NCLEX : General Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #501 : Nclex

Which of the following structures passes through the superior orbital fissure?

Possible Answers:

The ophthalmic nerve (cranial nerve V, branch V1)

All of these

The superior and inferior divisions of oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III)

The trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV)

The abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI)

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

The superior orbital fissure, an opening in the back of the orbit formed by the lesser and greater wings of the sphenoid bone, has several important structures passing through it. These include the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1), the abducens nerve (CN VI), the trochlear nerve (CN IV), and the superior and inferior divisions of oculomotor nerve (CN III). It also transmits various blood vessels and the sympathetic fivers from the cavernous plexus. Injury to this area can cause a wide range of ocular pathologies including pain, diplopia, ptosis, exophthalmos, and vision impairment or vision loss.

Example Question #505 : Nclex

Which of the following is not a fossa of the scapula?

Possible Answers:

The subscapular fossa

The infraspinatus fossa

The suprascapular fossa 

The supraspinous fossa

Correct answer:

The suprascapular fossa 

Explanation:

The scapula has multiple fossa that serve as attachment points of various bones and muscles of the shoulder. Among these are the glenoid fossa, where the head of the humerus articulates with the scapula, the subscapular fossa, which is an attachment for the subscapularis muscle, the infraspinous fossa, to which the infraspinatus attaches, and the supraspinous fossa, to which the supraspinatus muscle attaches. There is no suprascapular fossa on the scapula.

Example Question #22 : Bone Identification

What is the name of the bone that forms the lower part of the jaw?

Possible Answers:

The zygomatic bone

The maxilla

The frontal bone

The mandible

Correct answer:

The mandible

Explanation:

The bone that forms the lower part of the jaw is the mandible. It is the largest and most inferior bone in the face, and articulates with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints. The maxilla forms the upper jaw, while the zygomatic bone forms the cheek and part of the orbit.

Example Question #506 : Nclex

All of the following bones of the skull help form the orbit except __________.

Possible Answers:

The temporal bone

the sphenoid

the palatine bone

the maxilla

Correct answer:

The temporal bone

Explanation:

The orbit is formed by the following bones: the maxilla, the zygomatic bone, the frontal bone, the lacrimal bone, the ethmoid, the sphenoid, and the palatine bone. The temporal bone meets the zygomatic and sphenoid but does not form part of the orbit.

Example Question #507 : Nclex

All of the following bones form the nasal cavity except __________.

Possible Answers:

the vomer

the maxilla

the nasal bone

the sphenoid

Correct answer:

the sphenoid

Explanation:

The nasal cavity is formed by the following bones: the maxilla, the vomer, the nasal bone, the palatine bones, the lacrimal bone, and the ethmoid bone. It is also formed by the nasal conchae and the septal cartilage. The sphenoid forms part of the orbit and multiple sinuses but does not form any art of the nasal cavity directly.

Example Question #201 : General Biology

You are taking care of a 22-year old basketball player who fractured his clavicle while playing in a game. Which of the following blood vessels is most likely to be compromised by the fractured bone? 

Possible Answers:

External carotid artery

Jugular vein

Facial artery

Internal carotid artery

Subclavian artery

Correct answer:

Subclavian artery

Explanation:

The correct answer is "subclavian artery." This is the correct answer because what this question is essentially asking is which of the listed blood vessels is closest to the clavicle, and most likely to be injured by a clavicular fracture based upon its proximity to the clavicle. Of the listed vessels, the subclavian artery is located closest to the clavicle (just inferior to the clavicle bone, as the name, sub-clavian implies). As such, if the clavicle breaks and a sharp fragment is formed, it would be most likely to injure the subclavian artery. 

The internal and external carotid arteries, and jugular vein are located within the neck, but more deep and superior to the clavicle than the subclavian artery. The facial artery is located within the face and as such is located very superiorly to the clavicle bone and is unlikely to be involved by a clavicle fracture.

Example Question #1 : Muscle Identification

The frontalis muscle does which of the following actions?

Possible Answers:

Lifts the eyelids

Raises the eyebrows

Lowers the eyelids

Furrows the brow

Correct answer:

Raises the eyebrows

Explanation:

The frontalis muscle lifts the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead. The brow is furrowed by the corrugator supercilii muscle, and the eye lids are raised by the levator palpebrae superioris and lowered by the orbicularis oculi.

Example Question #21 : Musculoskeletal System And Anatomy

What is the insertion of the masseter?

Possible Answers:

The coronoid process of the mandible

The mandibular condyle

The submandibular fossa of the jaw

The temporal bone

Correct answer:

The coronoid process of the mandible

Explanation:

The masseter is a quadrilateral muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and maxilla and inserts into the coronoid process of the mandible. It's function is to lift the mandible, closing the jaw. 

 

Example Question #511 : Nclex

What is the function of the risorius?

Possible Answers:

Purses the lips

Keeps food between the teeth

Depresses the lower lip

Retracts the angle of the mouth (smiling)

Correct answer:

Retracts the angle of the mouth (smiling)

Explanation:

The risorius is a small facial muscle that originates on the parotic fascia and inserts into the modiolus. It's primary action is to retract the corners of the mouth in smiling. The lips are pursed by the orbicularis oris. The mouth is compressed and food is kept between the teeth by the buccinator muscle. The lower lip is depressed by the depressor labii inferioris.

Example Question #3 : Muscle Identification

What are the origin and insertion of the orbicularis oris?

Possible Answers:

The maxilla and mandible; the skin of the lips

The temporomandibular joint; the buccinator

The zygomatic arch; the modiolus

The mandibular condyle; the fascia of the masseter

Correct answer:

The maxilla and mandible; the skin of the lips

Explanation:

The orbicularis oris, a circular muscle that compresses the lips, originates on the maxilla and mandible and inserts into the skin of the lips

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