1. Which hormone, produced by the ovaries, is responsible for the development of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and supports early pregnancy?

A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Prolactin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. During the menstrual cycle, progesterone helps to prepare the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy by making it thick and vascularized. If fertilization occurs, progesterone continues to support the early stages of pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining and preventing menstruation. Estrogen also plays a role in the menstrual cycle by stimulating the growth of the uterine lining, but progesterone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine environment suitable for implantation and supporting early pregnancy. Testosterone is a male sex hormone, while prolactin is a hormone involved in milk production after childbirth.

2. The layer of the skin responsible for new skin cell production is the:

A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum spinosum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stratum basale. The stratum basale, also known as the basal layer or stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis responsible for new skin cell production through cell division. This layer contains stem cells that continuously divide and differentiate into keratinocytes, which eventually migrate to the outer layers of the epidermis. The stratum corneum (option A) is the outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead skin cells. The stratum granulosum (option C) is the layer above the stratum basale where keratinocytes undergo changes in their structure. The stratum spinosum (option D) is a layer above the stratum basale where cells become interconnected by desmosomes. Therefore, the stratum basale is the primary layer responsible for the production of new skin cells.

3. A light ray travels from air (refractive index 1.00) into water (refractive index 1.33). What happens to its speed and direction?

A. Speed increases, direction bends towards the normal.
B. Speed increases, direction bends away from the normal.
C. Speed decreases, direction bends towards the normal.
D. Speed and direction remain unchanged.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Due to the change in refractive index, the light ray bends towards the normal (water) as it slows down upon entering the denser medium.

4. What property of a wave is responsible for determining its energy?

A. Amplitude
B. Wavelength
C. Frequency
D. Velocity

Correct answer: a

Rationale: The amplitude of a wave determines its energy, with higher amplitudes corresponding to higher energy levels.

5. When you get a goosebump, which type of muscle tissue is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end?

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Smooth muscle
C. Cardiac muscle
D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When you get a goosebump, the type of muscle tissue responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end is smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the skin attached to hair follicles and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. When stimulated by factors like cold or emotional responses, the smooth muscle contracts, causing the hair to stand up and creating goosebumps. Skeletal muscle (choice A) is responsible for voluntary movements, cardiac muscle (choice C) is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood, and none of the above (choice D) is incorrect as smooth muscle is the correct answer in this case.