1. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

A. To trap dust particles
B. To increase lung compliance
C. To produce mucus
D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To increase lung compliance.' Surfactant is a substance produced by the alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension within the alveoli. This helps to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. This action increases lung compliance, which is the ease with which the lungs can be inflated. Trapping dust particles (A) is the role of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system. Surfactant does not produce mucus (C) but rather acts to reduce surface tension. Generating oxygen (D) is the function of the respiratory system as a whole through the process of respiration, and surfactant does not play a direct role in this process.

2. A car is traveling on a curved road. What force keeps the car moving along the curved path?

A. Gravitational force
B. Normal force from the road
C. Air resistance
D. Friction between the tires and the road

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this case, static friction acts between the tires and the road, providing the centripetal force required to keep the car moving in a circle even though it's traveling in a straight line relative to the ground.

3. What is the function of the underlined phrase "with a mischievous grin" in the sentence "He approached her with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling"?

A. Subject
B. Direct object
C. Adverbial phrase
D. Appositive phrase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The underlined phrase modifies the verb "approached" by describing his manner, making it an adverbial phrase.

4. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

A. Skeletal muscle
B. Bony skeleton
C. External ears
D. Bloodstream

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: External ears. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue found in the respiratory tract, where it appears to be stratified but all cells are anchored to the basement membrane. The external ears are lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium to help protect and support the structures of the ear canal. Skeletal muscle (A) is a type of muscle tissue, bony skeleton (B) refers to bones, and bloodstream (D) is a system for blood circulation, which are not related to pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

5. Which phrase best describes the tone of the passage?

A. Humorous and lighthearted
B. Suspenseful and mysterious
C. Objective and informative
D. Critical and judgmental

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage presents factual information without injecting personal opinions or emotions. A, B, and D suggest tones not present in the passage's neutral delivery.

6. What is the main function of the urinary system?

A. Transporting oxygen
B. Fighting off infections
C. Maintaining acid-base balance
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'All of the above.' The main function of the urinary system is not just limited to one specific task but encompasses multiple important functions. It is responsible for maintaining acid-base balance by regulating the pH of the blood through the excretion of acids and bases. Additionally, the urinary system plays a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood and expelling them from the body, which helps in fighting off infections. Moreover, the urinary system is not involved in transporting oxygen, as this function is primarily carried out by the respiratory system. Therefore, 'All of the above' is the correct choice as it includes the comprehensive functions of the urinary system.