What is the function of arrector pili muscles?
- A. To control sweat production
- B. To contract and cause goosebumps
- C. To produce sebum
- D. To sense touch
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct function of arrector pili muscles is to contract and cause goosebumps. These small muscles are attached to hair follicles in mammals. When they contract, they cause the hair to stand on end, resulting in goosebumps. This physiological response is often triggered by cold temperatures or emotional states like fear, helping mammals conserve heat or appear larger in threatening situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Arrector pili muscles are not involved in controlling sweat production (Choice A), producing sebum (Choice C), or sensing touch (Choice D).
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Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, is essential for regulating electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body?
- A. Aldosterone
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Cortisol
- D. Insulin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance, specifically by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. Its primary function involves acting on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water while promoting the excretion of potassium. This process is essential for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Epinephrine is associated with the fight or flight response, cortisol is a stress hormone, and insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the correct answer is Aldosterone as it directly targets electrolyte balance, particularly sodium and potassium, in the body.
What is the primary function of the atrioventricular (AV) node within the heart?
- A. Generate the electrical impulse for contraction (pacemaker function)
- B. Transmit the electrical impulse from the atria to the ventricles, regulating the timing of contraction.
- C. Increase blood pressure within the ventricles during systole.
- D. Separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flow in the heart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transmit the electrical impulse from the atria to the ventricles, regulating the timing of contraction. The primary function of the atrioventricular (AV) node is to coordinate the transmission of electrical signals between the atria and the ventricles. It ensures proper timing between atrial and ventricular contractions, allowing for efficient blood pumping through the heart. Choice A is incorrect because the AV node does not generate the initial electrical impulse; that role is typically attributed to the sinoatrial (SA) node. Choice C is incorrect as the AV node does not directly influence blood pressure within the ventricles. Choice D is also incorrect as the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood is primarily achieved by the anatomical structure of the heart (e.g., atria and ventricles) and not the AV node.
What is the process of a gas changing into a liquid called?
- A. Evaporation
- B. Boiling
- C. Condensation
- D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Condensation is the process where gas particles release energy, slow down, and come together to form a liquid. This phase change occurs when the temperature of the gas decreases, causing the particles to lose energy and transition into the liquid state. In condensation, the gas loses heat energy, leading to a decrease in kinetic energy, which allows the particles to come closer together and form a liquid. This transformation is commonly observed when water vapor in the air cools down and turns into liquid water droplets, seen as dew or fog. Evaporation (choice A) is the opposite process where a liquid changes into a gas. Boiling (choice B) is the rapid phase change from liquid to gas that occurs at a specific temperature. Sublimation (choice D) is the direct transition of a substance from the solid phase to the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase.
What is the name for the change in enthalpy (heat) associated with a chemical reaction at constant pressure?
- A. Entropy
- B. Enthalpy
- C. Gibbs free energy
- D. Heat of reaction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Heat of reaction. The heat of reaction, also known as the enthalpy change, is the amount of heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction at constant pressure. Entropy (A) is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system and is not specifically related to heat changes in a chemical reaction. Enthalpy (B) is the total heat content of a system and not just the change associated with a reaction. Gibbs free energy (C) is a measure of the energy available to do work in a system at constant temperature and pressure, but it is not the specific term for the heat change in a chemical reaction.
Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?
- A. Medulla oblongata
- B. Pons
- C. Midbrain
- D. Thalamus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.