Nursing Elites

1. What are the chemical messengers that control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of specific target cells called?

• A. Hormones
• B. Neurons
• C. Glands
• D. Second messengers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands in multicellular organisms. They travel through the bloodstream to specific target cells where they regulate various physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Neurons (choice B) are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses and are not responsible for controlling growth, differentiation, or metabolism. Glands (choice C) produce and release hormones but are not the chemical messengers themselves. Second messengers (choice D) are molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction, not the primary chemical messengers controlling growth, differentiation, and metabolism. Therefore, hormones (choice A) are the correct answer as they match the description provided in the question.

2. Which structure in the kidney filters blood to form urine?

• A. Nephron
• B. Glomerulus
• C. Bowman's capsule
• D. Loop of Henle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The glomerulus is a key structure in the kidney responsible for filtering blood. It consists of a network of capillaries that filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, allowing the formation of urine. While the nephron, Bowman's capsule, and Loop of Henle are also essential components of the kidney's filtration system, the glomerulus is specifically involved in the initial blood filtration process. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate, and the Loop of Henle is responsible for reabsorption and concentration of urine, not the initial blood filtration.

3. Which gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.

4. Which plane would you use to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity?

• A. Sagittal
• B. Transverse
• C. Frontal
• D. Coronal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The transverse plane, also known as the horizontal plane, runs horizontally from left to right, dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts. This plane is ideal for separating the abdominal cavity (located below) from the thoracic cavity (located above). The sagittal plane (choice A) divides the body into left and right portions, the frontal plane (choice C) divides the body into front and back portions, and the coronal plane (choice D) is another term for the frontal plane. Therefore, when looking to separate the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity, the transverse plane is the most appropriate choice.

5. What is the function of the large intestine in the digestive system?

• A. To secrete digestive enzymes
• B. To absorb water and form solid waste
• C. To produce bile
• D. To transport nutrients

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter that enters it from the small intestine. This absorption process helps in forming solid waste (feces) by compacting the material and preparing it for excretion. The large intestine does not secrete digestive enzymes, produce bile, or transport nutrients. Therefore, option B, 'To absorb water and form solid waste,' is the correct function of the large intestine in the digestive system.

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