Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the epiglottis?

• A. Produces saliva
• B. Senses taste
• C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
• D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

2. When human cells divide by meiosis, how many chromosomes do the resulting cells contain?

• A. 96
• B. 54
• C. 46
• D. 23

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When human cells divide by meiosis, the resulting cells contain 23 chromosomes. This is because meiosis is a cell division process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in cells with a haploid number of chromosomes. In humans, the diploid number of chromosomes is 46. Therefore, after meiosis, the resulting cells have 23 chromosomes, ensuring the correct chromosome number is restored upon fertilization. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the correct chromosome number resulting from meiosis in human cells.

3. Which of the following cell organelles is the site of lipid synthesis?

• A. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• B. ribosome
• C. rough endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle lacks ribosomes on its surface, unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein synthesis. The enzymes present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are responsible for synthesizing lipids such as phospholipids and steroids. Choice B, ribosomes, are responsible for protein synthesis and not lipid synthesis. Choice C, rough endoplasmic reticulum, is involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes. Choice D, Golgi apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not lipid synthesis.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture. It receives inputs from sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other brain regions to fine-tune motor movements. The cerebrum, choice A, is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata, choice C, controls essential functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus, choice D, serves as a relay center for sensory information but is not directly responsible for coordinating muscle movements, balance, or posture.

5. What is the process by which decomposers break down organic matter?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Bioremediation
• C. Decomposition
• D. Nitrification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This process is not related to the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers. B) Bioremediation is the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. While it involves the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants, it is not specifically focused on breaking down organic matter. C) Decomposition is the process by which decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms break down organic matter into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. D) Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrite followed by the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle and is not directly related to the breakdown of organic matter.

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