Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of tight junctions, specialized regions between animal cells?

• A. Communication between cells
• B. Anchorage between cells
• C. Selective passage of materials
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Selective passage of materials. Tight junctions act as specialized structures between animal cells that create a barrier to the passage of materials. Their primary function is to prevent the leakage of extracellular fluid and control the selective passage of molecules between cells. This selective control is crucial in regulating the movement of substances across cell layers. Tight junctions do not directly facilitate communication between cells or provide anchorage between cells, as their main role is to regulate the passage of materials. Choices A and B are incorrect as tight junctions do not primarily serve for communication or anchorage between cells.

2. Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach and intestines, and is responsible for involuntary contractions to propel substances through the organs?

• A. Cardiac muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Striated muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines, where it performs involuntary contractions to move substances through these organs. Cardiac muscle, found in the heart, is responsible for pumping blood. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and involved in voluntary movements. Striated muscle is a term often used interchangeably with skeletal muscle, which is responsible for voluntary movements but not typically found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines.

3. Blood is carried away from the heart in large vessels known as which of the following?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arteries. Arteries are the large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. They have thick, muscular walls to withstand the high pressure generated by the heart's pumping action. Choice B, Arterioles, are smaller branches of arteries that further divide into capillaries. Choice C, Veins, carry blood back to the heart and have thinner walls compared to arteries. Choice D, Venules, are smaller veins that collect blood from capillaries and merge into larger veins.

4. What is a major structure of the limbic system?

• A. Brainstem
• B. Spinal cord
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Cerebral cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a significant structure of the limbic system responsible for regulating various functions such as emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating responses to stress and emotional stimuli. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The brainstem, although a vital part of the brain, is not a major structure of the limbic system. The spinal cord is not part of the limbic system; it is primarily involved in transmitting sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body. The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions but is not a major structure within the limbic system.

5. 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.

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