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. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

3. Which neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Serotonin
• D. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system and is often implicated in conditions such as addiction. Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movement and memory, serotonin is linked to mood regulation, and GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability. Therefore, the correct answer is dopamine as it aligns with the neurotransmitter functions related to pleasure, reward, and motivation, distinct from the roles of acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA.

4. Which represents the correct order of airflow in the lungs?

• A. Bronchi, trachea, alveoli, bronchioles
• B. Alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea
• C. Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
• D. Bronchioles, alveoli, trachea, bronchi

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order of airflow in the lungs starts with air entering through the trachea, moving into the bronchi, then proceeding to the bronchioles, and finally reaching the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Therefore, the correct sequence is Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles, Alveoli, making choice C the accurate representation of the airflow in the lungs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the anatomical path of airflow in the lungs as air moves from the trachea to the bronchi, then bronchioles, and finally the alveoli for gas exchange.

5. Which organ produces insulin and glucagon?

• A. Salivary Glands
• B. Liver
• C. Gallbladder
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Pancreas. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing the hormones insulin and glucagon. Insulin functions to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells for energy production. On the other hand, glucagon works to raise blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. The pancreas is a vital organ in the endocrine system, playing a crucial role in maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels in the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as the salivary glands produce saliva, the liver is involved in various metabolic functions, and the gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, but none of these organs produce insulin and glucagon.

Similar Questions