Nursing Elites

1. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

2. What is the outermost layer of the dermis, rich in collagen and elastin fibers that provide elasticity to the skin?

• A. Papillary layer
• B. Reticular layer
• C. Stratum basale
• D. Stratum corneum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the reticular layer. This layer is the outermost layer of the dermis that contains abundant collagen and elastin fibers, providing elasticity to the skin. The papillary layer is located beneath the epidermis and is responsible for supplying nutrients to the epidermis, not the outermost layer. The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are produced, not part of the dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells, not a layer of the dermis.

3. Which type of cell secretes antibodies?

• A. Bacterial cells
• B. Viral cells
• C. Lymph cells
• D. Plasma cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that secretes antibodies. Antibodies are essential components of the immune system, as they help in identifying and neutralizing pathogens. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect as bacterial cells and viral cells do not secrete antibodies, and lymph cells are involved in the immune response but do not secrete antibodies like plasma cells.

4. What property of a wave determines the loudness of sound when heard by the human ear?

• A. Frequency
• B. Amplitude
• C. Wavelength
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The amplitude of a wave determines the loudness of sound when heard by the human ear. The greater the amplitude of a sound wave, the louder the sound will be perceived. Frequency (Choice A) refers to the number of wave cycles in a given time period. Wavelength (Choice C) is the distance between two corresponding points on a wave. Velocity (Choice D) is the speed at which the wave travels and does not directly affect the loudness of sound perceived by the human ear.

5. Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through which of the following structures?

• A. Schwann cell
• B. ganglion
• C. synapse
• D. axon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters send chemical messages across the gap between one neuron and another through a structure called the synapse. The synapse is a specialized junction where the axon of one neuron meets the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the signal between the two neurons. Choice A, Schwann cell, is incorrect as Schwann cells are responsible for producing myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system, not for transmitting neurotransmitters between neurons. Choice B, ganglion, is incorrect as ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system and do not directly participate in the transmission of chemical messages between neurons. Choice D, axon, is incorrect as the axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, but it is not the structure across which neurotransmitters travel to communicate between neurons.

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