A researcher opens the chest of an anesthetized mouse and microinjects a small amount of a fluorescent dye into a single cardiac muscle cell at the base of the left ventricle. Over time, the dye spreads toward the left atrium. Which structure listed below is most likely responsible for facilitating this spread? A. Endomysium B. Intercalated discs C. Parasympathetic fibers D. Sarcoplasmic reticulum E. T tubules
B. Intercalated Discs
D - tight Junctions
C- Smooth muscle sphincters of metarterioles regulate the flow of blood into the capillary beds they supply. The smooth muscle cells are sensitive to chemical signals, including those released by endothelial cells.
A researcher is investigating the pathology produced by a newly discovered jungle microbe. This bacterium releases a toxin that produces dramatic leakage of fluid and cells from capillaries and postcapillary venules. The researcher determines that this reaction is not associated with an increase in the release of histamine or other known vasoactive molecules. To her surprise, studies using cultures of purified human endothelial cells indicate that the toxin does not bind to these cells and has no noticeable effect on their physiology. Which of the following would be the researcher’s next logical cellular target? A. Atrial myocytes B. Fibroblasts C. Pericytes D. Smooth muscle E. Sympathetic neurons
C – Pericytes are the only cells listed that are routinely associated with capillaries and postcapillary venules. These cells provide many important activities, including the production of factors involved in maintaining the integrity of microvessels.
Ehlers– Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders. One form of this syndrome apparently involves the inability to produce type III collagen. In this case, death often results from massive internal bleeding due to spontaneous rupture of the aorta. Which portion of the aorta should be most affected by this form of the syndrome? A. Tunica intima B. Internal elastic lamina C. Tunica media D. Tunica adventitia E. External elastic lamina
C – The smooth muscle cells of the tunica media produce the type III collagen fibers and elastic fibers found in this layer. Recall that fibrillin mutations in Marfan syndrome, which perturb elastic fiber assembly, can also result in the rupture of large vessels.

CBDA










A systolic






Sadler, T. W. (2014-10-07). Langman’s Medical Embryology (Longmans Medical Embryolgy) (Page 217). LWW. Kindle Edition.
Sadler, T. W. (2014-10-07). Langman’s Medical Embryology (Longmans Medical Embryolgy) (Page 377). LWW. Kindle Edition.
Sadler, T. W. (2014-10-07). Langman’s Medical Embryology (Longmans Medical Embryolgy) (Page 377). LWW. Kindle Edition.
A patient complains about having difficulty
swallowing. What vascular abnormality or
abnormalities might produce this complaint?
What is its embryological origin?


