What is the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth called?

A. Mitral and pulmonic: The mitral valve closure is best heard at the apex of the heart (the left fifth intercostal space) rather than at the base. The pulmonic valve is indeed located near the base but, combined with the mitral valve, does not represent the sounds best heard at the base of the heart.

B. Aortic and pulmonic: The aortic and pulmonic valves are located at the base of the heart. The aortic valve is located in the right second intercostal space at the sternal border, while the pulmonic valve is located in the left second intercostal space. The closure of these valves (S2) is typically loudest at this area, making this option correct.

C. Mitral and tricuspid: The mitral valve is best heard at the apex, and the tricuspid valve is best heard along the left lower sternal border. Both valves are not located at the base of the heart.

D. Tricuspid and aortic: The tricuspid valve is not located at the base of the heart; it is situated along the left lower sternal border, while the aortic valve is at the base. Therefore, this combination does not represent the best valves to listen for at the base.

A. Macular degeneration: The loss of central vision while maintaining peripheral vision is characteristic of macular degeneration, a common age-related condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Patients with this condition often struggle with tasks that require fine visual acuity, such as reading or recognizing faces.

B. Increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma: Glaucoma typically causes peripheral vision loss rather than central vision loss. Patients may not notice changes in their vision until the disease has progressed significantly, making this option less likely given the patient's symptoms.

C. Vision that is normal for someone her age: While age-related changes in vision are common, the specific symptoms described—difficulty reading, sewing, and recognizing faces—indicate a significant problem rather than a normal aging process. Conditions like macular degeneration should be considered when central vision loss is present.

D. The beginning stages of cataract formation: Cataracts generally cause blurred vision, glare, and difficulty with night vision. They typically affect overall vision rather than causing specific central vision loss while preserving peripheral vision. Therefore, while cataracts are common in older adults, they do not align with the symptoms described in this case.