Nursing Elites

1. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Oligodendrocytes
• D. Microglia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells (option A) perform a similar function but in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes (option B) are involved in providing nutrients to neurons, maintaining the chemical environment, and repairing damage. Microglia (option D) are primarily responsible for immune defense in the central nervous system, not for providing structural support and insulation for neurons.

2. Which organ of the body compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases?

• A. Appendix
• B. Liver
• C. Pancreas
• D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The liver is the organ that compensates when a person's intake of vitamins decreases. It stores certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, and releases them when dietary intake decreases. This helps maintain the body's vitamin levels and functions. The other organs listed - Appendix, Pancreas, and Stomach - do not primarily play a role in compensating for a decrease in vitamin intake. The liver is crucial in maintaining vitamin balance, making it the correct choice in this context.

3. What are the two primary functions of the respiratory system?

• A. Delivering nutrients and removing CO2
• B. Delivering O2 and removing CO2, maintaining blood pH
• C. Maintaining blood pH and delivering nutrients
• D. Delivering O2 and nutrients to the cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The respiratory system's primary functions include delivering oxygen (O2) to the body's cells for cellular respiration and removing carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby aiding in the maintenance of blood pH. These functions are crucial for gas exchange and the overall metabolic processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as the respiratory system primarily delivers O2, not nutrients, and removes CO2, not delivering it. Choice C is incorrect as while the respiratory system helps maintain blood pH by removing CO2, it does not primarily deliver nutrients. Choice D is incorrect as it combines the functions of delivering O2 and nutrients, which are distinct roles of different systems in the body.

4. In a food chain, which trophic level captures energy from the sun?

• A. Decomposers
• B. Carnivores
• C. Producers
• D. Omnivores

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, are the organisms in a food chain that capture energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis. They convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms in the food chain. Producers are at the base of the food chain and form the foundation for all other trophic levels to obtain energy. Decomposers (option A) break down organic matter, carnivores (option B) consume other animals, and omnivores (option D) consume both plants and animals, but they do not directly capture energy from the sun.

5. Which transport mechanism uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Active transport
• C. Diffusion
• D. Exocytosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exocytosis is the transport mechanism that uses vesicles to move materials out of the cell. Vesicles carry substances to the cell membrane, fuse with it, and release their contents outside the cell. This process is essential for secreting molecules such as hormones, enzymes, or neurotransmitters. Endocytosis, on the other hand, is the process of bringing materials into the cell by engulfing them in vesicles. Active transport involves the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy. Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

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