1. The epiglottis is a small flap of cartilage located near the base of the tongue. What is its role during swallowing?

A. Initiates the swallowing reflex
B. Grinds food into smaller pieces
C. Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration
D. Stores saliva for lubrication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a crucial anatomical structure that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food aspiration. When we swallow, the epiglottis folds over the trachea, directing food and liquids down the esophagus instead of entering the airway. This action helps to ensure that the food and liquids go to the stomach for digestion and not into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition. Therefore, option C, 'Covers the trachea to prevent food aspiration,' is the correct role of the epiglottis during swallowing.

2. Urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called:

A. Urethra
B. Ureters
C. Renal arteries
D. Renal veins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ureters. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The renal arteries and renal veins are blood vessels that supply and drain blood from the kidneys, respectively. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Understanding the anatomy of the urinary system is important for grasping how waste is processed and eliminated by the body.

3. The term "bioaccumulate" refers to...

A. The natural decomposition of organic materials.
B. The buildup of a substance in living organisms.
C. The contamination of seawater with chemical pollutants.
D. The physical entanglement of animals with plastic debris.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The passage describes microplastics entering food chains and accumulating in organisms, aligning with bioaccumulation.

4. 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 answer is B: 'To contract and cause goosebumps.' Arrector pili muscles are small muscles attached to hair follicles in the skin. When these muscles contract, they cause the hair to stand upright, resulting in the appearance of goosebumps. This physiological response is a remnant of our evolutionary past when our ancestors had more hair, and the raised hair helped to trap air for insulation or to make them look larger when threatened. Therefore, the function of arrector pili muscles is not to control sweat production (A), produce sebum (C), or sense touch (D), but rather to create the physical response of goosebumps.

5. Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to respond to stressful situations?

A. Somatic nervous system
B. Autonomic nervous system
C. Peripheral nervous system
D. Central nervous system

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, including the 'fight or flight' response. This response is crucial for survival, triggering the body to prepare for action in stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline. The somatic nervous system (A) controls voluntary movements, the peripheral nervous system (C) connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body, and the central nervous system (D) consists of the brain and spinal cord, overseeing all bodily functions but not directly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

6. The framework of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that provides structure, support, and facilitates movement is the:

A. Muscular system
B. Skeletal system
C. Nervous system
D. Endocrine system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Skeletal system. The skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that work together to provide structure, support, and facilitate movement in the body. The bones serve as the framework that supports and protects the body's organs, while cartilage cushions the joints. Ligaments connect bones to each other, and tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement. The muscular system (choice A) consists of muscles that work with the skeletal system to produce movement. The nervous system (choice C) controls and coordinates bodily functions through the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The endocrine system (choice D) regulates various bodily functions through the release of hormones. Therefore, the skeletal system is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the framework of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that support and enable movement in the body.