Written Examination - Short Answer Questions (SAQ)

Short Answer Questions.

In this examination the written component has a “Short-Answer-Question” section.

There will be four questions in this section. All questions carry equal marks. Each question has a number of subquestions. Most of the questions require short and specific answers. An occasional question may require a simple line diagram; or you may have a choice between a description and a diagram. There are no long essay questions. The specific short answers ensure objectivity in marking.

The questions are to be answered in the space provided in the paper. Adequate space is provided to accommodate various styles of handwriting! If you do need extra space (highly unlikely!) you may use the reverse side of the same page.

In all cases the maximum mark for a subquestion is indicated on the right hand side. Note that the number of marks allotted to a question indicates the weightage given to the question and also reflect on the marking scheme. If the question requires four key points, the number of marks will be four or two depending on the weightage. Marks do not necessarily reflect the length of an answer or the time required to answer it.

Answering the questions.

Read the question carefully. Determine what is asked.

If the questions simply asks for a specific number of facts, names or structures state just that!

For example :

Name the four valves of the heart.                                                                    (2)

    _____________________

    _____________________

    _____________________       

    _____________________

The answers here would be just the names – tricuspid, mitral, aortic (semilunar) and pulmonary (semilunar).

If the question asks for the names of the valves and their locations, state both :

Name the four valves of the heart and state the chambers between which each valve is located.    (4)

Valve                                                                Chambers

Tricuspid                                               Right atrium and right ventricle

Mitral                                                    Left atrium and left ventricle

Aortic                                                    Left ventricle and aorta

Pulmonary                                             Right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

Some questions may require somewhat descriptive (though still short!) answers :

What is the developmental significance of the fossa ovalis?
What is the functional importance of this structure in the foetus?                                        (3)

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

(You will be required to state that the fossa is the site of the foramen ovale, that it is a part of the mechanism that allows a part of the blood in the right atrium to flow to the left atrium and that this is necessary because there is no significant pulmonary circulation.)

If a question requires a diagram to be drawn, remember that this is NOT to test your artistic skills. The question will state that a “simple line diagram” is required. The diagram can illustrate the anatomical features in question. A sense of proportion is appreciated though not always essential! Some examples are provided on the practice question pages.

Understand the focus of the question – the correct answer may differ! 

The answer to “what type of joint is the shoulder joint” would be “synovial, multiaxial, ball-and-socket” to make it complete. If the question asks what subtype of synovial joint it is, “multiaxial, ball-and-socket” would suffice. (This is true for any type of question).