Multiple choice
Which set correctly lists the standard vital signs?
- Vision, hearing, reflexes and coordination
- Temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure
- Height, weight, age and body mass index
- Blood glucose, cholesterol, sodium and potassium
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Answer: B. Temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure
The four traditional vital signs are temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure, with oxygen saturation and pain frequently added. They are called vital because they reflect the functions most immediately necessary for life, and a trend across repeated measurements is usually more informative than any single reading.
Multiple choice
Why is the adrenal medulla considered an extension of the sympathetic nervous system?
- Its cells receive their input from the vagus nerve
- Its cells release acetylcholine onto target organs
- Its cells act as modified sympathetic neurons
- Its cells release cortisol during prolonged stress
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Answer: C. Its cells act as modified sympathetic neurons
Chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are innervated directly by sympathetic preganglionic fibers, the position normally held by postganglionic neurons. Instead of forming synapses, they release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood. The adrenal medulla thus converts sympathetic nerve signals into a body-wide hormonal signal.
