Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of the stomach in the digestive system?

• A. To absorb nutrients
• B. To break down proteins
• C. To neutralize stomach acid
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down proteins.' The primary function of the stomach in the digestive system is to break down proteins using gastric acid and enzymes. The stomach's acidic environment aids in protein digestion and prepares food for further processing in the small intestine. Choice A is incorrect because nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the stomach actually produces stomach acid to aid in digestion, not to neutralize it. Choice D is incorrect because regulating body temperature is not a primary function of the stomach within the digestive system.

2. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control. It integrates sensory information from the vestibular system in the inner ear and proprioceptive information from muscles and joints to coordinate voluntary movements. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information before sending it to the cerebral cortex for further processing.

3. What is the function of the rib cage in the human body?

• A. To protect the digestive organs
• B. To protect the lungs and heart
• C. To support movement
• D. To regulate body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rib cage plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs, specifically the lungs and heart, from external injuries. Choice A is incorrect because the rib cage does not primarily protect the digestive organs. Choice C is incorrect as the primary function of the rib cage is not to support movement, but to protect internal organs. Choice D is incorrect as regulating body temperature is not a function typically associated with the rib cage.

4. Which of the following vessels is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body?

• A. Right ventricle
• B. Left ventricle
• C. Pulmonary artery
• D. Aorta

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The aorta is the correct answer because it is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood away from the heart and distributes it to all parts of the body, providing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery, the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta, and the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

5. What are Merkel cells, located in the epidermis, specialized for?

• A. Melanin production
• B. Temperature sensation
• C. Touch perception
• D. Immune defense

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Merkel cells are specialized touch receptors located in the epidermis of the skin. Their primary function is to perceive light touch and pressure. They play a crucial role in the sensory perception of touch stimuli. Option A, melanin production, is incorrect because Merkel cells are not involved in producing melanin. Option B, temperature sensation, is incorrect as Merkel cells are not specialized for sensing temperature. Option D, immune defense, is also incorrect as Merkel cells do not have a role in immune defense mechanisms.

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