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. What is a rod-shaped structure that forms when a single DNA molecule and its associated proteins coil tightly before cell division?

• A. Centromere
• B. Chromatid
• C. Chromosome
• D. Gene

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A chromosome is a rod-shaped structure that forms when a single DNA molecule and its associated proteins coil tightly before cell division. It contains the genetic material and is essential for cell division and replication. The centromere is a specific region of a chromosome that plays a role in cell division. A chromatid is one half of a duplicated chromosome, and a gene is a unit of heredity responsible for specific traits. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Chromosome' as it represents the entire condensed DNA molecule during cell division.

3. Which type of cells make up the myelin sheaths?

• A. Glial cells.
• B. Dendrites.
• C. Melanocytes.
• D. Squamous cells.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Glial cells. Glial cells are responsible for producing the myelin sheaths that surround and insulate nerve cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system are types of glial cells that form the myelin sheaths. Choice B, dendrites, are not involved in forming myelin sheaths; they are extensions of neurons that receive signals. Choice C, melanocytes, are cells responsible for producing melanin, not myelin. Choice D, squamous cells, are flat epithelial cells found in various tissues but are not involved in myelin sheath formation.

4. What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

• A. To secrete bile
• B. To secrete digestive enzymes
• C. To absorb nutrients
• D. To transport waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To secrete digestive enzymes.' The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This process aids in the breakdown of food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the small intestine. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the pancreas is not responsible for secreting bile (liver and gallbladder function), absorbing nutrients (small intestine function), or transporting waste (colon function) in the digestive system.

5. Which respiratory structure is responsible for the production of mucus to trap particles and for the movement of cilia to sweep mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract?

• A. Trachea
• B. Larynx
• C. Bronchi
• D. Respiratory epithelium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The respiratory epithelium is the correct answer because it is the tissue lining the respiratory tract responsible for producing mucus to trap particles and containing cilia that sweep the mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract. The trachea, larynx, and bronchi are all structures within the respiratory system but do not specifically carry out the functions described in the question. The trachea is a passage for air, the larynx is involved in sound production and protecting the airway, and the bronchi are airway passages that branch from the trachea to the lungs. Only the respiratory epithelium fits the description of producing mucus and utilizing cilia for particle removal in the respiratory tract.

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