Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is NOT a part of a plant cell?

• A. Cell wall
• B. Plasma membrane
• C. Vacuole
• D. Mitochondria

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Cell wall: This is a structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection. B) Plasma membrane: Also known as the cell membrane, it surrounds the cell and regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell. C) Vacuole: This is a storage organelle found in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. D) Mitochondria: Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in both plant and animal cells. They are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Mitochondria, as it is a part of a plant cell.

2. During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:

• A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
• B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
• C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
• D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.

3. Which structure in the ear is responsible for maintaining balance?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Semicircular canals
• C. Eardrum
• D. Auditory nerve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the semicircular canals. These structures in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium by detecting rotational movements of the head. The cochlea is responsible for hearing as it contains the sensory cells for detecting sound vibrations, the eardrum is a membrane that transmits sound waves to the middle ear, and the auditory nerve carries sound signals from the cochlea to the brain for processing. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not primarily associated with maintaining balance.

4. Which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients?

• A. Stomach
• B. Small intestine
• C. Esophagus
• D. Large intestine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. It is lined with specialized cells that facilitate the absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body. While the stomach plays a role in digestion by breaking down food with acid and enzymes, the actual absorption of nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not absorb nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients.

5. During swallowing, what is the role of the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue?

• A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
• B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
• C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
• D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis plays a crucial role during swallowing by covering the trachea to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway, which could lead to aspiration. By acting as a lid over the trachea, it ensures that food passes down the esophagus to the stomach, preventing it from entering the lungs. Choice A is incorrect as the swallowing reflex is a coordinated muscular action involving the tongue and throat muscles. Choice B is incorrect as grinding food into smaller pieces is primarily the function of the teeth and the initial stages of digestion. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of saliva for lubrication is not a function of the epiglottis, but rather involves salivary glands.

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