Nursing Elites

1. What is the fundamental unit of the nervous system?

• A. Neuron
• B. Nerve
• C. Ganglion
• D. Neuroglia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuron. Neurons are the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system. These specialized cells play a crucial role in transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. While nerves are comprised of bundles of neurons and ganglia consist of clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system, neuroglia serve as support cells for neurons. Neurons are specifically responsible for processing and transmitting information within the nervous system, making them the essential unit of this complex system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as nerves are bundles of neurons, ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system, and neuroglia are support cells for neurons, not the fundamental units responsible for information processing and transmission.

2. 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.

3. What is the tough, fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone?

• A. Fascia
• B. Perimysium
• C. Tendon
• D. Ligament

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tendons are the correct answer as they are the tough, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscle to bone. They play a crucial role in transmitting the forces generated by muscle contraction to the bones, facilitating movement. Fascia surrounds muscles and provides support, perimysium is the connective tissue sheath around muscle fibers, and ligaments connect bone to bone, stabilizing joints, which makes them distinct from tendons.

4. What does the term 'electron configuration' refer to in relation to an atom?

• A. The arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals.
• B. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
• C. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
• D. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The electron configuration of an atom refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's orbitals. This arrangement determines the atom's chemical properties and behavior. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus (option B) is known as the atomic number, which defines the element. The number of neutrons in an atom's nucleus (option C) contributes to the atom's mass number. The number of electrons in an atom's valence shell (option D) is important for understanding the atom's reactivity and bonding behavior, but the electron configuration specifically refers to how electrons are distributed among the different orbitals in an atom.

5. Which of the following functions is NOT performed by the integumentary system, the skin?

• A. Protect internal tissues from injury
• B. Waterproof the body
• C. Help regulate body temperature
• D. Return fluid to the blood vessels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The integumentary system, which includes the skin, performs various functions like protecting internal tissues from injury, waterproofing the body, and helping regulate body temperature. The function of returning fluid to the blood vessels is primarily associated with the lymphatic system, not the integumentary system. The skin contributes to fluid balance by regulating sweating and preventing excessive water loss, but it does not directly return fluid to the blood vessels, making this the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are functions directly related to the integumentary system and are essential for maintaining the body's overall health and well-being.

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