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 name of the sheath of connective tissue that surrounds a skeletal muscle?

• A. Epimysium
• B. Perimysium
• C. Endomysium
• D. Myofibril

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Epimysium. The epimysium is the outermost layer of connective tissue that surrounds a skeletal muscle, providing protection and support to the muscle as a whole. Perimysium, which surrounds bundles of muscle fibers known as fascicles, is not the sheath that surrounds the entire muscle. Endomysium surrounds individual muscle fibers, not the entire muscle. Myofibril is a structure within muscle fibers that contains the contractile proteins responsible for muscle contraction, but it is not the sheath of connective tissue surrounding the muscle.

3. What is the main function of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located above the larynx?

• A. To warm and humidify inhaled air
• B. To control the passage of food and air
• C. To produce sound vibrations for speech
• D. To sense the presence of foreign objects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the epiglottis is to control the passage of food and air. It acts as a cover for the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. This mechanism ensures that food safely travels down the esophagus to the stomach, while air simultaneously enters the trachea and moves into the lungs for respiration. Choice A is incorrect as the warming and humidifying of inhaled air primarily occur in the nasal cavity. Choice C is incorrect because sound production for speech involves structures like the vocal cords rather than the epiglottis. Choice D is incorrect as sensing foreign objects is not a primary function of the epiglottis; instead, this role is typically associated with sensory receptors in the respiratory tract.

4. A collection of organs working together to perform a specific physiological function is known as a(n):

• A. Tissue
• B. Organ system
• C. Organelle
• D. Organ

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform specific functions in the body. Each organ within the system has a unique role, but they collaborate to achieve a common physiological function. This collaboration allows the body to carry out complex processes efficiently, demonstrating the interconnectedness and interdependence of different organs within the system. Choice A, 'Tissue,' refers to a group of cells that work together to perform a specific function, not a collection of organs. Choice C, 'Organelle,' is a subunit within a cell that has a specific function and is not a collection of organs. Choice D, 'Organ,' is a single structure composed of different tissues that performs a specific function, not a collection of organs working together.

5. Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

• A. Mouth
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The majority of nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is where the final stages of digestion take place, and it is specialized for absorption with its large surface area and villi that increase nutrient absorption efficiency. The mouth is responsible for mechanical digestion through chewing, the stomach primarily aids in digestion through mixing and breakdown of food, and the large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, with minimal nutrient absorption.

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