Nursing Elites

1. Which organ system is most responsible for maintaining control of body temperature?

• A. The skeletal system.
• B. The circulatory system.
• C. The immune system.
• D. The muscular system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The circulatory system is the correct answer as it plays a crucial role in maintaining control of body temperature through a process called thermoregulation. Blood vessels near the skin surface dilate to dissipate heat when the body is too warm and constrict to reduce heat loss when it's too cold. Additionally, the circulatory system helps distribute heat produced from metabolic processes throughout the body to keep a stable internal temperature. The skeletal system provides structural support, the immune system defends against pathogens, and the muscular system is responsible for movement, but they are not primarily involved in regulating body temperature.

2. What is the primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?

• A. Transport sperm to the uterus
• B. Produce milk for feeding offspring
• C. Produce eggs (ova)
• D. Regulate urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system is to produce eggs (ova). Ovaries are responsible for the production of female gametes. Additionally, they secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Transporting sperm to the uterus is the function of the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries. Producing milk for feeding offspring is the role of the mammary glands, not the ovaries. Regulating urination is a function associated with the urinary system, not the female reproductive system or the ovaries.

3. What is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints called?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Ligaments
• C. Tendons
• D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints, providing stability and support to prevent excessive movement and potential injury. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery connective tissue that covers bone ends at joints. Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Fascia surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and structure to these tissues. In this context, ligaments are specifically the connective tissues that bind bones together at joints, not cartilage, tendons, or fascia.

4. What is the role of RNA interference in silencing genes?

• A. Increases protein production
• B. Promotes gene mutation
• C. Inhibits the expression of specific genes
• D. Repairs damaged DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process that involves the silencing of gene expression by inhibiting the translation of mRNA or by degrading mRNA molecules. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and can be used to selectively silence specific genes. By interfering with the expression of specific genes, RNAi can downregulate protein production from those genes. Therefore, option C, 'Inhibits the expression of specific genes,' is the correct role of RNA interference in silencing genes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because RNA interference does not increase protein production, promote gene mutation, or repair damaged DNA; its primary function is to inhibit gene expression by degrading or interfering with mRNA.

5. Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Synapse
• D. Myelin sheath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The axon is the part of the neuron responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles. It is a long, slender projection covered by the myelin sheath, which speeds up signal transmission. Dendrites, on the other hand, receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs, but it is not responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body.

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