The ______show(s) a remarkable degree of degeneration (involution) with age.
lymph nodes
thymus
spleen
pharyngeal tonsils
appendix
The Correct Answer is B
A. lymph nodes: These structures remain active throughout life, filtering lymph and facilitating immune responses to localized pathogens. While they may experience some architectural changes or fibrosis in very advanced age, they do not undergo programmatic involution. They persist as functional components of the secondary lymphatic system in adults.
B. thymus: This primary lymphoid organ is most active during infancy and childhood when it facilitates the maturation of the T cell repertoire. After puberty, the functional thymic tissue is gradually replaced by adipose and connective tissue in a process called involution. By late adulthood, its capacity for producing new T cells is significantly diminished.
C. spleen: The spleen generally maintains its anatomical integrity and physiological function in healthy aging individuals. While its efficiency in filtering senescent erythrocytes or mounting immune responses might slightly decline, it does not disappear or atrophy significantly. It does not follow the classic pattern of early developmental involution seen in the thymus.
D. pharyngeal tonsils: Commonly known as adenoids, these lymphoid tissues may shrink after childhood but do not undergo the total systemic degeneration characteristic of the thymus. They are part of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue that monitors the upper respiratory tract. Their reduction is more related to the maturation of the immune system.
E. appendix: This vestigial lymphoid structure remains present throughout the human lifespan unless surgically removed. Although it contains lymphatic nodules that may decrease in density as an individual ages, it does not undergo the massive tissue replacement seen in the thymus. It is not considered a primary organ of age-related involution.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. visceral layers of the serous pericardium; parietal layers of the serous pericardium: These terms describe the thin, double-layered membrane that surrounds and protects the heart, forming the pericardial cavity. They are not chambers of the heart but rather protective coverings that facilitate frictionless movement. This choice incorrectly identifies serous membranes as anatomical internal heart cavities.
B. ventricles; atria: This selection inverts the correct anatomical arrangement of the human heart. The ventricles are the thick-walled, inferior pumping chambers that propel blood out into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. The atria are located superiorly to the ventricles and serve as the receiving chambers for returning blood.
C. atria; ventricles: The heart is divided into four chambers, with the two atria serving as the superior receiving chambers and the two ventricles as the inferior pumping chambers. The atria are separated from the ventricles by atrioventricular valves to ensure unidirectional blood flow. This accurately describes the vertical spatial relationship of the heart's internal anatomy.
D. left ventricles; right ventricles: These are the two inferior pumping chambers of the heart, located side-by-side rather than in a superior-inferior arrangement. While they differ in wall thickness and pressure output, both are situated below the level of the atria. They are separated by the thick interventricular septum.
E. left atria; right atria: These represent the two superior receiving chambers of the heart, divided by the interatrial septum. Like the ventricles, they are positioned horizontally relative to one another rather than vertically. They are both located superior to their respective ventricles within the thoracic cavity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. False: Angiotensin-converting enzyme is predominantly expressed in the capillaries of the lungs, though it also exists in other vascular beds. It functions to cleave two amino acids from angiotensin I to produce the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Renin is the specific enzyme that converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.
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