Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following glands is NOT directly controlled by the pituitary gland?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Adrenal glands
• C. Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
• D. Parathyroid glands

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, regulates various endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands are directly controlled by the pituitary gland through hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) respectively. However, the pancreas, particularly the Islets of Langerhans, is not directly influenced by the pituitary gland. The pancreas is mainly governed by blood glucose levels and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A, the thyroid gland, is controlled by the pituitary gland through TSH. Choice B, the adrenal glands, are regulated by the pituitary gland via ACTH. Choice D, the parathyroid glands, are under the direct control of the pituitary gland through PTH.

2. What property of matter explains why ice floats on water?

• A. Viscosity
• B. Density
• C. Buoyancy
• D. Surface tension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, buoyancy. Ice floats on water due to buoyancy, a property of matter. When water freezes into ice, it becomes less dense than liquid water, causing it to float. This phenomenon occurs because the molecules in ice are more spread out compared to liquid water, resulting in ice being less dense and able to float on the surface. Choice A, viscosity, is incorrect because viscosity refers to a fluid's resistance to flow, not its ability to float. Choice B, density, is incorrect because while ice being less dense than water is the reason it floats, this choice does not explain the specific property that causes this phenomenon. Choice D, surface tension, is incorrect as it pertains to the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface of a liquid, not the reason why ice floats on water.

3. Differentiate between the digestive and respiratory systems.

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - Lungs. The mouth, stomach, and small intestine are all components of the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb. On the other hand, the lungs are part of the respiratory system, which facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment through breathing. While the digestive system processes food for energy and nutrients, the respiratory system is primarily focused on the exchange of gases necessary for cellular respiration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all organs associated with the digestive system and do not pertain to the respiratory system.

4. Which type of muscle tissue is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow by contracting and relaxing to adjust the diameter of the vessels. Skeletal muscle, found attached to bones, is responsible for voluntary movements and is not typically found in blood vessel walls. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and responsible for pumping blood, not found in blood vessel walls. Striated muscle, another term for skeletal muscle, is characterized by its striped appearance under a microscope but is not present in blood vessel walls.

5. What occurs in each of the three phases of the uterine cycle?

• A. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens
• B. Secretory: ovulation occurs
• C. Menstrual: uterine lining sheds
• D. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle. The menstrual phase is when the uterine lining sheds if pregnancy has not occurred. Choice A is a duplicate of the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect as ovulation occurs during the mid-cycle, which is the ovulatory phase, not the secretory phase. Choice C is incorrect because the uterine lining sheds during the menstrual phase, not the secretory phase.

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