Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

Which physiological reflex is most responsible for laryngospasm when a foreign substance contacts the laryngeal inlet?

Answer: Laryngeal adductor reflex

The laryngeal adductor reflex causes rapid, forceful closure of the vocal cords in response to laryngeal stimulation, protecting the lower airway.

Which foramen in the mandible is the primary landmark for mandibular nerve block administration?

Answer: Mandibular foramen

The mandibular foramen on the medial surface of the ramus is where the inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular canal, making it the target for IANB.

Which cardiac valve prevents backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle?

Answer: Aortic semilunar valve

The aortic semilunar valve closes during ventricular diastole to prevent regurgitation of blood from the aorta back into the left ventricle.

The phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm, originates primarily from which cervical nerve roots?

Answer: C3-C5

The phrenic nerve arises from cervical roots C3, C4, and C5, remembered by the mnemonic 'C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive.'

In the context of dental anesthesia, what is the clinical significance of the pterygomandibular space?

Answer: It houses the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves targeted in IANB

The pterygomandibular space contains the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves, making it the target region for inferior alveolar nerve block injections.

Which baroreceptors are primarily responsible for the rapid reflex response to acute changes in arterial blood pressure?

Answer: Aortic arch and carotid sinus baroreceptors

Baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch detect acute changes in arterial pressure and mediate rapid autonomic reflex responses.

The lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division (V3), provides sensory innervation to which structure?

Answer: Anterior two-thirds of the tongue for general sensation

The lingual nerve (V3 branch) carries general somatic sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, while taste in that region is carried by the chorda tympani (VII).