Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response?
- A. Somatic nervous system
- B. Parasympathetic nervous system
- C. Sympathetic nervous system
- D. Enteric nervous system
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, triggering the body's automatic response to a perceived threat or danger. This system initiates physiological changes like increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and the release of adrenaline, preparing the body to confront or escape the threat. The somatic nervous system (Choice A) controls voluntary movements, the parasympathetic nervous system (Choice B) is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response to promote relaxation and digestion, and the enteric nervous system (Choice D) regulates the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, they are not associated with the 'fight-or-flight' response.
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When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:
- A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
- B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
- C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
- D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.
What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?
- A. Both release the same type of particle.
- B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
- C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
- D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alpha decay involves the release of a helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. In contrast, beta decay releases an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay). This significant distinction in the particles emitted during the decay processes distinguishes alpha decay from beta decay. Choice A is incorrect because alpha and beta decay release different types of particles. Choice C is incorrect as beta decay is more common than alpha decay in many cases. Choice D is incorrect as it does not specifically address the particles released during alpha and beta decay.
Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores?
- A. Cortisol
- B. Aldosterone
- C. Epinephrine
- D. Insulin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response. It increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy stores to provide the body with the necessary resources to respond to a perceived threat or stressor. Cortisol, although produced by the adrenal glands, is not responsible for the 'fight or flight' response; it is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Aldosterone, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, primarily regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.
During embryonic development, most vertebrates exhibit structures called pharyngeal pouches. These pouches eventually develop into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the human jaw and inner ear. Pharyngeal pouches are an example of:
- A. Analogous structures with different evolutionary origins but similar functions
- B. Homologous structures with a common evolutionary origin but diverse functions
- C. Vestigial structures that no longer serve a vital function in some organisms
- D. Atavisms, the reappearance of a trait absent in recent generations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates are an example of homologous structures because they share a common evolutionary origin. Despite developing into different structures in various vertebrate groups, such as the jaw and inner ear in humans, these structures originated from the same ancestral feature. This concept of homology highlights the evolutionary relationship between different species and how structures can be modified over time to serve different functions while retaining a common origin. Choice A is incorrect because analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins, which does not apply to pharyngeal pouches. Choice C is incorrect as vestigial structures are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function, which is not the case for pharyngeal pouches. Choice D is incorrect because atavisms refer to the reappearance of traits absent in recent generations, which is not the characteristic of pharyngeal pouches.
What is the term for a solution with a pH value less than 7?
- A. Acidic
- B. Neutral
- C. Alkaline
- D. Basic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Solutions with a pH less than 7 are classified as acidic. pH values below 7 indicate an acidic solution, which means it has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they describe neutral (pH 7), alkaline (pH greater than 7), and basic (another term for alkaline), respectively, which are not applicable to solutions with a pH less than 7.