Nokea
The adrenal cortex produces a group of steroid hormones called corticosteroids. What is a MAJOR function of corticosteroids?
- A. Regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels
- B. Control blood pressure and electrolyte balance
- C. Stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response
- D. Promote growth and development during puberty
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
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Which state of matter has a definite shape and volume but can flow?
- A. Solid
- B. Liquid
- C. Gas
- D. Plasma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A liquid is the state of matter that has a definite volume but can flow and take the shape of its container. Solids have a definite shape and volume but do not flow as liquids do. Gases do not have a definite shape or volume but can flow to fill their container. Plasma is a state of matter where the particles are highly energized and do not have a definite shape or volume, thus not fitting the description of having a definite shape and volume while being able to flow.
What is the difference between a ventral and dorsal root of a spinal nerve?
- A. Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information.
- B. Ventral carries sensory, dorsal carries motor information.
- C. Ventral is larger, dorsal is smaller.
- D. Ventral is located anteriorly, dorsal is posteriorly.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventral carries motor, dorsal carries sensory information. In the spinal nerve, the ventral root carries motor information from the spinal cord to the muscles, while the dorsal root carries sensory information from the peripheral sensory receptors to the spinal cord. Therefore, other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as it states the opposite roles of ventral and dorsal roots. Choice C is incorrect as the size comparison between ventral and dorsal roots is not related to their functions. Choice D is incorrect as the terms 'anteriorly' and 'posteriorly' are not commonly used to describe the locations of ventral and dorsal roots in relation to each other.
Which of the following is NOT a typical component of healthy semen?
- A. Sperm
- B. Fructose (sugar)
- C. Prostaglandins
- D. Urine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Healthy semen is composed of sperm, fructose (sugar), and prostaglandins. Urine is not a typical component of semen. While semen is ejaculated during sexual activity, urine is expelled through a separate pathway in the male reproductive system. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Urine.' Choices A, B, and C are all components found in healthy semen.
Which of the following epithelial tissues lines the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus, providing a protective barrier against abrasion from food passage?
- A. Simple squamous epithelium
- B. Stratified squamous epithelium
- C. Simple cuboidal epithelium
- D. Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is stratified squamous epithelium. This type of epithelium is found in areas subjected to mechanical and chemical stresses, such as the lining of the esophagus. The multiple layers of cells provide protection against abrasion from the passage of food. Simple squamous epithelium (choice A) is a single layer of flat cells and is not well-suited for protection against abrasion as it lacks the multiple layers. Simple cuboidal epithelium (choice C) is found in areas where secretion and absorption occur, such as kidney tubules, and is not typically found in the esophagus where protection against abrasion is necessary. Stratified cuboidal epithelium (choice D) is rare in the body and is not a characteristic tissue type of the esophagus, which requires stratified squamous epithelium for its protective function.
Why is maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility as we age important?
- A. To prevent headaches
- B. To prevent falls
- C. To reduce anxiety
- D. To avoid the common cold
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility as we age is crucial to prevent falls. Strong muscles and good flexibility help improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries, especially in older adults. Falls are a significant concern for the elderly population, and preventing them through muscle strength and flexibility can enhance overall quality of life. Headaches are not directly related to muscle strength and flexibility; they can have various causes such as stress, dehydration, or underlying health conditions. Anxiety is a mental health condition and not directly prevented by muscle strength and flexibility. Similarly, the common cold is a viral infection and is not influenced by muscle strength and flexibility.