Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which term refers to a position toward the head? Example: The hand is part of the superior extremity.

• A. Superior
• B. Inferior
• C. Medial
• D. Lateral

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Superior.' 'Superior' refers to a position toward the head, while 'inferior' is the term for a position toward the feet. In the given example, the hand belongs to the superior extremity, which includes structures closer to the head. 'Inferior' is incorrect as it refers to a position away from the head or toward the feet. 'Medial' describes a position closer to the midline of the body, while 'lateral' refers to a position farther away from the midline.

3. Where does the digestion of food start?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Stomach
• C. Small intestine
• D. Mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth where mechanical breakdown occurs through chewing, and chemical breakdown begins with saliva. Enzymes in saliva start breaking down carbohydrates, initiating the digestion process. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach and does not play a role in the digestion process. The stomach continues the digestion process after the food leaves the mouth. The small intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, rather than being the initial site of digestion.

4. Which hormone is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and is influenced by light exposure?

• A. Melatonin
• B. Cortisol
• C. Estrogen
• D. Glucagon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, also known as the circadian rhythm. Its production is influenced by light exposure, with levels increasing in the evening in response to darkness, signaling the body that it is time to sleep. Choice B, cortisol, is a stress hormone and does not directly regulate sleep-wake cycles. Choice C, estrogen, is a sex hormone and is not primarily involved in regulating sleep. Choice D, glucagon, is a hormone that increases blood glucose levels and is not related to sleep-wake cycles.

5. What type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines?

• A. Cardiac muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Voluntary muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct type of muscle found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines. It is responsible for movements such as peristalsis, aiding in the movement of food and other materials through the digestive system. Cardiac muscle (Choice A) is found in the heart and is responsible for the heart's contractions, not in hollow organs like the intestines. Skeletal muscle (Choice C) is attached to bones and responsible for voluntary movements, not in hollow organ walls. Voluntary muscle (Choice D) is another term for skeletal muscle, which is under conscious control, unlike smooth muscle in hollow organ walls.

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