Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which cells myelinate neurons in the PNS?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Schwann cells are the glial cells responsible for myelinating neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They form the myelin sheath around axons, which helps in the conduction of electrical impulses. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, myelinate neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes primarily provide support for neuronal function by regulating the chemical environment around neurons and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are part of the immune response in the CNS, where they act as the resident macrophages, playing a role in immune surveillance and response to injury or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells (Choice C) as they specifically myelinate neurons in the PNS, differentiating them from the other cell types mentioned in the choices.

3. Which factor affects the gravitational potential energy of an object the most?

• A. The mass of the object
• B. The distance from the ground
• C. The gravitational force
• D. The shape of the object

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the height or distance from the ground. As the object is raised higher, its gravitational potential energy increases. While the mass of the object influences gravitational potential energy, the distance from the ground has a more significant impact on it. The gravitational force does not directly affect the gravitational potential energy; it is the force that causes the potential energy to change with height. The shape of the object also does not determine gravitational potential energy, as it is primarily determined by the object's position in a gravitational field.

4. Which of the following describes a vector quantity?

• A. Speed
• B. Distance
• C. Mass
• D. Velocity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Velocity is a vector quantity as it encompasses both magnitude (speed) and direction. When describing the motion of an object, it is crucial to consider both aspects. Speed (option A) is a scalar quantity, representing only the magnitude of motion without indicating direction. Distance (option B) is also a scalar quantity, indicating the extent of an object's motion without considering direction. Mass (option C) is a scalar quantity, measuring the amount of matter in an object and not involving direction.

5. Which of the following is NOT an example of a homeostatic mechanism?

• A. Shivering when the body temperature falls.
• B. Increasing heart rate when blood pressure is low.
• C. Weight gain when consuming excess calories.
• D. Secreting insulin to decrease blood sugar concentration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain when consuming excess calories is not an example of a homeostatic mechanism. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The other options listed (A, B, and D) involve physiological responses aimed at restoring balance or stability within the body (e.g., regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels). Shivering, increasing heart rate, and secreting insulin are mechanisms to counteract specific imbalances and maintain internal equilibrium. In contrast, weight gain due to excess calorie intake does not represent a specific regulatory mechanism but rather an outcome of energy imbalance. The body stores excess energy as fat rather than actively regulating a physiological parameter to restore balance.

Similar Questions