Nursing Elites

1. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

• A. sarcomere
• B. tendon
• C. myelin sheath
• D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

2. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

3. Which structure in the body is responsible for detecting light and converting it into signals for the brain?

• A. Iris
• B. Retina
• C. Lens
• D. Pupil

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Retina. The retina in the eye contains specialized cells called photoreceptors that detect light and convert it into neural signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve for visual processing. The iris is responsible for controlling the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil, while the lens helps focus light onto the retina. The pupil is simply the opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.

4. What is the primary function of red blood cells in the cardiovascular system?

• A. To transport oxygen throughout the body.
• B. To fight infection and disease.
• C. To help regulate blood clotting.
• D. To remove waste products from the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by primarily transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs. This essential function is carried out through the interaction of hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the body's tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Red blood cells are not actively involved in fighting infections, regulating blood clotting, or eliminating waste products from the body.

5. How does lymph move through the lymphatic vessels?

• A. By the pumping action of the heart
• B. Due to muscle contractions and breathing movements
• C. Through one-way valves within the vessels
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels due to the presence of one-way valves within the vessels. These valves prevent the backflow of lymph and help propel the fluid forward as muscles contract and relax or due to breathing movements. Unlike blood circulation, the lymphatic system does not rely on the pumping action of the heart to move lymph. Choice A is incorrect because lymphatic circulation does not depend on the pumping action of the heart. Choice B is partly correct as muscle contractions and breathing movements do assist in propelling lymph, but the primary mechanism is the presence of one-way valves within the vessels, making choice C the most accurate answer. Choice D is incorrect as not all options listed contribute to how lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels.

Similar Questions