AAVSB PAVE QUALIFYING SCIENCE
EXAMINATION (QSE)
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE
1. Which cranial nerve exits the skull via the jugular foramen and provides parasympathetic
innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera?
A. Vagus nerve (CN X)
B. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C. Accessory nerve (CN XI)
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Vagus nerve (CN X) exits via the jugular foramen along with
CN IX and XI. It is the primary provider of parasympathetic innervation to the heart, lungs,
and digestive tract.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action of the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin in
parasites?
A. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
,B. Activation of glutamate-gated chloride channels
C. Binding to beta-tubulin subunits
D. Interference with ATP production
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in
invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing hyperpolarization and flaccid paralysis.
3. Which bacterial pathogen is most commonly isolated from cases of canine pyometra?
A. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
B. Escherichia coli
C. Streptococcus canis
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Escherichia coli is the most frequent isolate in canine pyometra
due to its ability to adhere to the progesterone-sensitized endometrium.
4. During prolonged starvation in mammals, what is the primary energy source utilized by the
brain?
A. Ketone bodies
B. Amino acids
, C. Glycogen stores
D. Free fatty acids
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During starvation, the liver produces ketone bodies
(acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate) from fatty acids, which cross the blood-brain
barrier to provide energy.
5. Which hormone is released by atrial myocytes in response to increased wall stretch and
serves to promote natriuresis?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Vasopressin
D. Renin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ANP is secreted in response to high blood volume/atrial stretch.
It inhibits renin and aldosterone, increasing sodium and water excretion by the kidneys.
6. In the healthy mammalian kidney, where does the majority of glucose reabsorption occur?
A. Collecting duct
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
EXAMINATION (QSE)
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE
1. Which cranial nerve exits the skull via the jugular foramen and provides parasympathetic
innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera?
A. Vagus nerve (CN X)
B. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
C. Accessory nerve (CN XI)
D. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Vagus nerve (CN X) exits via the jugular foramen along with
CN IX and XI. It is the primary provider of parasympathetic innervation to the heart, lungs,
and digestive tract.
2. What is the primary mechanism of action of the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin in
parasites?
A. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
,B. Activation of glutamate-gated chloride channels
C. Binding to beta-tubulin subunits
D. Interference with ATP production
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in
invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing hyperpolarization and flaccid paralysis.
3. Which bacterial pathogen is most commonly isolated from cases of canine pyometra?
A. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
B. Escherichia coli
C. Streptococcus canis
D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Escherichia coli is the most frequent isolate in canine pyometra
due to its ability to adhere to the progesterone-sensitized endometrium.
4. During prolonged starvation in mammals, what is the primary energy source utilized by the
brain?
A. Ketone bodies
B. Amino acids
, C. Glycogen stores
D. Free fatty acids
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During starvation, the liver produces ketone bodies
(acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate) from fatty acids, which cross the blood-brain
barrier to provide energy.
5. Which hormone is released by atrial myocytes in response to increased wall stretch and
serves to promote natriuresis?
A. Aldosterone
B. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
C. Vasopressin
D. Renin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ANP is secreted in response to high blood volume/atrial stretch.
It inhibits renin and aldosterone, increasing sodium and water excretion by the kidneys.
6. In the healthy mammalian kidney, where does the majority of glucose reabsorption occur?
A. Collecting duct
B. Loop of Henle
C. Distal convoluted tubule
