Which muscles play a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?
- A. Diaphragm
- B. External intercostal muscles
- C. Internal intercostal muscles
- D. Abdominal muscles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is the main function of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland?
- A. Stimulate metabolism and heat production
- B. Increase calcium absorption from the intestines
- C. Enhance bone growth and development
- D. Lower blood calcium levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).
What is the primary function of the stomach?
- A. To store food and break it down into smaller pieces
- B. To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
- C. To produce enzymes that assist in digesting food
- D. To eliminate waste products from the body
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The main function of the stomach is to store food, churn it, and break it down into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. This process is facilitated by the mixing of food with gastric juices, including stomach acid. The mechanical breakdown in the stomach helps initiate the digestion of food before it progresses to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. Absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Enzymes that aid in digesting food are primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, not in the stomach. The elimination of waste products from the body mainly occurs through the large intestine and rectum, not the stomach.
What is the muscular sac in the female body that nourishes and protects a developing fetus during pregnancy?
- A. Ovary
- B. Fallopian tube
- C. Uterus
- D. Vagina
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the uterus. The uterus is a muscular organ in the female body where a developing fetus is nourished and protected during pregnancy. It is the site where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus. The ovaries produce eggs, the fallopian tubes transport the egg to the uterus for potential fertilization, and the vagina serves as the birth canal and the passage for menstrual blood to exit the body. Therefore, the uterus plays a crucial role in pregnancy by providing a nurturing environment for the developing fetus.
Define 'friction' in terms of opposing motion.
- A. A force that increases motion
- B. A force that accelerates motion
- C. A force that opposes motion
- D. A force that creates motion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Friction is a force that opposes motion. When two surfaces are in contact, friction acts in the opposite direction to the motion or the potential motion between the two surfaces. It resists the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding against each other. Friction hinders or prevents motion rather than promoting it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they suggest that friction increases, accelerates, or creates motion, which is inaccurate. The correct definition of friction is that it opposes motion, making choice C the most appropriate option.
Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Cerebellum
- C. Medulla oblongata
- D. Thalamus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the cerebellum. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and posture. It receives inputs from sensory systems, the spinal cord, and other brain regions to fine-tune motor movements. The cerebrum, choice A, is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata, choice C, controls essential functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus, choice D, serves as a relay center for sensory information but is not directly responsible for coordinating muscle movements, balance, or posture.