Which characteristic differentiates Parkinson's disease from other neurologic conditions?
Resting tremors and muscle rigidity
Early cognitive decline
Peripheral nerve demyelination
Excess dopamine in the brain
The Correct Answer is A
A. Resting tremors and muscle rigidity. : These extrapyramidal signs result from the specific loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The lead-pipe or cogwheel rigidity and rhythmic tremors at rest are pathognomonic findings. They distinguish it from primary cortical or demyelinating diseases.
B. Early cognitive decline. : Memory loss and disorientation at the onset of illness are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease or Frontotemporal dementia. In Parkinson's, cognitive impairment typically occurs much later in the disease progression. Motor symptoms almost always precede significant dementia.
C. Peripheral nerve demyelination. : This describes pathologies like Guillain-Barre syndrome or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Parkinson's is a central nervous system disorder involving deep gray matter nuclei. It does not involve the destruction of peripheral myelin sheaths.
D. Excess dopamine in the brain. : Parkinson's is characterized by a profound deficiency of dopamine, not an excess. Excess dopamine is sometimes associated with schizophrenia or the side effects of levodopa therapy. The disease itself is a hypodopaminergic state.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. storage and release of bile.: This physiological role is performed exclusively by the gallbladder, which concentrates and stores bile produced by the liver. The pancreas does not possess the anatomical structures for biliary storage. It only shares the common bile duct terminal.
B. detoxification of drugs and alcohol.: This metabolic process is the functional responsibility of the hepatic microsomal enzyme systems. The pancreas lacks the specialized hepatocytes and enzymes required for the biotransformation of systemic toxins. Its primary roles are digestive and endocrine.
C. conversion of bilirubin and production of cholesterol.: These biochemical activities are localized within the liver, where bilirubin is conjugated for excretion and cholesterol is synthesized. The pancreas does not participate in the metabolism of heme breakdown products. These are distinct hepatic metabolic pathways.
D. pancreatic enzyme secretion and insulin production.: This organ functions as a dual gland, providing exocrine digestive enzymes like lipase and amylase. Simultaneously, the endocrine Islets of Langerhans secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the blood. This maintains both digestion and glucose regulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. node - SA node - bundle of His - right & left bundle branches - Purkinje fibers. : This sequence begins with a vague term and misplaces the primary pacemaker. The sinoatrial node must initiate the impulse before reaching the atrioventricular node. This lacks the correct hierarchical flow of electrical depolarization.
B. Purkinje fibers - right & left bundle branches - bundle of His - AV node - SA node. : This represents a retrograde conduction pattern rather than the physiological anterograde pathway. Normal cardiac activation proceeds from the atria down to the ventricular apex. It is not the standard functional order of conduction.
C. SA node - AV node - bundle of His - right & left bundle branches - Purkinje fibers. : The impulse begins at the sinoatrial node, pauses at the atrioventricular node, and travels through the ventricular septum. It then distributes via the bundle branches to the terminal Purkinje network. This is the anatomical route for ventricular systole.
D. SA node - AV node - Purkinje fibers - right & left bundle branches - bundle of His. : This choice incorrectly places the terminal Purkinje fibers before the bundle of His and its branches. The electrical signal must pass through the specialized septal conduction tissues first. It does not follow the correct physiological progression.
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