Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What is the primary action of prostaglandins in the body?

1. Vasoconstriction and increased platelet aggregation

2. Vasodilation, inflammatory response, and pain regulation

3. Gastric acid production and muscle contraction

4. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity

The correct answer is: Vasodilation, inflammatory response, and pain regulation

Prostaglandins play essential roles in various physiological processes, and their primary actions encompass vasodilation, mediating inflammatory responses, and regulating pain. They are lipid compounds that are synthesized at the site of injury or infection and act locally to modulate various functions. Vasodilation occurs because prostaglandins can promote the widening of blood vessels, which helps to increase blood flow to areas needing more oxygen and nutrients, particularly during inflammation. This increased blood flow contributes to the redness and warmth often observed in inflamed tissues. In terms of inflammation, prostaglandins are critical mediators that facilitate the inflammatory response. They help attract immune cells to the site of injury or infection, enhance the permeability of blood vessels, and contribute to the symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling and pain. Additionally, prostaglandins modulate pain perception. They can sensitize nerve endings, leading to an increased perception of pain, which is an important aspect of the body's defense mechanism to alert individuals to injury or illness. While other substances in the body, such as thromboxanes and leukotrienes, can have overlapping roles, prostaglandins are specifically noted for these particular functions. The other options presented involve mechanisms that are either unrelated to prost