Nursing Elites

1. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

2. What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Mitosis produces haploid cells, while meiosis produces diploid cells
• B. Mitosis involves crossing over, while meiosis does not.
• C. Mitosis results in four daughter cells, while meiosis results in two
• D. Mitosis is responsible for sexual reproduction, while meiosis is responsible for asexual reproduction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: - Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Therefore, mitosis results in two daughter cells. - Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction. - Option A is incorrect because mitosis produces diploid cells (cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell), while meiosis produces haploid cells (cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell). - Option B is incorrect because crossing over, the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, occurs during meiosis and not during mitosis. - Option D is incorrect because mitosis is not responsible for sexual reproduction; it is a process of asexual reproduction and

3. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement. Which type of muscle tissue is found in the heart?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cardiac muscle is the type of muscle tissue found in the heart. Unlike skeletal muscle and smooth muscle, cardiac muscle is striated and involuntary, meaning it contracts without conscious control. It forms the majority of the heart's structure and is essential for its rhythmic contraction to pump blood throughout the body. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and responsible for voluntary movements, while smooth muscle is found in organs and blood vessels, controlling various involuntary functions like digestion and blood flow. Therefore, choices A (Skeletal muscle) and B (Smooth muscle) are incorrect as they are not the types of muscle tissue found in the heart.

4. What is the primary function of nephrons?

• A. Store urine
• B. Filter blood and remove waste products
• C. Produce hormones
• D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water. This process leads to the formation of urine, aiding in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary function of nephrons is not to store urine but to filter blood and eliminate waste products. Choice C, 'Produce hormones,' is incorrect as nephrons primarily focus on filtration rather than hormone production. Choice D, 'Control blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure, it is not the primary function of nephrons within the kidneys.

5. When a blockage forms in a coronary artery, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle, this condition is called:

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Angina pectoris
• D. Heart murmur

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a blockage forms in a coronary artery, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages but is not the name for this specific condition. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, which is a precursor to a heart attack but not the name for this condition. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often due to turbulent blood flow, and is not related to a blockage in a coronary artery.

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