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 system's primary function is protection, sensory reception, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, insulation, and vitamin D absorption?

• A. Nervous system
• B. Integumentary system
• C. Endocrine system
• D. Digestive system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Integumentary system (Option B). The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands, serves various functions such as providing protection against external factors, sensory reception, regulating body temperature (thermoregulation), maintaining water balance (osmoregulation), insulating the body, and absorbing vitamin D from sunlight. The nervous system (Option A) is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. The endocrine system (Option C) produces and secretes hormones to regulate bodily functions. The digestive system (Option D) is involved in breaking down food for nutrient absorption. Therefore, the primary functions described in the question align with those of the integumentary system, making it the correct choice.

3. Differentiate between gene therapy and genetic engineering in the context of human intervention.

• A. Gene therapy aims to modify existing genes within body cells, while genetic engineering manipulates genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring.
• B. Gene therapy focuses on treating genetic diseases, while genetic engineering enhances desirable traits or eliminates undesirable ones.
• C. Both involve directly altering the DNA sequence, but gene therapy targets somatic cells and genetic engineering modifies germline cells.
• D. There is no fundamental difference; both terms are synonymous.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. Gene therapy does aim to modify existing genes within body cells, but genetic engineering does not necessarily manipulate genes in embryos to be passed on to offspring. Genetic engineering can involve modifying genes in any type of cell, not just embryos. B) Correct. Gene therapy is a medical intervention that aims to treat genetic diseases by correcting or replacing faulty genes within an individual's body cells. On the other hand, genetic engineering involves modifying genes to enhance specific traits or eliminate undesirable ones, often in the context of agriculture or biotechnology. C) Incorrect. While both gene therapy and genetic engineering involve altering DNA sequences, the distinction lies in the target cells. Gene therapy targets somatic cells (non-reproductive cells), while genetic engineering typically involves modifying germline cells (reproductive cells that can pass on genetic changes to offspring). D) Incorrect. There is

4. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells (option A) perform a similar function but in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes (option B) are involved in providing nutrients to neurons, maintaining the chemical environment, and repairing damage. Microglia (option D) are primarily responsible for immune defense in the central nervous system, not for providing structural support and insulation for neurons.

5. In which units is the speed of light in a vacuum measured?

• A. Meters per second
• B. Hertz
• C. Candela
• D. Newton

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The speed of light in a vacuum is commonly measured in units of meters per second. This is because the speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum, as defined by the International System of Units (SI). The speed of light is a measure of distance covered by light in a given time, hence it is expressed in meters per second. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hertz is a unit of frequency, Candela is a unit of luminous intensity, and Newton is a unit of force. None of these units are relevant for measuring the speed of light, making 'Meters per second' the correct unit of measurement for the speed of light.

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