Nursing Elites

1. What are Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, specialized for?

• A. Melanin production
• B. Temperature sensation
• C. Touch perception
• D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

2. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• A. absorbing digested material into the blood
• B. nutrient processing and metabolizing
• C. absorbing water and compacting material into solid waste
• D. bile production and storage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from undigested food remnants and compact them into solid waste (feces). This process helps regulate hydration levels in the body and aids in waste elimination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Absorbing digested material into the blood is mainly done in the small intestine, nutrient processing and metabolizing occur in various parts of the digestive system, and bile production and storage are functions of the liver and gallbladder, not the large intestine.

3. What is the body's primary defense against pathogens?

• A. Phagocytes
• B. Antibodies
• C. Memory B cells
• D. T lymphocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phagocytes. Phagocytes are the body's first line of defense against pathogens. They are innate immune cells that engulf and digest foreign particles like bacteria and viruses, preventing infections. Phagocytes act as the initial barrier to invading pathogens and are part of the innate immune response. Choice B, Antibodies, are produced by B cells in the adaptive immune response. Choice C, Memory B cells, are also part of the adaptive immune response and provide a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to pathogens. Choice D, T lymphocytes, are part of the adaptive immune response, particularly involved in cell-mediated immunity.

4. Which term refers to a position farther from the midline of the body? For example, the little toe is lateral to the big toe on the same foot.

• A. Lateral
• B. Medial
• C. Proximal
• D. Distal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lateral. Lateral refers to a position farther away from the midline of the body. In the example provided, the little toe is indeed lateral to the big toe on the same foot. This is in contrast to 'medial,' which means closer to the midline. 'Proximal' refers to a position closer to the point of attachment or the trunk of the body, while 'distal' refers to a position farther from the point of attachment or the trunk of the body.

5. What is the name of the microscopic finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine?

• A. Goblet cells
• B. Paneth cells
• C. Villi
• D. Crypts of Lieberkühn

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Goblet cells: Goblet cells are specialized cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive tract. While important for maintaining the health of the intestines, goblet cells do not increase the surface area for absorption in the small intestine. B) Paneth cells: Paneth cells are specialized cells found in the small intestine that secrete antimicrobial peptides. They play a role in protecting the intestinal stem cells and maintaining the gut microbiota balance, but they do not increase the surface area for absorption. C) Villi: Villi are microscopic finger-like projections found in the small intestine that increase the surface area available for absorption of nutrients. Each villus contains blood vessels and lacteals (lymphatic vessels) that help absorb nutrients from digested food. D) Crypts of Lieberkühn: Crypts of Lieberkühn are small pits located between the villi

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