Nursing Elites

1. What enzyme plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Lipase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Amylase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine. It specifically targets starches and sugars, breaking them down into smaller molecules like maltose and glucose that can be absorbed by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach, not the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates.

2. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced by

• A. Keratinocytes (These cells produce keratin)
• B. Melanocytes
• C. Sebocytes (These cells produce sebum)
• D. Langerhans cells (These cells are part of the immune system)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Melanin gives skin its color and protects it from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Keratinocytes produce keratin, a tough protein that forms the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. Sebocytes produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell found in the skin that play a role in protecting against infections and foreign substances but do not produce melanin.

3. Cartilage, found in joints and the ear, is a type of:

• A. Epithelial tissue
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Nervous tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides support and flexibility to various parts of the body, such as joints and the ear. It is composed of cells called chondrocytes embedded in a matrix of collagen and proteoglycans. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, muscle tissue is involved in movement, and nervous tissue transmits signals. The correct answer is connective tissue because cartilage serves a supportive function in the body.

4. What is the smallest bone in the human body?

• A. Stapes (Middle ear bone)
• B. Patella (Kneecap)
• C. Phalanges (Finger bones)
• D. Ribs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stapes (Middle ear bone). The stapes, located in the middle ear, is indeed the smallest bone in the human body. Despite its small size, the stapes is vital for hearing as it transmits and amplifies sound vibrations, contributing significantly to auditory perception. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, not the smallest bone. Phalanges are the bones in fingers and toes, not the smallest bone overall. Ribs are long bones that protect the chest cavity, not the smallest bone in the body.

5. What is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints called?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligaments
• C. Tendons
• D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints, providing stability and support to prevent excessive movement and potential injury. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers bone ends at joints. Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Fascia surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and structure to these tissues. In this context, ligaments are specifically the connective tissues that bind bones together at joints, not cartilage, tendons, or fascia.

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