Nursing Elites

1. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

2. What is the primary function of the nervous system?

• A. To produce hormones
• B. To transmit electrical impulses
• C. To carry oxygen
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transmit electrical impulses. The primary function of the nervous system is to transmit electrical impulses and coordinate body activities. While hormones are produced by the endocrine system, not the nervous system, oxygen transportation is mainly carried out by the respiratory system, and nutrient transport is primarily the role of the circulatory system. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of the nervous system.

3. What is the primary function of the spleen, an organ associated with the lymphatic system?

• A. Regulating blood sugar levels
• B. Filtering blood and destroying old red blood cells
• C. Producing digestive enzymes
• D. Secreting hormones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spleen is primarily responsible for filtering blood and destroying old or damaged red blood cells. It also aids in storing blood and producing specific types of white blood cells, contributing to maintaining blood quality and immune system function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the spleen is not involved in regulating blood sugar levels, producing digestive enzymes, or secreting hormones. These functions are carried out by other organs in the body.

4. Which of these organs is NOT involved in the production of digestive enzymes?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Pancreas
• D. Small intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Mouth: The mouth is involved in the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and the initiation of carbohydrate digestion by the enzyme amylase in saliva, but it does not produce digestive enzymes. The salivary amylase in the mouth helps in breaking down carbohydrates. However, it is not an organ that produces digestive enzymes. B) Stomach: The stomach produces gastric juices containing enzymes like pepsin that help break down proteins. C) Pancreas: The pancreas produces various digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. D) Small intestine: The small intestine produces enzymes such as peptidases, sucrase, lactase, and maltase that further break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for absorption. Therefore, the mouth is the organ that is NOT involved in the production of digestive enzymes.

5. Which muscles play a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. External intercostal muscles
• C. Internal intercostal muscles
• D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.

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