Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is the structure surrounding and protecting the testes, maintaining the optimal temperature for sperm production?

• A. Epididymis
• B. Vas deferens
• C. Scrotum
• D. Prostate gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The scrotum is the structure that surrounds and protects the testes. It plays a vital role in maintaining an optimal temperature for sperm production by adjusting the distance of the testes from the body to regulate the effects of external temperature changes. This mechanism helps to safeguard the viability and quality of sperm by ensuring they develop at the right temperature. The epididymis (Choice A) is a coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored, not the structure surrounding the testes. The vas deferens (Choice B) is a duct that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra, not the protective structure around the testes. The prostate gland (Choice D) is part of the male reproductive system, responsible for secreting fluids that nourish and protect sperm, but it is not the structure that surrounds and protects the testes for sperm production.

3. Which of the following cell organelles is the site of lipid synthesis?

• A. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
• B. ribosome
• C. rough endoplasmic reticulum
• D. Golgi apparatus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle lacks ribosomes on its surface, unlike the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein synthesis. The enzymes present in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are responsible for synthesizing lipids such as phospholipids and steroids. Choice B, ribosomes, are responsible for protein synthesis and not lipid synthesis. Choice C, rough endoplasmic reticulum, is involved in protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes. Choice D, Golgi apparatus, is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion, not lipid synthesis.

4. What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?

• A. Myocytes
• B. Myofibrils
• C. Sarcomeres
• D. Tendons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.

5. What describes a cell’s reaction to being placed in a hypertonic solution?

• A. The cell will shrink as water is pulled out of the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• B. The cell will swell as water is pulled into the cell to equalize the concentrations inside and outside of the cell.
• C. The cell will remain the same size since the concentrations inside and outside the cell are equal to begin with.
• D. The pH inside the cell will drop in order to equalize the pH inside and outside the cell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cell placed in a hypertonic solution has a higher solute concentration outside the cell compared to inside. This creates a concentration gradient that causes water to move out of the cell through osmosis to equalize the concentrations on both sides. As a result, the cell will shrink or undergo plasmolysis, as water is pulled out of the cell. Choice B is incorrect because a hypertonic solution causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage rather than swelling. Choice C is incorrect as a hypertonic solution results in a concentration gradient that leads to water leaving the cell, causing it to shrink. Choice D is incorrect because pH is not directly affected by being placed in a hypertonic solution; the change in solute concentration primarily impacts water movement.

Similar Questions