Introduction to Topics

The question from the 69th BPSC Prelims (2023) focuses on Human Physiology and Medical Conditions, specifically matching medical terms with their correct definitions. This topic is part of the General Science syllabus in the BPSC exam, which emphasizes human health, diseases, and physiological disorders. Understanding medical terminology like anorexia, insomnia, dyspnoea, and anosmia is crucial, as these are relevant to public health issues, particularly in regions like Bihar where healthcare awareness is a priority. The question tests candidates’ ability to distinguish between disorders affecting different physiological systems, making it a moderate-difficulty question due to potential confusion between similar-sounding terms.

Question and Options

Question: Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

1. Anorexia: Sleep disorder
2. Insomnia: Eating disorder
3. Dyspnoea: Shortness of breath
4. Anosmia: Partial or full loss of smell

Options:
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 3 and 4
(D) All of the above

Explanation

This question assesses candidates’ knowledge of medical conditions and their precise definitions, requiring differentiation between disorders related to eating, sleep, respiration, and sensory functions. Each pair must be evaluated for accuracy.

• Anorexia: Sleep disorder (1):
  • Analysis: Anorexia, specifically anorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction and low body weight. It is not related to sleep. A sleep disorder might include conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea.
  • Conclusion: This pair is incorrect, as anorexia is an eating disorder, not a sleep disorder.
• Insomnia: Eating disorder (2):
  • Analysis: Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep. It is not related to eating. An eating disorder might include anorexia or bulimia.
  • Conclusion: This pair is incorrect, as insomnia is a sleep disorder, not an eating disorder.
• Dyspnoea: Shortness of breath (3):
  • Analysis: Dyspnoea (or dyspnea) is the medical term for shortness of breath, a symptom associated with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart failure. It accurately describes difficulty in breathing.
  • Conclusion: This pair is correct, as dyspnoea is indeed shortness of breath.
• Anosmia: Partial or full loss of smell (4):
  • Analysis: Anosmia is the medical term for partial or complete loss of the sense of smell, often caused by nasal infections, head injuries, or neurological conditions. It is a sensory disorder affecting the olfactory system.
  • Conclusion: This pair is correct, as anosmia accurately refers to loss of smell.
• Option Analysis:
  • (A) Only 1 and 2: Incorrect, as both pairs (anorexia as a sleep disorder and insomnia as an eating disorder) are wrong.
  • (B) Only 2 and 3: Incorrect, as pair 2 (insomnia as an eating disorder) is wrong, though pair 3 (dyspnoea) is correct.
  • (C) Only 3 and 4: Correct, as pair 3 (dyspnoea: shortness of breath) and pair 4 (anosmia: loss of smell) are both accurate, while pairs 1 and 2 are incorrect.
  • (D) All of the above: Incorrect, as only pairs 3 and 4 are correct.
• Key Misconceptions:
  • Candidates might confuse anorexia (eating disorder) with a sleep-related condition due to its psychological aspects, but it is strictly related to eating behavior.
  • Insomnia might be mistaken for an eating disorder due to its impact on overall health, but it is a sleep-specific condition.
  • The question’s moderate difficulty lies in requiring precise knowledge of medical terminology and avoiding confusion between disorders affecting different physiological systems.

Correct Answer

Correct Answer: (C) Only 3 and 4

• Dyspnoea (3): Correctly matched with shortness of breath, a respiratory symptom.
• Anosmia (4): Correctly matched with partial or full loss of smell, a sensory disorder.
• Pairs 1 and 2 are incorrect, as anorexia is an eating disorder, not a sleep disorder, and insomnia is a sleep disorder, not an eating disorder.

