Nursing Elites

1. What are the two layers of the spinal cord?

• A. White matter and grey matter
• B. Epithelial and connective tissue
• C. Adipose and muscular tissue
• D. Dermis and hypodermis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White matter and grey matter. The spinal cord is composed of an exterior layer of white matter, which surrounds an interior core of grey matter. White matter consists mainly of myelinated axons, while grey matter contains cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons. White matter is responsible for transmitting nerve signals up and down the spinal cord, while grey matter processes sensory information and initiates motor commands. The other choices (B, C, D) are incorrect as they do not represent the anatomical layers of the spinal cord. Epithelial and connective tissue, adipose and muscular tissue, dermis, and hypodermis are not the layers of the spinal cord but are found in other parts of the body such as skin and organs.

2. What is the significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics?

• A. Predicting the exact outcome of genetic crosses in humans.
• B. Tracing the inheritance of complex traits with multiple contributing genes.
• C. Identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders.
• D. Determining the risk of acquiring a specific mutation de novo.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pedigrees are diagrams that show the relationships within a family and can be used to track the inheritance patterns of specific traits or diseases. While pedigrees can provide information on the inheritance of single gene disorders (such as identifying carriers of dominant genetic disorders, as mentioned in option C), their primary significance lies in studying complex traits with multiple contributing genes. These traits do not follow simple Mendelian inheritance patterns and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. By analyzing pedigrees, researchers can identify patterns of inheritance for complex traits, such as polygenic diseases or traits influenced by gene-environment interactions. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice as it captures the main significance of studying pedigrees in human genetics.

3. Identify the organ responsible for blood filtration.

• A. Liver
• B. Kidneys
• C. Spleen
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Kidneys. The kidneys are the organs responsible for blood filtration in the human body. They filter waste products and excess substances from the blood to produce urine. The liver is primarily involved in detoxification and metabolism, the spleen functions in immune responses and blood storage, and the pancreas aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not primarily serve the function of blood filtration.

4. What is the myelin sheath and what does it do?

• A. A group of nerve cells that perform a specific function.
• B. A fatty substance that insulates some nerve fibers.
• C. A fluid-filled cavity within the brain.
• D. The junction between two neurons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates some nerve fibers. It is made up of specialized cells that wrap around the axons of neurons, providing insulation and speeding up the transmission of nerve impulses. Choice A is incorrect as the myelin sheath is not a group of nerve cells but rather a substance that surrounds nerve fibers. Choice C is incorrect as the myelin sheath is not a fluid-filled cavity within the brain. Choice D is incorrect as the myelin sheath is not the junction between two neurons.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to provide the body with the necessary resources to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. Cortisol, although produced by the adrenal glands, is not responsible for the 'fight or flight' response; it is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

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