Nursing Elites

1. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for stimulating muscle contraction?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. Norepinephrine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction. When an action potential reaches the end of a motor neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, leading to muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that have different functions in the nervous system and are not directly involved in stimulating muscle contraction. Dopamine is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and norepinephrine is involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

2. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

3. Where does fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occur?

• A. Ovary
• B. Fallopian tube
• C. Uterus
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fertilization of the egg by sperm typically occurs in the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, where it may encounter sperm for fertilization. The fallopian tube provides the ideal environment, including necessary nutrients and conditions, for fertilization to take place before the fertilized egg moves towards the uterus for implantation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because fertilization does not occur in the ovary, uterus, or vagina. The ovary releases the egg, the uterus is the site for implantation, and the vagina is part of the birth canal but not the typical site for fertilization.

4. DNA has both a 'sense' and 'antisense' strand. What is true about the antisense strand?

• A. It runs 5' to 3'.
• B. It runs 3' to 5'.
• C. It is used in replication.
• D. It is the direction in which DNA is stored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The antisense strand runs 3' to 5', which is opposite to the direction of the sense strand. It serves as the template strand for transcription, where an RNA molecule is synthesized complementary to the antisense strand. Choice A is incorrect because the antisense strand runs in the opposite direction. Choice C is incorrect as the antisense strand is primarily involved in transcription, not replication. Choice D is incorrect as the direction of DNA storage is not determined by the antisense strand.

5. What is the purpose of the periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone?

• A. Produces red blood cells
• B. Provides protection and nourishment to bone
• C. Forms the joint surface
• D. Stores minerals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone, serves the purpose of providing protection to the bone and nourishing it through the blood vessels it contains. It acts as a protective layer for the bone structures. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periosteum does not produce red blood cells (which is the function of bone marrow), form joint surfaces (which is typically the role of articular cartilage), or store minerals (which is primarily done by bone tissue itself and not the periosteum).

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