Nursing Elites

1. Not all cells in the pancreas secrete insulin because of the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin by all cells. What type of intercellular chemical signal does this illustrate?

• A. Autocrine
• B. Neuromodulator
• C. Paracrine
• D. Pheromone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Paracrine. Somatostatin acts in a paracrine manner by inhibiting the release of insulin from nearby cells within the pancreas. Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signals that act on neighboring cells, as seen in this scenario where somatostatin affects nearby pancreatic cells without entering the bloodstream or affecting distant cells. Autocrine signaling involves cells responding to substances they themselves release, which is not the case here. Neuromodulators are chemicals that modulate the activity of neurons, not directly related to this scenario. Pheromones are chemicals released into the environment to communicate with individuals of the same species, not relevant to the signaling within the pancreas.

2. Muscle tissues often require quick bursts of energy. As a result, which of the following organelles would be most likely to be found in higher than normal amounts in muscle cells?

• A. ribosomes
• B. chloroplasts
• C. vacuoles
• D. mitochondria

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Muscle tissues require quick bursts of energy for activities such as contraction and relaxation. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Therefore, muscle cells would require higher amounts of mitochondria to meet their energy demands. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis and are not directly related to energy production. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, not in animal muscle cells. Vacuoles are primarily involved in storage, maintaining turgor pressure, and digestion, but they are not the main organelles involved in energy production.

3. How many bones are there in the adult human skeleton?

• A. 126
• B. 206
• C. 300
• D. 525

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 206. The adult human skeleton consists of 206 bones. These bones are categorized into the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, and the appendicular skeleton, comprising the bones of the limbs and girdles. Each bone has a specific function in providing structure and support to the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the accurate number of bones in the adult human skeleton. It is essential to remember the correct number of bones in the human skeleton for a better understanding of the skeletal system.

4. Which of the following glands is NOT directly controlled by the pituitary gland?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
• D. Parathyroid glands

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, regulates various endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands are directly controlled by the pituitary gland through hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) respectively. However, the pancreas, particularly the Islets of Langerhans, is not directly influenced by the pituitary gland. The pancreas is mainly governed by blood glucose levels and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A, the thyroid gland, is controlled by the pituitary gland through TSH. Choice B, the adrenal glands, are regulated by the pituitary gland via ACTH. Choice D, the parathyroid glands, are under the direct control of the pituitary gland through PTH.

5. Which of the following is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body?

• A. Brainstem
• B. Hypothalamus
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Cerebrum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus (choice B). The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating various bodily functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sleep cycles. While the brainstem (choice A) is involved in basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, it is not primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The medulla oblongata (choice C) is part of the brainstem and controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not the main regulator of homeostasis. The cerebrum (choice D) is responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movement, but it is not directly involved in maintaining overall bodily balance or homeostasis.

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