1. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis?

A. High blood pressure
B. High levels of LDL cholesterol
C. Regular physical activity
D. Smoking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regular physical activity is NOT a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. In fact, engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis by improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. High blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, and smoking are all known risk factors for atherosclerosis. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, narrowing the passageways and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Smoking is harmful to blood vessels, promoting inflammation and the formation of plaque. Therefore, regular physical activity is actually a protective factor against atherosclerosis rather than a risk factor.

2. Which type of nutrient requires the most complex and lengthy digestion process?

A. Carbohydrates
B. Proteins
C. Fats
D. Vitamins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: Proteins require the most complex and lengthy digestion process among the options provided. When we consume proteins, they need to be broken down into amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This process starts in the stomach with the help of stomach acid and enzymes, continues in the small intestine where more enzymes break down proteins into amino acids, and finally, these amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream for various bodily functions. Carbohydrates and fats also require digestion, but the process for breaking down proteins into amino acids is more complex and time-consuming. Vitamins, on the other hand, do not require digestion in the same way as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, as they are already in a form that can be readily absorbed by the body.

3. The microscopic units responsible for muscle contraction are called

A. Neurons
B. Myofibrils
C. Tendons
D. Sarcomeres

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are the fundamental contractile units of skeletal muscle. They are composed of overlapping actin and myosin filaments that slide past each other during muscle contraction, resulting in muscle shortening. Neurons (A) are nerve cells that transmit signals to and from the brain. Myofibrils (B) are thread-like structures within muscle fibers that contain sarcomeres. Tendons (C) are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, but they are not directly involved in muscle contraction like sarcomeres are.

4. Which of the following factors would NOT affect the solubility of a solid solute in a liquid solvent?

A. Temperature
B. Pressure
C. Particle size
D. Nature of the solute and solvent

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Pressure does not significantly affect the solubility of solid solutes in liquid solvents. The other choices are factors that can influence solubility.

5. The dome-shaped muscular structure that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity is the:

A. Diaphragm
B. Sternum
C. Pericardium
D. Trachea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular structure that plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and flattening during inhalation to increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing the lungs to expand and fill with air. It separates the chest cavity (thoracic cavity) from the abdominal cavity. The sternum (B) is a flat bone in the center of the chest, the pericardium (C) is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart, and the trachea (D) is the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi. Therefore, the diaphragm is the correct answer in this case.

6. What is the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands?

A. Insulin
B. Calcitonin
C. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels and is unrelated to the parathyroid glands. Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps regulate calcium levels but is not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and is also not released by the parathyroid glands. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Parathyroid hormone (PTH).