Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is not a principal organ of the nervous system?

• A. Brain
• B. Thymus
• C. Ganglia
• D. Spinal cord

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The thymus is not a principal organ of the nervous system; it is part of the immune system. The brain, spinal cord, and ganglia are principal organs of the nervous system. The brain is responsible for processing information, the spinal cord helps transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and ganglia are clusters of nerve cells that support the nervous system's functions. Therefore, the thymus is the correct answer as it is not directly involved in nervous system functions.

2. Which part of the brain controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate?

• A. Cerebrum
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located at the base of the brainstem, controls essential involuntary actions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vital functions necessary for survival. The cerebrum is responsible for voluntary actions, conscious thought, and sensory processing, making it an incorrect choice. The cerebellum primarily coordinates movement, balance, and posture, not involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, and controls the endocrine system, but it is not directly responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

3. Which enzyme functions to break down lactose, a specific sugar found in milk and dairy products?

• A. Catalase
• B. Lipase
• C. Protease
• D. Lactase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. When lactase breaks down lactose, it splits it into two simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used by the body. Catalase is involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect for the specific breakdown of lactose.

4. Which hormone is produced by the adrenal medulla?

• A. Insulin
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Cortisol
• D. Melatonin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the correct hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores to prepare the body for perceived threats. Insulin (Choice A) is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, not by the adrenal medulla. Cortisol (Choice C) is produced by the adrenal cortex and is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Melatonin (Choice D) is produced by the pineal gland and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

5. What does trypsin break down in the body?

• A. Fat
• B. Starch
• C. Proteins
• D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Trypsin is an enzyme that specifically breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by hydrolyzing peptide bonds. It is a key enzyme involved in the digestion of proteins in the body, particularly in the small intestine where it helps in the final stages of protein digestion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because trypsin does not break down fats, starch, or nucleic acids; its primary function is the digestion of proteins.

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