Cerebrum is related to the brain in the same way as _______ is related to the digestive system.

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

The question establishes a part-to-whole relationship: the cerebrum is a major part of the brain.
The correct answer must be a major part of the digestive system to complete the analogy.
The esophagus is a vital organ within the digestive tract, responsible for transporting food from the pharynx to the stomach.
This mirrors the relationship of the cerebrum being a principal component of the brain.

Option A: A neuron is a nerve cell, which is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system. It is a microscopic component, not a major organ like the cerebrum.
Option B: A vertebrate is an animal with a spinal column. This is a broad biological classification and not a part of the digestive system.
Option D: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen. It belongs to the circulatory system, not the digestive system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Analogical Reasoning: Part-to-Whole Relationship as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the structure of the digestive system is fundamental for nurses when assessing and managing conditions like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and esophageal varices.
A nurse's assessment of a patient with a neurological condition (e.g., stroke affecting the cerebrum) must include checking for swallowing difficulties, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
What if? If the question was 'Cerebellum is to the brain as _______ is to the digestive system?', the answer might be the 'pancreas' or 'liver', as these are accessory organs with crucial, but distinct, functions, similar to the cerebellum's role in motor control and balance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the relationship between the first pair of words: 'Cerebrum' and 'brain'.
Recognize that the cerebrum is a major part or organ of the brain. This is a 'part-to-whole' relationship.
Apply this same relationship to the second part of the analogy: you are looking for a major part or organ of the 'digestive system'.
Evaluate each option:
Neuron: A cell, not an organ.
Vertebrate: An animal classification, not an organ.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 10-12

Practise the full AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.