What is the main component that gives bones their rigidity and hardness?
- A. Collagen
- B. Calcium phosphate
- C. Cartilage
- D. Ligaments
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calcium phosphate is the main component that gives bones their rigidity and hardness. It combines with calcium hydroxide to form hydroxyapatite crystals, which provide strength and structure to bones. Collagen, on the other hand, provides flexibility and tensile strength. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue found in joints, and ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones, but they do not contribute to the rigidity and hardness of bones.
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Following successful heart transplant surgery, the patient's body will need to take medications to:
- A. Suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart.
- B. Reduce overall blood pressure.
- C. Dissolve any remaining blood clots.
- D. Stimulate the growth of new heart tissue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After heart transplant surgery, the patient's body will need to take medications to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the new heart. This is essential to ensure that the body does not identify the transplanted heart as a foreign entity and mount an immune response against it, which could lead to transplant rejection and failure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because post-heart transplant medications primarily focus on preventing rejection by suppressing the immune system, rather than reducing blood pressure, dissolving blood clots, or stimulating the growth of new heart tissue.
Which of the following structures plays a crucial role in controlling the cell cycle and preventing uncontrolled cell growth?
- A. The centrioles
- B. The nucleolus
- C. The Golgi apparatus
- D. The endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The centrioles. Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells that are crucial in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division (mitosis). They play a vital role in separating chromosomes during cell division, ensuring each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. Additionally, centrioles are involved in the formation of cilia and flagella, essential for cell motility and sensory functions. The nucleolus is responsible for ribosome production, the Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. These structures do not have a direct role in controlling the cell cycle and preventing uncontrolled cell growth.
What is the main consequence of a malfunctioning thyroid gland that produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones?
- A. Increased energy levels and weight loss
- B. Decreased heart rate and body temperature
- C. Enhanced muscle growth and bone development
- D. Faster metabolism and heightened alertness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased heart rate and body temperature. A malfunctioning thyroid gland that produces abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones leads to hypothyroidism, resulting in decreased metabolic activity. This reduction in metabolic rate can cause a decreased heart rate and lower body temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypothyroidism typically manifests as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and decreased body temperature, rather than increased energy levels, enhanced muscle growth, faster metabolism, or heightened alertness.
What are the tiny contractile units within muscle cells called?
- A. Myocytes
- B. Myofibrils
- C. Sarcomeres
- D. Tendons
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sarcomeres are the smallest contractile units within muscle cells. They consist of overlapping filaments of actin and myosin proteins, which interact to produce muscle contractions. Myocytes are the entire muscle cells, myofibrils are bundles of protein filaments found within muscle cells, and tendons are tough connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. Therefore, sarcomeres specifically represent the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction, making them the correct answer in this context.
What do hair follicles house in the skin?
- A. Blood vessels (Blood vessels are not housed within hair follicles)
- B. Nerve endings (Nerve endings are present but not housed within hair follicles)
- C. Hair shafts and hair roots
- D. Sebaceous glands (These glands are often attached to hair follicles)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hair follicles are structures in the skin that contain the hair shaft (the visible part of the hair) and the hair root (the part of the hair beneath the skin). The hair shaft is the portion of the hair that is visible above the skin, while the hair root is the part that extends below the surface into the follicle. Therefore, the correct answer is that hair follicles house the hair shafts and hair roots. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because blood vessels are not housed within hair follicles, nerve endings are present but not housed within hair follicles, and sebaceous glands are often attached to hair follicles but not housed within them.