Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a function of the skeletal system?

• A. To produce red blood cells
• B. To provide structural support
• C. To transport nutrients
• D. To store fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To provide structural support. The skeletal system is primarily responsible for supporting the body's structure, protecting internal organs, facilitating movement, and storing minerals. While bones do play a role in producing red blood cells (hematopoiesis) in the bone marrow, the main function related to the question is providing structural support. Choices C and D are incorrect as the skeletal system is not involved in transporting nutrients or storing fat. The main functions of the skeletal system are related to support, protection, movement facilitation, mineral storage, and hematopoiesis.

2. How does lymph move through the lymphatic vessels?

• A. By the pumping action of the heart
• B. Due to muscle contractions and breathing movements
• C. Through one-way valves within the vessels
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels due to the presence of one-way valves within the vessels. These valves prevent the backflow of lymph and help propel the fluid forward as muscles contract and relax or due to breathing movements. Unlike blood circulation, the lymphatic system does not rely on the pumping action of the heart to move lymph. Choice A is incorrect because lymphatic circulation does not depend on the pumping action of the heart. Choice B is partly correct as muscle contractions and breathing movements do assist in propelling lymph, but the primary mechanism is the presence of one-way valves within the vessels, making choice C the most accurate answer. Choice D is incorrect as not all options listed contribute to how lymph moves through the lymphatic vessels.

3. What is the difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy?

• A. Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes influencing one trait, while pleiotropy involves one gene affecting multiple traits.
• B. Polygenic inheritance is found in simple Mendelian traits, while pleiotropy is found in complex traits.
• C. Polygenic inheritance is always quantitative, while pleiotropy can be qualitative or quantitative.
• D. Both involve multiple genes and multiple traits, but the specific mechanisms differ

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - Polygenic inheritance refers to the situation where a trait is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect to the phenotype. These traits often show continuous variation and are not easily categorized into discrete categories. - Pleiotropy, on the other hand, occurs when a single gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated traits. This means that a mutation in one gene can lead to multiple phenotypic effects across different traits or characteristics. - Therefore, the key difference between polygenic inheritance and pleiotropy lies in the number of genes involved in influencing a trait (multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. one gene in pleiotropy) and the direction of influence (one trait affected by multiple genes in polygenic inheritance vs. multiple traits affected by one gene in pleiotropy).

4. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

• A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
• B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
• C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
• D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.

5. Lymph nodes, found along lymphatic vessels, are important for:

• A. Storing blood
• B. Producing antibodies
• C. Filtering lymph and trapping harmful substances
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lymph nodes are essential for filtering lymph and trapping harmful substances. They are a vital part of the immune system as they remove pathogens and harmful substances from the lymph before it returns to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes do not store blood or produce antibodies, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because lymph nodes do not store blood; they primarily filter lymph. Choice B is incorrect as lymph nodes do not produce antibodies; that function is mainly carried out by specialized cells within the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as lymph nodes do not perform all the functions listed, making it an incorrect answer.

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