An obstetrician tells a 42-year-old patient that she can have a healthy baby, but that she is of 'advanced maternal age.' The patient is so upset that she fails to listen to the rest of the doctor's advice, goes home in a huff, and immediately dyes her hair.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the age of her eggs.' As women age, the quality of their eggs decreases, leading to a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities and infertility. This decline in egg quality is why advanced maternal age is associated with a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary concern in this context is related to the age-related changes in a woman's eggs, not sperm, diabetes risk, or cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'impaired cell division and the ability to break down and recycle worn cell parts.' Aging at the cellular level involves reduced efficiency in cell division and the breakdown/recycling of cellular components, leading to functional decline. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they involve external physical manifestations or organ-specific issues rather than cellular-level changes associated with aging.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'never having smoked.' Research suggests that one of the common characteristics among centenarians is that they have never smoked. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for various diseases and can significantly reduce lifespan. Choice A, 'a high level of exercise throughout life,' is not a universal characteristic among centenarians, although exercise can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Choice B, 'long-lived relatives,' while genetics can play a role in longevity, not all centenarians have long-lived relatives. Choice C, 'following the Mediterranean diet,' is a healthy dietary choice but not a defining characteristic shared by all centenarians.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'sagittal.' A sagittal section divides the body into right and left portions. Choice A, 'frontal,' is incorrect as it divides the body into front and back portions. Choice B, 'transverse,' divides the body into upper and lower portions. Choice C, 'coronal,' divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. Therefore, 'sagittal' is the most appropriate term for a section separating the body into right and left portions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the anatomical position, the palms are facing forward, not backward. Choice A is correct because the head is indeed facing to the front. Choice C is correct as the body is erect. Choice D is correct as the upper limbs are positioned at the sides. Therefore, the incorrect statement is that the palms are facing forward.