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. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation and conservation of energy?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, promoting relaxation, conserving energy, and facilitating activities like digestion and lowering heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system, which is not the correct answer, triggers the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and releasing adrenaline. The somatic nervous system (choice C) controls voluntary movements, not the autonomic functions related to 'rest and digest.' The central nervous system (choice D) includes the brain and spinal cord and is not specifically involved in the autonomic regulation of bodily functions like the 'rest and digest' response.

3. In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficients represent the:

• A. Number of elements
• B. Ratio of reactants and products
• C. Physical state of the substances
• D. Rate of the reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Number of elements.' In a balanced chemical equation, coefficients represent the ratio of moles of each species involved in the reaction. They indicate the relative number of molecules or formula units of each compound taking part in the reaction. Choice B, 'Ratio of reactants and products,' is incorrect because the coefficients in a balanced equation do not represent the ratio of reactants and products directly, but rather the stoichiometry of the reaction. Choice C, 'Physical state of the substances,' is incorrect because the physical states (solid, liquid, gas, or aqueous) are denoted with symbols next to the chemical formula, not the coefficients. Choice D, 'Rate of the reaction,' is incorrect as coefficients in a balanced equation do not provide information about the rate of the reaction, which is determined by factors like temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

4. Which hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the production of milk in mammary glands during breastfeeding?

• A. Growth hormone (GH)
• B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• C. Prolactin
• D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolactin is the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of milk in mammary glands during breastfeeding. It plays a crucial role in lactation by promoting the development of mammary tissue and the production of milk. Growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) do not directly stimulate milk production in mammary glands. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in the context of stimulating milk production during breastfeeding.

5. What is the role of the spindle apparatus in cell division?

• A. To separate sister chromatids
• B. To move chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell
• C. To form a new nuclear envelope around each daughter cell
• D. To synthesize new DNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spindle apparatus, composed of microtubules, plays a crucial role in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) by ensuring proper chromosome separation and distribution to opposite poles of the cell. This segregation is vital for creating two genetically identical daughter cells in mitosis or four haploid daughter cells in meiosis. Choice A is incorrect because the separation of sister chromatids is specifically carried out by kinetochore fibers within the spindle apparatus. Choice C is inaccurate as the formation of a new nuclear envelope occurs post chromosome segregation. Choice D is incorrect as DNA synthesis does not occur within the spindle apparatus; it takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle.

Similar Questions