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Question #46366
The Question
If a novel pharmacological agent specifically inhibits the permeability of gap junctions within the Bundle of His, which of the following best describes the resulting cardiac anomaly and its functional equivalent in the nervous system?
Options
- A.
Ventricular contraction is decoupled from the atrial sequence; functionally mimics the synaptic delay of a chemical synapse.
- B.
The SA node fails to generate action potentials; functionally mimics the absolute refractory period of an axon.
- C.
The ventricular myocardium undergoes tetanic contraction; functionally mimics the continuous conduction of unmyelinated neurons.
- D.
The AV node accelerates impulse transmission to the Purkinje fibers; functionally mimics the rapid transmission across an electrical synapse.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Conducting System Sequence|Neuromuscular Junction Signal|Synaptic Delay Determinant
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that cardiac muscle is a syncytium but fail to connect its structural basis (gap junctions) to its functional equivalent in the nervous system (electrical synapses).
The trap lies in understanding that inhibiting this rapid electrical system functionally downgrades it to the slower, delayed mechanism of a chemical synapse, resulting in a conduction block (AV block).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | Conducting System Sequence |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |