General Core Of Radiography – Limited Scope Practice Test

Which of the following is a somatic effect?

Cataracts in irradiated lens Mutation in germ cells Offspring birth defect None of the above

Correct Answer:

Cataracts in irradiated lens

Explanation:

Somatic effects are those that appear in the person who was irradiated and are not passed on to offspring. The lens of the eye is highly radiosensitive, so exposure can lead to cataracts in the irradiated person—a classic somatic reaction that can be dose-dependent and may have a threshold. In contrast, mutations in germ cells are genetic effects and could be inherited by future offspring, which is why options describing germline changes or birth defects in children are not somatic. Therefore, cataracts in the irradiated lens best illustrate a somatic effect.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to General Core of Radiography – Limited Scope Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions