Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of the pons?

• A. Center for emotion and motivation
• B. Control production of hormones
• C. Relay messages from the cortex to the cerebellum
• D. Responsible for involuntary actions like breathing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct function of the pons is to relay messages from the cortex to the cerebellum. The pons acts as a bridge between different brain regions, facilitating communication and coordination of movements. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The pons is not the center for emotion and motivation, does not control hormone production, and is not primarily responsible for involuntary actions like breathing. Understanding the role of the pons in relaying messages between brain regions is crucial for comprehending its function in the central nervous system.

2. Which of the following blood vessels carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?

• A. Pulmonary artery
• B. Aorta
• C. Superior vena cava
• D. Inferior vena cava

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The aorta is the correct answer because it is the main artery in the body that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The superior and inferior vena cava are veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

3. During which phase of meiosis do chiasmata structures form?

• A. Prophase I
• B. Prophase II
• C. Metaphase I
• D. Metaphase II

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Chiasmata structures, where crossing over occurs, form during Prophase I of meiosis. This phase is characterized by homologous chromosomes pairing up and crossing over, leading to the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids. Chiasmata are visible points of contact where genetic material has been exchanged, and they play a critical role in genetic diversity. Prophase II is the phase where chromosomes condense again in the second meiotic division, but chiasmata formation occurs in Prophase I. Metaphase I is the phase where homologous chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, not where chiasmata form. Metaphase II is the phase where replicated chromosomes align at the metaphase plate in the second meiotic division, but chiasmata formation occurs earlier in Prophase I.

4. Myelin sheath is a fatty substance that insulates and protects the long extensions of some nerve cells. It is produced by:

• A. Schwann cells
• B. Astrocytes
• C. Neurons
• D. Oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Schwann cells are indeed responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system. These cells wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of nerve impulse conduction. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing the myelin sheath. Astrocytes provide support and maintenance functions for neurons, while neurons are the nerve cells themselves and do not produce myelin. Therefore, the correct answer is Schwann cells as they are specifically involved in myelin production in the peripheral nervous system.

5. What is the feedback mechanism in the endocrine system that helps maintain hormone balance?

• A. Positive feedback, where a hormone stimulates its own release
• B. Negative feedback, where a hormone suppresses its own release
• C. Cascade effect, where one hormone triggers the release of another
• D. Dual hormone system, where two hormones work together

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the endocrine system, negative feedback is the mechanism by which hormone levels are regulated. When hormone levels reach a certain threshold, they signal the body to stop producing more of that hormone, thus maintaining a balance. Negative feedback (option B) is the correct answer as it helps in preventing overproduction of hormones by suppressing their own release. Positive feedback (option A) would lead to an excessive production of hormones, disrupting the balance. The cascade effect (option C) involves one hormone triggering the release of another but does not directly regulate hormone levels. The dual hormone system (option D) refers to two hormones working together but does not specifically address the feedback mechanism for maintaining hormone balance.

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