 391: What is the normal cerebral blood flow in milliliters per minute for a healthy adult?
- A. 55 ml/min
- B. 150 ml/min
- C. 750 ml/min (Correct Answer)
- D. 1000 ml/min
Explanation: ***750 ml/min*** - The brain receives approximately **15% of the cardiac output**, which for an average adult with a cardiac output of 5 L/min (5000 ml/min) translates to about **750 ml/min**. - This flow rate is essential to meet the high metabolic demands of the brain, which consumes about **20% of the body's total oxygen**. - For reference, this corresponds to approximately **50-55 ml/100g/min** when normalized to brain tissue weight. *55 ml/min* - This value represents the **cerebral blood flow per 100 grams of brain tissue** (50-55 ml/100g/min), not the **total cerebral blood flow**. - As a total flow value, 55 ml/min would be severely **inadequate** for the entire brain (~1400g) and would lead to immediate **ischemia** and neurological dysfunction. *150 ml/min* - While higher than 55 ml/min, this rate is still **grossly insufficient** to maintain the metabolic needs of the entire adult brain. - Such a low total flow would result in widespread **cerebral hypoperfusion** and severe neurological deficits. *1000 ml/min* - Although the brain has significant blood flow, 1000 ml/min is generally **higher than the normal average** for a healthy adult at rest. - The normal range is typically **750-800 ml/min**; sustained flow at 1000 ml/min might be seen in hyperemia or certain physiological states but is not the typical baseline.
Question 392: What is the primary action observed in the withdrawal reflex?
- A. Extension
- B. Flexion (Correct Answer)
- C. Flexion followed by extension
- D. Not applicable
Explanation: ***Flexion*** - The **withdrawal reflex** is a protective reflex that causes the affected limb to **flex** and withdraw from a painful stimulus. - This **flexion** is mediated by the contraction of flexor muscles and relaxation of extensor muscles, moving the limb away from danger. *Extension* - **Extension** is the opposite of flexion and would move the limb closer to or maintain its position relative to the painful stimulus. - This action is typically observed in the **crossed extensor reflex**, where the contralateral limb extends to support the body, not in the direct withdrawal of the stimulated limb. *Flexion followed by extension* - While **flexion** is the primary action, it is not typically followed immediately by extension within the same limb in a simple withdrawal reflex. - If a coordinated movement were to occur, such as shifting weight, the **crossed extensor reflex** would involve extension in the opposite limb. *Not applicable* - The withdrawal reflex involves a clear and defined muscle action which is **flexion**, making "not applicable" incorrect. - This reflex is a fundamental component of the nervous system's response to noxious stimuli.
Question 393: Which of the following substances has the same concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma?
- A. Glucose
- B. Ca
- C. HCO3
- D. Cl (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Cl*** - **Chloride ions (Cl-)** have the **closest concentration** between CSF and plasma among the listed options, with a CSF-to-plasma ratio of approximately 1.1-1.15. - CSF chloride is **slightly higher** than plasma chloride (CSF: ~120-130 mEq/L; Plasma: ~100-110 mEq/L) because chloride ions freely cross the **blood-brain barrier** and help maintain **electroneutrality** in CSF due to the low protein content. - The elevated chloride compensates for the absence of negatively charged proteins in CSF, making it the **best answer** among the given options. *Glucose* - **Glucose** concentration in CSF is approximately **60-70%** of plasma glucose concentration (CSF: 50-80 mg/dL; Plasma: 70-110 mg/dL). - Transport across the **blood-brain barrier** occurs via **GLUT1 transporters**, which are tightly regulated to meet brain metabolic demands. *Ca* - **Calcium (Ca2+)** concentration in CSF is **significantly lower** than in plasma (CSF: ~2.1-2.5 mg/dL; Plasma: ~8.5-10.5 mg/dL). - Only the **ionized, unbound fraction** can cross the blood-brain barrier, as protein-bound calcium cannot pass through. *HCO3* - **Bicarbonate (HCO3-)** concentration in CSF is typically **slightly lower** than in plasma (CSF: ~20-25 mEq/L; Plasma: ~22-28 mEq/L). - Active regulation maintains **CSF pH** and CO2 buffering capacity independent of plasma bicarbonate levels.
Question 394: Cell bodies of orexigenic neurons are present in?
