Basic Sciences and Anatomy Flashcards

Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Answer: Lingual nerve (branch of CN V3)

The lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3), carries general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

The epiglottis is composed primarily of which type of cartilage?

Answer: Elastic cartilage

The epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage, which allows it to flex and return to shape during swallowing.

Which of the following best describes the Mallampati classification system used in anesthesia?

Answer: It predicts ease of visualization of the oropharynx for airway management

The Mallampati classification assesses airway difficulty by evaluating the visibility of oropharyngeal structures with the mouth open and tongue protruded.

The thoracic duct drains lymph from the left side of the body and empties into the:

Answer: Left subclavian vein at the junction with the left internal jugular vein

The thoracic duct empties into the venous system at the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.

Which component of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Answer: Sympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, dilating bronchioles, and redirecting blood flow to muscles.

In dental anesthesia, the inferior alveolar nerve block anesthetizes all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Buccal soft tissue of mandibular molars

The buccal soft tissue adjacent to mandibular molars is innervated by the long buccal nerve, which requires a separate block.

Which of the following describes the function of Type II pneumocytes in the lungs?

Answer: Production of surfactant to reduce surface tension

Type II pneumocytes (alveolar cells) produce pulmonary surfactant, which reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.