1. Which muscle plays a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

A. Diaphragm
B. External intercostal muscles
C. Internal intercostal muscles
D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Internal intercostal muscles. During forced exhalation, these muscles contract to depress the ribs and decrease the thoracic cavity volume, assisting in pushing air out of the lungs. The diaphragm is primarily responsible for inhalation by contracting to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles aid in inhalation by elevating the ribs. Abdominal muscles are involved in activities like coughing, sneezing, and forced exhalation by compressing the abdominal contents to further reduce thoracic volume. Therefore, the internal intercostal muscles have a significant role in forced exhalation.

2. According to Newton's third law of motion, if you push against a wall with a certain force, the wall will push back with:

A. A smaller force
B. An equal force
C. A greater force
D. No force at all

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

3. What is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy called?

A. Respiration
B. Fermentation
C. Photosynthesis
D. Hydrolysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: - Respiration (Option A) is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy. - Fermentation (Option B) is an anaerobic process that also involves the breakdown of glucose to release energy. - Hydrolysis (Option D) is a chemical process that involves the breakdown of molecules by adding water. Photosynthesis (Option C) is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of plants and ultimately sustains life on Earth by providing oxygen for other organisms to breathe and serving as a source of energy in the food chain.

4. The pancreas releases a number of digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Which of the following enzymes is NOT produced by the pancreas?

A. Trypsin (protein digestion)
B. Amylase (carbohydrate digestion)
C. Lipase (fat digestion)
D. Lactase (sugar digestion)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Amylase (carbohydrate digestion). The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down food components. Trypsin is produced by the pancreas for protein digestion, lipase for fat digestion, and lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine for breaking down lactose (sugar). Amylase, on the other hand, is primarily produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars. Therefore, amylase is not a pancreatic enzyme for digestion, making it the correct answer in this question.

5. Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood, sleep, and memory?

A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and memory. It is known as the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter because it helps to promote feelings of well-being and happiness. Serotonin also contributes to the regulation of sleep patterns and plays a role in memory and learning processes. Dopamine is associated with reward and motivation, acetylcholine with muscle movement and cognitive functions, and glutamate with learning and memory as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Therefore, of the options provided, serotonin is the neurotransmitter most closely linked to mood, sleep, and memory.

6. What is kwashiorkor, a protein deficiency disease, characterized by?

A. Muscle wasting
B. Night blindness
C. Scurvy
D. Rickets

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Kwashiorkor is a type of severe acute malnutrition caused by a deficiency of dietary protein. It is characterized by symptoms such as edema (swelling due to fluid retention), skin lesions, an enlarged liver with fatty infiltrates, and muscle wasting. Muscle wasting is a key feature of kwashiorkor due to the body breaking down muscle tissue to obtain essential amino acids for vital functions. Night blindness (option B) is a symptom of vitamin A deficiency, scurvy (option C) is caused by a lack of vitamin C, and rickets (option D) is a condition resulting from a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.