Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following functions corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system?

• A. It stimulates the fight-or-flight response.
• B. It increases heart rate.
• C. It stimulates digestion.
• D. It increases bronchiole dilation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the 'rest and digest' system because it promotes activities that occur when the body is at rest, such as digestion. This system helps stimulate digestion by increasing gastrointestinal motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and blood flow to the digestive organs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are functions associated with the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing heart rate, and dilating bronchioles to facilitate more oxygen intake during stressful situations.

2. Where does fertilization, the fusion of sperm and egg, typically occur in the human body?

• A. Ovary
• B. Uterus
• C. Fallopian tube
• D. Vagina

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tube. This is where the sperm and egg meet and fuse to form a zygote. The fallopian tube provides the optimal environment for fertilization as it helps in the transportation of the egg and provides a suitable site for fertilization before the resulting embryo travels to the uterus for implantation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The ovary is where eggs are produced, the uterus is where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a fetus, and the vagina is the canal that leads to the cervix, but fertilization itself does not occur in these locations.

3. Connective tissue provides support and connects other tissues. What is the main component that gives connective tissue its strength?

• A. Collagen fibers
• B. Epithelial cells
• C. Nerve cells
• D. Blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Collagen fibers are the main component that gives connective tissue its strength. Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides structural support and tensile strength to connective tissues, allowing them to withstand stretching and tension. Epithelial cells, nerve cells, and blood cells are not the main components responsible for the strength of connective tissue. Epithelial cells are specialized for covering and lining surfaces, nerve cells transmit signals, and blood cells are involved in various functions like oxygen transport and immune response, but they do not provide the structural strength typical of collagen fibers in connective tissue.

4. Which structure in the lungs is the site of gas exchange?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the blood is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. The trachea (Choice A) is the windpipe that carries air to and from the lungs, but it is not involved in gas exchange. Bronchioles (Choice C) are small air passages within the lungs that branch off from the bronchi, leading air to the alveoli but not directly involved in gas exchange. The diaphragm (Choice D) is a muscle below the lungs that helps in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity, but it is not the site of gas exchange.

5. Which of the following neurotransmitters slows down the activity of neurons to prevent overexcitation?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Dopamine
• C. GABA
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down neuronal activity, helping to prevent overexcitation in the brain. It counterbalances the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of neuronal activity in the brain. Acetylcholine (Choice A) is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions. Dopamine (Choice B) plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control. Serotonin (Choice D) is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep but is not primarily responsible for slowing down neuronal activity to prevent overexcitation.

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