When teaching a client about a recent back injury, the nurse explains that the intervertebral discs are composed of which of the following substances meant to serve as a cushion between the bones of the spine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilage , a tough, fibrous cushion between vertebrae, per options A-D. Elastic cartilage is flexible (e.g., ear), dense connective forms tendons, hyaline lines joints. Anatomically, fibrocartilage's annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus absorb spinal shock, making B correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The cardiovascular system's core mission is transporting oxygen and nutrients via blood to every tissue, sustaining cellular life. Comprising the heart, arteries, and veins, it ensures vital substances reach organs while removing waste like carbon dioxide. Unlike systems focused on digestion or hormone production, its relentless circulation underpins all bodily functions. Nurses and doctors rely on this system's efficiency to support recovery and vitality, making it a linchpin in maintaining overall health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Proximal denotes a position nearer to a limb's attachment point, such as the shoulder for the arm. This directional term enhances anatomical precision, contrasting with distal locations farther away. In healthcare, it's vital for describing injury or disease sites like a proximal humerus fracture guiding accurate interventions and fostering clear communication among practitioners.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The urinary system filters blood to remove waste and maintains fluid balance through urine production. Comprising kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, it's distinct from endocrine or circulatory roles, focusing on excretion and homeostasis. Nurses monitor this system to manage conditions like dehydration, ensuring bodily stability through its regulatory functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anatomy maps the body's physical layout bones, organs while physiology explores how these parts work, like heartbeats or digestion. This distinction shapes medical education, with anatomy guiding surgical precision and physiology informing functional treatments. Together, they provide a complete picture, but their unique focuses ensure comprehensive health understanding.