Nursing Elites

1. Where does primary peristalsis occur?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Nervous system
• D. Small intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Primary peristalsis occurs in the esophagus. Peristalsis is the coordinated muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract. In the esophagus, primary peristalsis is the involuntary wave-like contractions that push food from the mouth to the stomach. It is the natural and automatic process that occurs to facilitate the movement of food during digestion. The stomach (choice B), nervous system (choice C), and small intestine (choice D) are not the primary sites where peristalsis occurs in the digestive system.

2. Which type of blood vessel carries blood back to the heart?

• A. Arteries
• B. Capillaries
• C. Veins
• D. Lymphatic vessels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Veins are the blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, except for the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Capillaries facilitate the exchange of nutrients and gases between the blood and tissues but do not specifically carry blood back to the heart. Lymphatic vessels are part of the lymphatic system responsible for immune function and do not directly carry blood back to the heart. Therefore, the correct answer is veins.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Frontal lobe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brain stem, is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. It contains vital centers that control these essential functions to maintain life. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements; the cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and balance; and the frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary muscle movements. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata (Choice C).

4. What is the primary function of the immune system?

• A. To transport oxygen
• B. To fight infections
• C. To produce energy
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the immune system is to fight infections. It identifies and destroys pathogens like bacteria and viruses, protecting the body from harmful substances. While oxygen transportation is carried out by the respiratory system, energy production is mainly the role of the metabolic system, and body temperature regulation is managed by the thermoregulatory system. These functions are separate from the immune system's primary role of defending the body against infections.

5. What is the primary role of the large intestine?

• A. To absorb nutrients
• B. To absorb water
• C. To break down food
• D. To secrete digestive enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To absorb water. The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from indigestible food matter. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste for excretion. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the large intestine. Breaking down food and secreting digestive enzymes are functions primarily associated with the stomach and small intestine.

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