Nursing Elites

1. What is the small repeating unit in the contractile apparatus of skeletal muscle?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Actin
• C. Sarcomere
• D. Myosin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is the smallest repeating unit within myofibrils and is responsible for muscle contraction in skeletal muscle. It consists of overlapping actin and myosin filaments arranged in a highly organized structure that allows for the sliding of filaments during muscle contraction. 'Myofibril' (choice A) is incorrect because it is a larger structure composed of sarcomeres. 'Actin' (choice B) and 'Myosin' (choice D) are incorrect as they are individual proteins that are components of the sarcomere, not the smallest repeating unit itself.

2. What is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?

• A. Produce insulin
• B. Facilitate gas exchange between mother and fetus
• C. Excrete waste products from the fetus
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the placenta during pregnancy is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the mother and the fetus. This ensures that the fetus receives oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide, supporting its growth and development. While the placenta also allows for the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus, its main role is to ensure proper gas exchange. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary role of the placenta is not to produce insulin or excrete waste products from the fetus. Selecting the correct answer, choice B, highlights the crucial role of the placenta in providing oxygen to the fetus and removing carbon dioxide, which are essential for fetal well-being and development.

3. What is the role of the spindle apparatus in cell division?

• A. To separate sister chromatids
• B. To move chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell
• C. To form a new nuclear envelope around each daughter cell
• D. To synthesize new DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spindle apparatus, composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) by ensuring proper chromosome separation and distribution to opposite poles of the cell. This segregation is vital for creating two genetically identical daughter cells in mitosis or four haploid daughter cells in meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because the separation of sister chromatids is specifically carried out by kinetochore fibers within the spindle apparatus. Choice C is inaccurate as the formation of a new nuclear envelope occurs post chromosome segregation. Choice D is incorrect as DNA synthesis does not occur within the spindle apparatus; it takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle.

4. The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens. What type of immune cell is responsible for producing antibodies?

• A. Natural killer cells
• B. Phagocytes
• C. Helper T cells
• D. B cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.

5. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

• A. Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, while motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
• B. Sensory neurons control voluntary muscles, while motor neurons control involuntary muscles.
• C. Sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system.
• D. Sensory neurons detect light, while motor neurons detect sound.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), allowing the brain to receive information about the external environment. On the other hand, motor neurons carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling the brain to control voluntary and involuntary movements. Choice B is incorrect because sensory neurons do not control muscles, and motor neurons control both voluntary and involuntary muscles. Choice C is incorrect as sensory neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system, while motor neurons are located in the central nervous system. Choice D is incorrect because sensory neurons detect various stimuli such as touch, taste, smell, and sound, while motor neurons are not involved in detecting sensory stimuli.

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