Nursing Elites

1. Which neuromuscular system controls voluntary movement?

• A. Autonomic
• B. Somatic
• C. Sympathetic
• D. Parasympathetic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Somatic. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. It is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The autonomic nervous system (choice A) controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. The sympathetic (choice C) and parasympathetic (choice D) nervous systems are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system and are responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response and rest-and-digest functions, respectively.

2. What is the term for the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place?

• A. Bronchi
• B. Alveoli
• C. Trachea
• D. Bronchioles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. The alveoli are the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from the air we breathe passes into the bloodstream through the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream passes out of the body through the alveoli. Choice A, Bronchi, are the main airways in the lungs and not the site of gas exchange. Choice C, Trachea, refers to the windpipe, which is a different structure than the alveoli. Choice D, Bronchioles, are smaller airways branching off from the bronchi and are not where gas exchange primarily occurs.

3. What is the term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Cardiac output
• D. Stroke volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blood pressure is the term for the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Heart rate (A) is the number of times the heart beats per minute, cardiac output (C) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and stroke volume (D) is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and the risk of various conditions like hypertension.

4. What is the primary composition of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis?

• A. Keratinized dead cells
• B. Melanocytes
• C. Langerhans cells
• D. Merkel cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is primarily composed of keratinized dead cells. These cells are flattened, fully keratinized, and lack nuclei, serving a protective function for the skin. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, providing skin pigmentation. Langerhans cells are involved in the immune response within the skin. Merkel cells are associated with sensory functions in the skin, particularly in touch sensations. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately reflects the main constituent of the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier against external factors.

5. What type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is the specialized muscle found in the walls of the heart. It contracts involuntarily to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring circulation. Smooth muscle is typically found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, aiding in their functions. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and plays a vital role in movement and posture. Voluntary muscle is a general term for skeletal muscles that are under conscious control, unlike cardiac muscle which contracts involuntarily to maintain the heart's continuous pumping action.

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