- A. Dorsal raphe
- B. Locus coeruleus
- C. Lateral hypothalamic area (Correct Answer)
- D. Hippocampus
Explanation: ***Lateral hypothalamic area*** - The **lateral hypothalamic area** (LHA) contains neurons that produce **orexin (hypocretin)**, a neuropeptide critical for promoting appetite and wakefulness. - Stimulation of the LHA leads to increased food seeking and consumption, earning it the moniker "**feeding center**." *Dorsal raphe* - The **dorsal raphe nucleus** is a key source of **serotonin** in the brain, involved in mood, sleep-wake cycles, and appetite regulation (often promoting satiety). - It does not primarily house orexigenic neurons that directly stimulate appetite. *Locus coerulus* - The **locus coeruleus** is the primary source of **norepinephrine** in the brain, playing a significant role in arousal, attention, and stress response. - While it modulates appetitive behaviors indirectly, its neurons are not the primary orexigenic cell bodies. *Hippocampus* - The **hippocampus** is crucial for **learning, memory formation**, and spatial navigation. - It is not directly involved in the primary neural circuits that control hunger and satiety through orexigenic neuropeptides.
Question 395: Cushing reflex is associated with all except?
- A. Irregular respiration
- B. Hypotension (Correct Answer)
- C. Increased intracranial pressure
- D. Bradycardia
Explanation: ***Hypotension*** - The **Cushing reflex** is a compensatory response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) aiming to maintain cerebral perfusion, which typically involves **hypertension**, not hypotension. - While prolonged or severe ICP can lead to decompensation and eventual hypotension, it is not a direct component of the reflex itself. *Increased intracranial pressure* - The **Cushing reflex** is triggered by an elevation in **intracranial pressure (ICP)**, as the body attempts to maintain blood flow to the brain. - This increased ICP reduces cerebral perfusion pressure, prompting a systemic response to raise mean arterial pressure. *Bradycardia* - **Bradycardia** is a classic component of the **Cushing reflex**, occurring as a compensatory response to the reflex hypertension. - The increased arterial blood pressure stimulates carotid and aortic baroreceptors, leading to a vagal response that slows the heart rate. *Irregular respiration* - **Irregular respiration** is another key component of the **Cushing reflex**, often manifesting as **Cheyne-Stokes breathing** or **ataxic breathing**. - This respiratory dysregulation is due to direct compression and dysfunction of the brainstem, specifically the medullary respiratory centers, caused by increased ICP.
Question 396: Which of the following does not have sympathetic noradrenergic fibers?
- A. Heart
- B. Eye
- C. Sweat gland (Correct Answer)
- D. Blood vessels
Explanation: ***Sweat gland*** - While sweat glands are innervated by the **sympathetic nervous system**, their postganglionic fibers are **cholinergic**, releasing **acetylcholine** rather than noradrenaline. - This is an important exception where sympathetic stimulation leads to acetylcholine release, causing sweating. *Blood vessels* - Most blood vessels, particularly resistance vessels such as **arterioles**, receive substantial **sympathetic noradrenergic innervation** that causes vasoconstriction. - This sympathetic tone is crucial for regulating **blood pressure** and distributing blood flow. *Heart* - The heart is richly innervated by **sympathetic noradrenergic fibers** that increase **heart rate**, **contractility**, and **conduction velocity** via beta-1 adrenergic receptors. - This makes noradrenaline a key neurotransmitter in the sympathetic regulation of cardiac function. *Eye* - The eye receives sympathetic noradrenergic innervation primarily to the **dilator pupillae muscle**, causing **mydriasis** (pupil dilation) upon activation. - These fibers also contribute to the sympathetic control of the **tarsal muscle** (Müller's muscle) in the eyelid.
Psychiatry
1 questionsWhat is the term for the salivation of a dog in response to a bell after it has been conditioned with food?
NEET-PG 2013 - Psychiatry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 391: What is the term for the salivation of a dog in response to a bell after it has been conditioned with food?
- A. Conditioned reflex (Correct Answer)
- B. Reinforcement
- C. Habituation
- D. Innate reflex
Explanation: ***Conditioned reflex (Conditioned Response)*** - A **conditioned reflex** is a learned response developed through **classical conditioning**, where a previously neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus. - In Pavlov's experiment: The **bell (Conditioned Stimulus)** is paired with **food (Unconditioned Stimulus)**, leading the dog to eventually salivate to the bell alone. - The **salivation to the bell** is the **Conditioned Response (CR)** - a learned behavior, not an innate one. *Reinforcement* - **Reinforcement** is a concept from **operant conditioning** (Skinner), not classical conditioning. - It involves strengthening a behavior by providing a consequence (reward or punishment) after the behavior occurs. - This describes a process that increases behavior frequency, not the learned response itself. *Habituation* - **Habituation** is a decrease in response to a repeatedly presented stimulus that proves to be irrelevant. - The organism learns to **ignore** the stimulus over time (e.g., getting used to background noise). - This is the opposite of developing a new learned response. *Innate reflex* - An **innate reflex** is an **unlearned, inborn** automatic response (e.g., salivation directly to food, pupillary reflex, sucking reflex). - The dog's salivation **to food** is innate, but salivation **to the bell** is learned through conditioning.