Nursing Elites

1. What is the main function of the digestive system?

• A. To break down food and absorb nutrients
• B. To regulate body temperature
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To produce hormones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients through the process of digestion. Once the food is broken down, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body for various functions. Choice B, regulating body temperature, is incorrect as it is the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, not the digestive system. Choice C, transporting nutrients, is incorrect as the digestive system primarily focuses on breaking down and absorbing nutrients rather than transporting them. Choice D, producing hormones, is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands and not the digestive system.

2. A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, cells tall and thin, no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?

• A. Epithelial
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Cartilage
• D. Nervous

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Epithelial.' Epithelial tissue is characterized by cells lining surfaces and cavities, such as the stomach. It does not contain blood vessels, and the cells are tall and thin. The absence of an extracellular matrix is typical of epithelial tissue, making it the most suitable choice in this scenario. Connective tissue, like cartilage and nervous tissue, have different characteristics that do not align with the description provided in the question.

3. Which of the following epithelial types is correctly matched with its major function?

• A. Simple squamous epithelium – diffusion
• B. Stratified squamous epithelium – protection
• C. Stratified squamous epithelium – diffusion
• D. Simple columnar epithelium – secretion or absorption

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Simple columnar epithelium is indeed primarily responsible for secretion and absorption due to its tall shape and presence of microvilli, which increase surface area for these functions. Simple squamous epithelium is mainly involved in diffusion, allowing for the exchange of gases or nutrients. Stratified squamous epithelium functions more for protection against mechanical stress and pathogens, as it forms a tough, protective barrier due to its many layers.

4. Which of the following is a structure found in the upper respiratory tract?

• A. Larynx
• B. Pharynx
• C. Esophagus
• D. Trachea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is indeed a structure located in the upper respiratory tract. It acts as a common passageway for both air heading to the lungs and food traveling to the esophagus, making it a vital structure for breathing and swallowing functions. The larynx, trachea, and esophagus are also part of the respiratory and digestive systems but are not specifically located in the upper respiratory tract. The larynx is situated below the pharynx, while the trachea is found below the larynx, and the esophagus is part of the digestive system, not the respiratory tract.

5. Which muscle is responsible for breathing?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal muscles
• C. Rectus abdominis
• D. Pectoralis major

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.

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