Emrapproved Monthly Medical Trivia Quiz - August 2012

Explanation
The pulmonary artery does not carry blood back to the heart. Instead, it carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The other options, inferior venae cavae and superior venae cavae, are large veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. The pulmonary vein, on the other hand, carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart.

Explanation
The vertebrae found in the neck are called cervical vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae are the uppermost segment of the vertebral column and are responsible for supporting the head and allowing for a wide range of movement in the neck. They are smaller and more flexible compared to the other vertebrae in the spine.

Explanation
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, not the liver. It plays a crucial role in controlling metabolism, specifically in regulating the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin helps decrease blood sugar levels by allowing cells in the body to take up glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy or storage. Therefore, the correct answer is that insulin decreases blood sugar levels.

Explanation
The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movements. It is divided into two hemispheres and is responsible for processing sensory information, controlling motor functions, and coordinating complex behaviors. The cerebrum plays a crucial role in human intelligence and is involved in various mental processes, including language, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Explanation
The olfactory nerve is responsible for the sense of smell. It carries sensory information from the nose to the brain, allowing us to detect and identify different odors. This sense plays a crucial role in our daily lives, as it helps us to perceive and enjoy a wide range of scents, as well as to detect potential dangers, such as spoiled food or gas leaks.

Explanation
Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin. It is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are located in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Melanin is responsible for determining the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. It helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays by absorbing and scattering the UV radiation. The amount and type of melanin in our skin are determined by genetics and can vary among individuals, resulting in different skin tones and shades.

Explanation
Metastasis is the correct answer because it refers to the spread of malignant tumors from their original site to distant locations in the body. This process occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in different organs or tissues. Encapsulation refers to the formation of a protective barrier around a tumor, anaplasia refers to the loss of normal cell differentiation, and infiltration refers to the invasion of surrounding tissues by cancer cells.

Explanation
The first permanent artificial heart, the Jarvik 7, was made from a combination of Dacron polyester, plastic, and aluminum. These materials were used to construct the heart to ensure its durability and functionality within the human body. Dacron polyester provides strength and flexibility, while plastic and aluminum contribute to the overall structure and stability of the artificial heart. This combination of materials allowed the Jarvik 7 to successfully replace the function of a natural human heart.

Explanation
Red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. They are constantly being produced in the bone marrow and then circulate in the bloodstream, carrying oxygen to various parts of the body. After about 120 days, they become old and damaged, and are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen and liver. New red blood cells are then produced to replace the old ones. This continuous process ensures that the body has a constant supply of healthy red blood cells.

Explanation
Prozac was the most widely prescribed antidepressant in the U.S. in the 1990s. This drug gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating depression and its relatively mild side effects compared to other antidepressants available at the time. The widespread use of Prozac during this period can be attributed to its successful marketing campaigns and its reputation as a breakthrough medication for mental health conditions.