Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the esophagus in the digestive system?

• A. To absorb nutrients
• B. To transport food from the mouth to the stomach
• C. To break down food
• D. To absorb water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The esophagus functions to transport food from the mouth to the stomach through a process called peristalsis, which involves a series of muscle contractions that push the food downward along the digestive tract. Absorbing nutrients (Choice A) is typically done in the small intestine, breaking down food (Choice C) is primarily the role of the stomach and small intestine, and absorbing water (Choice D) mainly occurs in the large intestine.

2. Which enzyme found in saliva is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into smaller molecules like sugars?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Amylase
• C. Lipase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase, which specifically targets carbohydrates and breaks them down into smaller molecules like sugars. Pepsin, choice A, is an enzyme found in the stomach that breaks down proteins, not carbohydrates. Lipase, choice C, is responsible for breaking down fats, not carbohydrates. Trypsin, choice D, is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine, not carbohydrates. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect for this question.

3. How are sister chromatids distinguished from homologous chromosomes in meiosis I?

• A. Sister chromatids share the same centromere, while homologous chromosomes have different centromeres.
• B. Sister chromatids have identical DNA sequences, while homologous chromosomes have slightly different sequences due to crossing over.
• C. Sister chromatids repel each other, while homologous chromosomes attract each other during synapsis.
• D. Sister chromatids separate during anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase II.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In meiosis I, sister chromatids are exact copies of each other, containing identical DNA sequences. On the other hand, homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, with one inherited from each parent, and they can have different versions of genes due to genetic recombination during crossing over in prophase I. Choice A is incorrect because homologous chromosomes naturally have different centromeres. Choice C is incorrect as sister chromatids and homologous chromosomes do not exhibit repulsion or attraction during synapsis. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids separate during anaphase II, not anaphase I, while homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I.

4. What is the primary function of nephrons?

• A. Store urine
• B. Filter blood and remove waste products
• C. Produce hormones
• D. Control blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products, excess ions, and water. This process leads to the formation of urine, aiding in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary function of nephrons is not to store urine but to filter blood and eliminate waste products. Choice C, 'Produce hormones,' is incorrect as nephrons primarily focus on filtration rather than hormone production. Choice D, 'Control blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while the kidneys do play a role in regulating blood pressure, it is not the primary function of nephrons within the kidneys.

5. 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.

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