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. Two identical balls, one made of clay and the other made of steel, are dropped from the same height. Which ball reaches the ground first, neglecting air resistance?

• A. The clay ball due to its lower density
• B. The steel ball due to its higher density
• C. Both balls reach the ground simultaneously
• D. It depends on the initial velocities of the balls

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the absence of air resistance, both balls will experience the same acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) regardless of their densities or materials. This means that both balls will reach the ground at the same time, assuming they are dropped from the same height simultaneously. The differences in density or material composition do not affect the rate at which objects fall in a vacuum. Therefore, both the clay and steel balls, being identical in shape and starting position, will have the same free-fall acceleration and will hit the ground simultaneously. Choices A and B are incorrect because the density of the materials does not impact the time it takes for objects to fall under gravity alone. Choice D is incorrect as the initial velocities do not play a role in the time taken to fall in a vacuum, where only the acceleration due to gravity affects the motion.

3. Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, regulates calcium levels in the blood by enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and reducing calcium loss in the kidneys?

• A. Calcitonin
• B. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin is the hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates calcium levels in the blood. It enhances calcium absorption in the intestines and reduces calcium loss in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) operates oppositely to calcitonin by increasing calcium levels in the blood. Thyroxine is a thyroid gland hormone that primarily regulates metabolism, not calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for controlling blood sugar levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, the correct answer is Calcitonin as it specifically targets calcium regulation in the body.

4. Which of the following is an example of Mendelian inheritance?

• A. Incomplete Dominance
• B. Polygenic Alleles
• C. Combination Inheritance
• D. Recessive Inheritance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Recessive Inheritance.' Mendelian inheritance involves traits controlled by single genes with dominant and recessive alleles. Incomplete dominance (choice A) is a non-Mendelian inheritance pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes. Polygenic alleles (choice B) involve multiple genes contributing to a single trait, not following Mendelian principles. Combination inheritance (choice C) is not a recognized term in genetics and does not describe Mendelian inheritance patterns.

5. Which neurotransmitter is involved in muscle movement?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Acetylcholine
• C. Serotonin
• D. GABA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movement. It is released from motor neurons at the neuromuscular junction and binds to receptors on muscle fibers, initiating muscle contraction. Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA serve different functions in the brain and body, such as regulating mood, sleep, and inhibitory signaling, respectively. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect in the context of muscle movement.

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