Nursing Elites

1. Myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates and protects the long extensions of some nerve cells. It is produced by:

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Schwann cells are indeed responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system. These cells wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing the myelin sheath. Astrocytes provide support and maintenance functions for neurons, while neurons are the nerve cells themselves and do not produce myelin. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells as they are specifically involved in myelin production in the peripheral nervous system.

2. Which process allows for the movement of large molecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, across the cell membrane?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Exocytosis
• C. Active transport
• D. Facilitated diffusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf large molecules or particles by wrapping the cell membrane around them to form a vesicle that is brought into the cell. This mechanism facilitates the movement of large molecules like proteins and polysaccharides across the cell membrane. Exocytosis involves the release of large molecules or particles from the cell, opposite to the scenario described in the question. Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient and is not primarily used for transporting proteins and polysaccharides. Facilitated diffusion entails the movement of molecules aided by transport proteins but is not the primary mechanism for transporting large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides.

3. What is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself?

• A. Degeneration
• B. Regeneration
• C. Hyperplasia
• D. Metaplasia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Regeneration is the correct answer. It is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself. New muscle cells are formed during regeneration to replace the damaged ones, allowing the muscle to heal and regain its function. Degeneration refers to tissue breakdown, hyperplasia is the increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, and metaplasia is the transformation of one type of tissue into another.

4. Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication and coordination between them?

• A. Corpus callosum
• B. Thalamus
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Medulla oblongata

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the corpus callosum. It is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and coordination between them. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, the hypothalamus regulates basic functions like hunger and thirst, and the medulla oblongata controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically connect the two hemispheres of the brain as the corpus callosum does.

5. Which of the following hormones regulates calcium levels in the blood?

• A. Insulin
• B. Parathyroid hormone
• C. Thyroid hormone
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by increasing calcium levels when they are too low. This hormone acts on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to ensure proper calcium balance in the body. Insulin (choice A) is involved in glucose metabolism, not calcium regulation. Thyroid hormone (choice C) primarily regulates metabolism, and while it indirectly influences calcium levels, it is not the primary regulator. Glucagon (choice D) is involved in increasing blood glucose levels, not calcium regulation.

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