Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

• A. To transmit electrical impulses
• B. To insulate and speed up electrical signals
• C. To produce neurotransmitters
• D. To protect the neuron from damage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The myelin sheath serves to insulate neurons and accelerate the transmission of electrical signals along the axon. This insulation helps in the efficient conduction of nerve impulses by preventing signal loss or leakage. Choice A is incorrect because the myelin sheath does not transmit electrical impulses itself but rather helps in the conduction. Choice C is incorrect as the myelin sheath is not responsible for producing neurotransmitters. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary function of the myelin sheath is not to protect the neuron from damage. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it accurately describes the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron.

2. What is the significance of the nuclear envelope breaking down during mitosis?

• A. It allows the chromosomes to condense and become visible.
• B. It allows the spindle apparatus to form and attach to the chromosomes.
• C. It allows the sister chromatids to separate.
• D. It allows the nuclear material to be evenly distributed to the daughter cells.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) The breakdown of the nuclear envelope does not directly cause the chromosomes to condense and become visible. Chromosome condensation is a separate process that occurs before mitosis begins. B) The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is crucial for the formation of the spindle apparatus, a structure made of microtubules that helps separate the chromosomes during cell division. The spindle apparatus attaches to the chromosomes and helps move them to opposite poles of the cell. C) The separation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase, which is facilitated by the spindle apparatus. The breakdown of the nuclear envelope is not directly involved in this process. D) The even distribution of nuclear material to daughter cells is achieved through the movement of chromosomes by the spindle apparatus, which is made possible by the breakdown of the nuclear envelope.

3. 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.

4. Which type of waves do not require a medium for propagation?

• A. Transverse waves
• B. Longitudinal waves
• C. Electromagnetic waves
• D. Surface waves

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can travel through a vacuum. This property allows electromagnetic waves, such as light, radio waves, and X-rays, to propagate through space. In contrast, transverse and longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) for propagation. Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Surface waves, which are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves, also need a medium for propagation. Understanding the distinction between these wave types is essential in various fields, including physics and communication technologies.

5. Which cells myelinate neurons in the PNS?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Schwann cells are the glial cells responsible for myelinating neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They form the myelin sheath around axons, which helps in the conduction of electrical impulses. Oligodendrocytes, on the other hand, myelinate neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes primarily provide support for neuronal function by regulating the chemical environment around neurons and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are part of the immune response in the CNS, where they act as the resident macrophages, playing a role in immune surveillance and response to injury or disease. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells (Choice C) as they specifically myelinate neurons in the PNS, differentiating them from the other cell types mentioned in the choices.

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