Nursing Elites

1. The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occur. What is the finger-like projection in the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption?

• A. Rugae
• B. Villi
• C. Microvilli
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Microvilli are the finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase its surface area for absorption. Villi are also present in the small intestine and help increase the surface area for absorption. However, microvilli are smaller structures found on the surface of villi, further increasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Rugae are folds in the stomach that allow for expansion when food is consumed and are not found in the small intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Microvilli. Villi and microvilli are specific to the small intestine, playing vital roles in nutrient absorption, while rugae are specific to the stomach's structure and function, serving a different purpose than increasing surface area for absorption.

2. Which type of muscle tissue contracts involuntarily and is found in organs like the heart and intestines?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Smooth muscle
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the type of muscle tissue that contracts involuntarily and is found in organs like the heart and intestines. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, like those involved in skeletal system actions. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and contracts involuntarily, but it is distinct from smooth muscle. The heart's muscle is specialized and forms the myocardium, which is not the same as the smooth muscle found in organs like the intestines. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Smooth muscle.

3. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

• A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
• C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
• D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

4. What is the function of the pharynx?

• A. Allow food and air to pass into the body
• B. Warm and moisten air during inhalation
• C. Create a chest cavity at the base of the lungs
• D. Provide structural support to the alveolar region

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Allow food and air to pass into the body.' The pharynx serves as a common pathway for both food and air. It connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the larynx and esophagus, enabling the passage of both food and air into their respective pathways. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the function of the pharynx. Option B is incorrect because the warming and moistening of air primarily occur in the nasal cavity and not in the pharynx. Option C is incorrect as the creation of a chest cavity is mainly related to the thoracic cavity, not the pharynx. Option D is also incorrect as the structural support to the alveolar region is provided by other structures like the alveoli and surrounding tissues, not the pharynx.

5. What is the name of the master gland that regulates the function of many other endocrine glands?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the master gland because it controls the functions of numerous other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that are essential for regulating processes like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (Choice A) primarily regulates metabolism and does not oversee other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus (Choice C) plays a role in regulating the pituitary gland but is not the master gland. The adrenal gland (Choice D) produces hormones related to stress response but is not considered the master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

Similar Questions