Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

• A. Pharynx
• B. Esophagus
• C. Larynx
• D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

2. Which muscle has involuntary cells that are branched and striated and connected by intercalated discs with gap junctions?

• A. Smooth muscle
• B. Cardiac muscle
• C. Skeletal muscle
• D. Epithelial muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle cells fit the description provided in the question; they are involuntary, striated, and branched, with intercalated discs containing gap junctions that allow for synchronized contractions of the heart. Smooth muscle (choice A) lacks striations and is found in the walls of internal organs. Skeletal muscle (choice C) is voluntary and attaches to bones for movement. 'Epithelial muscle' (choice D) is not a valid muscle type, making it an incorrect choice.

3. Which of the following blood proteins can destroy pathogens?

• A. Complement system
• B. Fibrinogen
• C. Major histocompatibility complex
• D. Platelets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Complement system. The complement system is a vital component of the immune system responsible for destroying pathogens through various mechanisms like promoting inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and directly lysing pathogens. Fibrinogen is crucial for blood clotting, the major histocompatibility complex is involved in immune responses, and platelets aid in blood clotting and wound healing. However, none of these directly destroy pathogens as the complement system does.

4. How many molecules of NADPH and ATP are required to reduce 6 molecules of CO2 to glucose via photosynthesis?

• A. 6 NADPH and 9 ATP
• B. 12 NADPH and 18 ATP
• C. 18 NADPH and 24 ATP
• D. 24 NADPH and 36 ATP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During photosynthesis, 12 molecules of NADPH and 18 molecules of ATP are required to reduce 6 molecules of CO2 to glucose. NADPH and ATP are essential energy carriers in the process of photosynthesis. Choice A is incorrect because it underestimates the required molecules of both NADPH and ATP. Choices C and D overestimate the number of molecules needed, making them incorrect answers.

5. Glial cells support and protect neurons within the central and peripheral nervous system. What are they called?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provide support and protection for neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. While the term 'Neuroglia' is often used to refer to glial cells collectively, in this context, the question specifically asks for the name of the cells, making 'Astrocytes' the correct answer. Choice B, 'Neuroglia,' is a general term for all glial cells, not a specific type. Choices C and D, 'Oligodendrocytes' and 'Schwann cells,' are also types of glial cells but are not the primary cells responsible for supporting and protecting neurons as described in the question.

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