Biomed

What is the function of the cornea in the eye? - The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It acts as the eye's primary light-bending surface, helping to focus light rays onto the retina. 

How do light rays travel through the eye to enable vision? - Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, pass through the pupil (the opening in the iris), and are then refracted (bent) by the lens. The lens focuses the light rays onto the retina, where they are converted into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. 

What instrument is used to examine the eyes? - An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the internal structures of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. 

What role does the retina play in vision? - The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. It contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) that convert light energy into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, where they are interpreted as vision.    

What are the three main structures of the ear? - The three main structures of the ear are the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. 

How do sound waves travel through the ear to the brain? - Sound waves enter the outer ear (pinna and ear canal), travel through the middle ear (tympanic membrane, ossicles), and reach the inner ear (cochlea). Within the cochlea, sound waves are converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. 

What are the steps involved in processing sound vibrations in the ear? - 1. Sound waves enter the outer ear and travel through the ear canal. 2. Sound waves cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to vibrate. 3. Vibrations are transmitted through the three tiny bones (ossicles) in the middle ear. 4. Vibrations reach the cochlea in the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals. 5. These signals are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve, where they are interpreted as sound. 

Why is an otoscope used in a physical exam? - An otoscope is used to examine the external ear canal and eardrum. It allows the doctor to look for signs of infection, inflammation, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities. 

What symptoms are commonly associated with strep throat? - Sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and sometimes a rash. 

Why do doctors examine the nose and throat during a physical exam? - The nose and throat are part of the upper respiratory tract. Examining them helps to identify signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, or discharge), allergies, or other abnormalities. 

What are common symptoms of viral and bacterial infections? - Viral infections: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches. Bacterial infections: Fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, skin infections, urinary tract infections. 

What are the primary functions of the lymphatic system? - 1. Immune function: Fights infection by producing lymphocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies. 2. Fluid balance: Returns excess fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream. 3. Fat absorption: Transports fats from the digestive system to the bloodstream. 

What are the three layers of the skin? - 1. Epidermis: The outermost layer, providing a barrier against infection and water loss. 2. Dermis: The middle layer, containing blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. 3. Subcutaneous layer: The deepest layer, composed of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and cushioning. 

How does the skin help regulate internal body temperature? - The skin regulates body temperature through sweating (evaporation cools the body) and vasoconstriction/vasodilation of blood vessels (controlling blood flow to the skin). 

What are the characteristics of melanoma? - Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often characterized by: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters, and Evolving size, shape, or color. 

What does the ABCDE rule stand for in skin cancer diagnosis? - Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters, Evolving size, shape, or color. 

What is mitral valve regurgitation and what causes it? - Mitral valve regurgitation is a condition where the mitral valve (between the left atrium and left ventricle) doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium. Causes can include: Rheumatic fever: An autoimmune reaction following a strep throat infection. Infective endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves. Heart attack: Damage to the heart muscle. Connective tissue disorders: Such as Marfan syndrome. 

What are the different types of abnormal lung sounds and their causes? - Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sounds, often heard during exhalation, caused by narrowed airways (asthma, bronchitis). Rales (crackles): Short, crackling sounds, often heard during inhalation, caused by fluid in the lungs (pneumonia, heart failure). Rhonchi: Low-pitched, rumbling sounds, often heard during both inhalation and exhalation, caused by mucus or secretions in the airways (bronchitis, pneumonia). Stridor: High-pitched, harsh sound, usually heard during inhalation, caused by obstruction of the upper airways. 

What is the purpose of testing reflexes during a physical exam? - Reflex testing helps assess the function of the nervous system. Abnormal reflexes can indicate neurological problems such as nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or brain disorders. 

What is the significance of a patient’s gait during a medical evaluation? - Gait refers to a person's manner of walking. Observing a patient's gait can provide valuable information about their neurological function, musculoskeletal health, and overall balance and coordination. Abnormal gaits can be indicative of conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or arthritis. 

How does pupillary response help assess brainstem function? - The pupillary response (constriction of the pupils in response to light) is controlled by the brainstem. Assessing pupillary response helps to determine if the brainstem is functioning properly. An abnormal pupillary response can indicate brain injury or other neurological problems. 

What is the function of erythrocytes in the blood? - Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, are the most common type of blood cell. Their primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and to remove carbon dioxide from the tissues and transport it to the lungs for exhalation.    

What does a complete blood count (CBC) measure? - A CBC measures the number and types of cells in the blood, including: Red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin levels: To assess oxygen-carrying capacity. White blood cells (WBCs): To evaluate the body's immune response. * Platelets: To assess blood clotting ability. 

What conditions can cause high or low white blood cell counts? - High white blood cell count (leukocytosis): Infection, inflammation, leukemia, stress. Low white blood cell count (leukopenia): Certain infections, autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. 

What are the risks associated with high or low platelet counts? - High platelet count (thrombocytosis): Increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia): Increased risk of bleeding and bruising. 

How does leukemia affect blood cell counts? - Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. This can result in: High white blood cell count: Due to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Low red blood cell and platelet counts: Because the bone marrow is overwhelmed with leukemia cells, it may not be able to produce enough healthy red blood cells and platelets. 

What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol? - LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease by contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for disposal.    

How do saturated and unsaturated fats impact cardiovascular health? - Saturated fats: Increase LDL cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats: (Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) Can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels, which can improve heart health.