Nursing Elites

1. What term refers to the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where communication occurs to initiate muscle contraction?

• A. Sarcomere
• B. Synapse
• C. Tendon
• D. Myofibril

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Synapse.' The synapse is the specific term that refers to the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, where communication occurs to initiate muscle contraction. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released by the motor neuron, triggering the muscle fiber to contract. Choice A, 'Sarcomere,' is incorrect as a sarcomere is the basic unit of muscle contraction, not the point of contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons are fibrous connective tissues that connect muscle to bone, not involved in neuronal communication. Choice D, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as a myofibril is a structure within muscle fibers where muscle contractions occur, not the specific point of contact for communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

2. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that perform several vital functions. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

• A. Filtering waste products from the blood
• B. Regulating blood pressure
• C. Producing red blood cells
• D. Maintaining water balance in the body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The kidneys do not produce red blood cells. This function is carried out by the bone marrow. The primary functions of the kidneys include filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not in the kidneys. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are primary functions of the kidneys, which involve filtering waste products, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining water balance in the body, respectively.

3. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

• A. Myofibril
• B. Sarcomere
• C. Tendon
• D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.

4. The gland located on top of the kidneys responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance is the:

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Parathyroid gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The gland located on top of the kidneys responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland produces hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body. The other choices, thyroid gland (choice A), pituitary gland (choice B), and parathyroid gland (choice D), do not have a primary role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism, the pituitary gland controls various endocrine functions, and the parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body.

5. What type of muscle is found in the walls of the heart?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is the specialized muscle found in the walls of the heart. It contracts involuntarily to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring circulation. Smooth muscle is typically found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels, aiding in their functions. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and plays a vital role in movement and posture. Voluntary muscle is a general term for skeletal muscles that are under conscious control, unlike cardiac muscle which contracts involuntarily to maintain the heart's continuous pumping action.

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