1. The basic unit of communication in the nervous system is called a:

A. Neuron
B. Astrocyte
C. Neurotransmitter
D. Synapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The basic unit of communication in the nervous system is a neuron. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. They form complex networks to relay messages throughout the body. Astrocytes are support cells that help maintain the environment around neurons. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons at synapses. A synapse is a junction between two neurons where communication occurs. However, the primary unit responsible for communication in the nervous system is the neuron, making it the correct answer.

2. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. The electron cloud model depicts electrons existing in distinct energy levels, not fixed orbits, with probabilities of finding them in specific regions.

A. 2 protons and 6 neutrons
B. 2 filled s orbitals and 6 filled p orbitals
C. 2s orbitals with 2 and 6 electrons, respectively
D. 4 filled electron shells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 2 filled s orbitals and 6 filled p orbitals. This notation indicates two electrons in the 2s orbital and six electrons in the 2p orbitals.

3. Which of the following is an example of a nosocomial infection?

A. The common cold contracted from a family member
B. A urinary tract infection (UTI) acquired during a catheterization
C. A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil
D. Food poisoning from undercooked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: A nosocomial infection, also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that is acquired in a healthcare setting. In this case, a UTI acquired during a catheterization procedure is a classic example of a nosocomial infection. Catheterization involves the insertion of a tube into the urinary tract, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary system and lead to an infection. Nosocomial infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings due to the potential for increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Let's review the other options: A) The common cold contracted from a family member - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired outside of a healthcare setting. C) A fungal skin infection from contaminated soil - This is not a nosocomial infection as it is acquired from environmental exposure, not in a healthcare setting.

4. Which type of cell division is responsible for sexual reproduction?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Amitosis
D. Cytokinesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a single cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when two gametes (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Amitosis is a rare form of cell division that does not involve the typical processes of mitosis or meiosis. Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis or meiosis.

5. The energy released during a chemical reaction is called:

A. Kinetic energy
B. Potential energy
C. Heat energy
D. Exothermic energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exothermic means "outward heat," indicating energy is released during the reaction.

6. Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called:

A. Urethra
B. Ureters
C. Renal arteries
D. Renal veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ureters. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The renal arteries and renal veins are blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the kidneys, respectively. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Understanding the anatomy of the urinary system is important for grasping how waste is processed and eliminated by the body.