Nursing Elites

1. How many neurons typically comprise a sensory pathway?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sensory pathway generally consists of three neurons: a first-order neuron, a second-order neuron, and a third-order neuron. The first-order neuron carries sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord or brainstem. The second-order neuron then transmits this information to the thalamus or cerebellum. Finally, the third-order neuron projects the sensory input to the cerebral cortex for processing and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical structure of a sensory pathway involving three neurons.

2. Which types of glial cells are in the PNS?

• A. Schwann cells, satellite cells
• B. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes
• C. Microglia, ependymal cells
• D. Satellite cells, oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, which includes Schwann cells and satellite cells as the types of glial cells found in the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cells support neurons and myelinate axons, while satellite cells provide structural support and regulate the microenvironment around neurons in the PNS. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to glial cell types that are typically found in the central nervous system, not the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are primarily located in the CNS, where they perform functions such as providing structural support and forming the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are immune cells found in the CNS responsible for immune defense and maintenance of neural environment, while ependymal cells line the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord, contributing to the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.

3. Which of the following is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pineal gland
• C. Pancreas
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm by producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is essential in controlling the body's internal clock. The thyroid gland, although important for metabolism, is not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms. The pancreas plays a role in blood sugar regulation through insulin production, not in controlling circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions, but the pineal gland is specifically responsible for the circadian rhythm.

4. Which nervous system controls voluntary motor movement?

• A. Parasympathetic
• B. Sympathetic
• C. Autonomic
• D. Somatic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Somatic. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary motor movements. It includes the motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles and allows us to consciously control our movements. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are components of the autonomic nervous system and are not primarily responsible for voluntary motor movements.

5. When you push a book across a table, the book experiences an equal and opposite force from the table. Why doesn't the table move as well?

• A. The table is much heavier than the book.
• B. The force on the book acts in a different direction.
• C. The table has a much larger surface area, distributing the force over a wider area.
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The table is much heavier than the book, so it requires a much larger force to accelerate it. The book is lighter and easier to move, so the force applied to it causes it to move without significantly affecting the table due to the table's greater mass. Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, the force exerted on the book by the table is countered by an equal force exerted on the table by the book, but the table's greater mass resists movement. Choice B is incorrect because the forces are equal and opposite, acting in the same direction. Choice C is incorrect as the surface area does not affect the movement of the table in this scenario. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as the table's greater mass prevents it from moving easily when a force is applied.

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