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 property of a substance describes how much matter is packed into a given space?

• A. Mass
• B. Volume
• C. Weight
• D. Density

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Density is the property of a substance that describes how much matter is packed into a given space. It is calculated by dividing the mass of the substance by its volume. Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object, volume is the amount of space an object occupies, and weight is the force of gravity acting on an object's mass. Density specifically relates to how tightly packed the particles of a substance are. In this context, density is the most appropriate answer as it directly addresses how matter is packed into a given space. Mass and weight are related to the quantity of matter and the force of gravity, respectively, but do not directly describe the compactness of matter in a given space. Volume, on the other hand, refers to the space occupied by an object, not the amount of matter packed into that space.

3. Where is keratin found?

• A. It is a protein-digesting enzyme released by the stomach.
• B. It is released in the neuromuscular junction.
• C. It is a protein found in the hypodermis.
• D. It is a protein found in hair.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keratin is a structural protein found in hair, skin, and nails, providing strength and protection. It forms the main structural component of hair, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because keratin is not an enzyme released by the stomach, not released in the neuromuscular junction, and not found in the hypodermis. Remember that keratin is primarily associated with structural support in epithelial cells.

4. When a certain plant is introduced into an area, and the population of a certain insect species declines, what can be concluded from this?

• A. The plant is toxic to the insect in question.
• B. The plant competes with and drives out plants that the insect feeds on.
• C. The insect population was declining anyway; the fact that it happened when the plant was introduced is a coincidence.
• D. All of these explanations may be possible; further investigation is necessary to determine which is true.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The given scenario presents multiple possible explanations for the decline in the insect population with the introduction of a particular plant. It could be due to the plant being toxic to the insect (Option A), competing with and driving out plants that the insect feeds on (Option B), or the decline could be coincidental with the plant introduction as the insect population was already decreasing (Option C). Without further investigation and evidence, it is not possible to definitively determine which explanation is correct. Therefore, all of these possibilities may be true, and thorough investigation is necessary to reach a conclusive conclusion.

5. What is the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

• A. To transmit electrical impulses
• B. To insulate and speed up electrical signals
• C. To produce neurotransmitters
• D. To protect the neuron from damage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The myelin sheath serves to insulate neurons and accelerate the transmission of electrical signals along the axon. This insulation helps in the efficient conduction of nerve impulses by preventing signal loss or leakage. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not transmit electrical impulses itself but rather helps in the conduction. Choice C is incorrect as the myelin sheath is not responsible for producing neurotransmitters. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary function of the myelin sheath is not to protect the neuron from damage. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it accurately describes the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron.

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