Nursing Elites

1. Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

2. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Medulla oblongata
• C. Thalamus
• D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

3. What is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and learning?

• A. Brainstem
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Cerebrum
• D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cerebrum is the correct answer. It is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and learning. The brainstem (option A) is responsible for basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, not higher cognitive functions. The cerebellum (option B) is responsible for coordination and balance, not higher cognitive functions. The thalamus (option D) acts as a relay station for sensory information, but it is not the largest part of the brain nor responsible for higher cognitive functions.

4. Which of the following constituents of blood is a biconcave disc that is round and flat without a nucleus?

• A. Plasma
• B. Platelet
• C. RBC
• D. WBC

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, RBC (Red Blood Cell). Red blood cells are biconcave discs that lack a nucleus, allowing them to carry oxygen efficiently. Plasma (A) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances. Platelets (B) are cell fragments important for blood clotting. White blood cells (WBCs) (D) are part of the immune system and have a nucleus.

5. Which of the following structures has the lowest blood pressure?

• A. Arteries
• B. Arterioles
• C. Venules
• D. Veins

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Veins have the lowest blood pressure among the listed structures. Blood pressure decreases as blood flows from arteries to arterioles, then to venules, and finally to veins. Veins return blood to the heart under low pressure because they have thinner walls and larger lumens compared to arteries and arterioles. This anatomical difference allows veins to accommodate a greater volume of blood without a significant rise in pressure. Arteries have the highest blood pressure to propel blood away from the heart, followed by arterioles which regulate blood flow to capillaries. Venules collect blood from capillaries and connect to veins, which then carry blood back to the heart at a lower pressure.

Similar Questions