Nursing Elites

1. What are the fundamental units of structure and function in all living organisms, including humans, termed?

• A. Muscles
• B. Organs
• C. Tissues
• D. Cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cells are the fundamental units of structure and function in all living organisms. They are the basic building blocks of life and carry out essential functions necessary for an organism to survive and function properly. Muscles, organs, and tissues are composed of cells, but cells are the smallest unit that can carry out all the functions of life. Muscles are made up of muscle tissue, which in turn is composed of muscle cells. Organs are structures made up of different types of tissues working together, and tissues are groups of cells with a similar structure and function. Therefore, while muscles, organs, and tissues are important components of living organisms, cells are the fundamental units that perform all the vital functions of life.

2. What is the function of the pleurae?

• A. To compartmentalize and lubricate the lungs
• B. To facilitate the flow of air
• C. To produce mucus
• D. To serve as the passageway for air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pleurae play a crucial role in compartmentalizing and lubricating the lungs. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This double-layered structure reduces friction between the lungs and the chest wall during breathing movements, allowing smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, 'To facilitate the flow of air,' is incorrect because while the pleurae are involved in the respiratory process, their primary function is not to directly facilitate the flow of air. Option C, 'To produce mucus,' is incorrect as the production of mucus is not a primary function of the pleurae. Option D, 'To serve as the passageway for air,' is incorrect as the passageway for air refers to the air passages like the trachea and bronchi, not the pleurae. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately describes the function of the pleurae.

3. What is the primary composition of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis?

• A. Keratinized dead cells
• B. Melanocytes
• C. Langerhans cells
• D. Merkel cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is primarily composed of keratinized dead cells. These cells are flattened, fully keratinized, and lack nuclei, serving a protective function for the skin. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, providing skin pigmentation. Langerhans cells are involved in the immune response within the skin. Merkel cells are associated with sensory functions in the skin, particularly in touch sensations. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately reflects the main constituent of the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier against external factors.

4. Which organelle is responsible for packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space?

• A. Golgi apparatus
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Ribosomes
• D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins into vesicles for secretion outside the cell or for use within the cell. It acts as a distribution and shipping department for the cell, ensuring proteins are properly processed and sent to their correct destinations like the extracellular space. Golgi apparatus is the correct answer because it directly handles the packaging and secretion of proteins. B) Mitochondria: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and are responsible for generating energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. C) Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, where they translate mRNA into proteins. They are not involved in packaging and secreting proteins into the extracellular space. D) Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a role in protein synthesis and folding, but it is the rough ER specifically that is involved in synthesizing proteins that are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing and packaging. The Golgi apparatus is primarily responsible for packaging and secreting proteins, making it the correct answer for this question.

5. Neurons, the functional units of the nervous system, belong to which tissue type?

• A. Epithelial tissue
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Muscle tissue
• D. Nervous tissue

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system and are specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses. They belong to nervous tissue, which is the primary tissue type of the nervous system. Nervous tissue is composed of neurons and supporting cells called neuroglia. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because epithelial tissue functions mainly in covering and lining body surfaces, connective tissue provides support and structure, and muscle tissue is responsible for movement. Neurons, being the basic functional units of the nervous system, are specifically classified under nervous tissue.

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