5 Probable Questions of Similar Difficulty

1. Question: Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
   • 1. Apnea: Cessation of breathing during sleep
     2. Anemia: High blood sugar levels
     3. Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears
     4. Bulimia: Excessive exercise
        Options: (A) Only 1 and 3, (B) Only 2 and 4, (C) Only 1, 2, and 3, (D) All
        Answer: (A) Only 1 and 3
        Explanation: Apnea is correctly matched with sleep-related breathing cessation, and tinnitus with ringing in the ears. Anemia is low red blood cell count (not high blood sugar), and bulimia is an eating disorder (not excessive exercise).
2. Question: Which of the following is correctly matched with its medical condition?
   • A) Jaundice: Yellowing of skin due to liver issues
   • B) Vertigo: Low blood pressure
   • C) Sciatica: Hearing loss
   • D) Glaucoma: Joint inflammation
     Answer: (A) Jaundice
     Explanation: Jaundice is yellowing of skin due to liver dysfunction. Vertigo is dizziness, sciatica is nerve pain, and glaucoma is an eye condition, not joint inflammation.
3. Question: Which of the following statements about medical conditions is/are correct?
   • 1. Dyspnoea is a symptom of respiratory distress.
     2. Anosmia is caused by excessive sugar intake.
        Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
        Answer: (A) Only 1
        Explanation: Dyspnoea is shortness of breath, a respiratory symptom. Anosmia is loss of smell, not related to sugar intake.
4. Question: Which of the following pairs correctly matches a condition with its affected system?
   • 1. Anorexia nervosa: Digestive system
     2. Insomnia: Nervous system
     3. Arrhythmia: Cardiovascular system
        Options: (A) Only 1 and 2, (B) Only 2 and 3, (C) Only 1 and 3, (D) All
        Answer: (B) Only 2 and 3
        Explanation: Insomnia affects the nervous system (sleep regulation), and arrhythmia affects the cardiovascular system (heart rhythm). Anorexia nervosa primarily affects eating behavior, not directly the digestive system.
5. Question: Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
   • A) Asthma: Respiratory condition
   • B) Anosmia: Olfactory condition
   • C) Insomnia: Digestive condition
   • D) Dyspnoea: Breathing difficulty
     Answer: (C) Insomnia
     Explanation: Asthma is a respiratory condition, anosmia affects smell (olfactory), and dyspnoea is breathing difficulty. Insomnia is a sleep disorder, not digestive.

Key Words Explained in Short

• Anorexia: Eating disorder (anorexia nervosa) involving severe food restriction and fear of weight gain.
• Insomnia: Sleep disorder causing difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
• Dyspnoea: Medical term for shortness of breath, linked to respiratory or cardiac issues.
• Anosmia: Partial or complete loss of smell, often due to nasal or neurological issues.
• Eating Disorder: Psychological condition affecting eating behavior (e.g., anorexia, bulimia).
• Sleep Disorder: Condition disrupting normal sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia, apnea).
• Respiratory System: Organs involved in breathing, affected by dyspnoea.
• Olfactory System: Sensory system for smell, impaired in anosmia.

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• YouTube: For video lectures on General Science, including human physiology and medical conditions.
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• Website: Access mock tests, previous year papers (e.g., 69th BPSC Prelims), and detailed notes on medical science.

Join the Dedicated Sections of Your BPSC Exams for More

Join the dedicated BPSC sections on platforms like Crack Target to enhance your preparation:

• Comprehensive Notes: Access detailed notes on General Science, covering human physiology and medical conditions like dyspnoea and anosmia.
• Mock Tests: Practice matching-type and statement-based questions to improve accuracy and manage time (150 questions in 2 hours with 1/3rd negative marking).
• Bihar-Specific Content: Learn about public health issues in Bihar, such as disease prevalence, aligning with regional focus areas.
• Current Affairs Updates: Stay informed on health-related advancements, crucial for Prelims and Mains.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from doubt-clearing sessions to distinguish terms like anorexia and insomnia.

By engaging with Crack Target’s resources, you can master physiology and health-related topics, practice exam-relevant questions, and boost your performance in the competitive BPSC exam.