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. Water is capable of dissolving many substances that organisms need to carry out life functions. Which of the properties of water listed below is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds?

• A. adhesion
• B. cohesion
• C. high specific heat
• D. high polarity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The property of water that is responsible for its ability to dissolve important nutrients like ionic salt compounds is its high polarity. Water is a polar molecule with a positive and negative end, which allows it to attract and surround individual ions from salt compounds, causing them to dissociate and dissolve in water. This property makes water an excellent solvent for various substances necessary for life functions. Adhesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick to other substances, cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, and high specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of water. While these properties are important characteristics of water, they are not directly responsible for its ability to dissolve ionic salt compounds.

3. Memory B cells and memory T cells are crucial for immunological memory. How does immunological memory enhance the immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen?

• A. It increases the production of the same ineffective antibodies.
• B. It allows for a quicker and more robust immune response.
• C. It suppresses the immune system to prevent overreaction.
• D. It triggers a completely different immune response.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immunological memory enhances the immune response upon re-exposure to a pathogen by allowing for a quicker and more robust immune response. Memory B cells and memory T cells are primed to recognize the pathogen quickly and mount a faster and more effective response, leading to a more efficient clearance of the pathogen. Choice A is incorrect because immunological memory does not increase the production of ineffective antibodies but rather promotes the production of specific antibodies that are effective against the pathogen. Choice C is incorrect as immunological memory does not suppress the immune system; instead, it enhances the response. Choice D is incorrect because immunological memory leads to a recall of the specific immune response mounted during the initial exposure, not a completely different response.

4. Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers. This is called

• A. Atrophy
• B. Hypertrophy
• C. DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• D. Spasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle soreness after exercise is often caused by microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Atrophy refers to the wasting away of muscle tissue, hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size, and spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. DOMS typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after intense exercise and is characterized by muscle stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. It is a normal response to unfamiliar or strenuous physical activity and indicates that the muscles are adapting to the workload. Therefore, the correct answer is C (DOMS) as it specifically describes the phenomenon of muscle soreness resulting from microscopic tears in muscle fibers, distinguishing it from the other choices which refer to different physiological processes or conditions.

5. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells (option A) perform a similar function but in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes (option B) are involved in providing nutrients to neurons, maintaining the chemical environment, and repairing damage. Microglia (option D) are primarily responsible for immune defense in the central nervous system, not for providing structural support and insulation for neurons.

Similar Questions