1. Which type of glial cell provides structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system?

A. Schwann cells
B. Astrocytes
C. Oligodendrocytes
D. Microglia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are a type of glial cell found in the central nervous system that provide structural support and insulation for neurons by forming myelin sheaths around axons. Schwann cells, on the other hand, are found in the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes play a role in nutrient transfer and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are responsible for immune defense and clearing debris in the CNS. Therefore, oligodendrocytes are specifically responsible for providing structural support and insulation for neurons in the central nervous system.

2. Chyle, a milky white fluid, is transported by lymphatic vessels from the:

A. Lungs
B. Intestines
C. Kidneys
D. Skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intestines. Chyle is a milky white fluid that is formed in the small intestine during digestion, mainly from the absorption of dietary fats. It is rich in fats and lymphocytes. Lymphatic vessels in the intestines, called lacteals, absorb the chyle and transport it through the lymphatic system. Chyle eventually enters the bloodstream via the thoracic duct. The lungs are responsible for gas exchange, not the transport of chyle. The kidneys are involved in filtering blood and producing urine. The skin is the body's largest organ responsible for protection, temperature regulation, and sensation, but it is not involved in transporting chyle.

3. Which of the following is the primary function of the cell membrane?

A. To provide structural support for the cell
B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, plays a crucial role in regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable, meaning it allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others. This function is essential for maintaining the internal environment of the cell and ensuring that necessary nutrients can enter the cell while waste products and other substances can exit. While the cell membrane does provide some structural support for the cell, its primary function is to control the transport of substances. The synthesis of proteins and lipids primarily occurs in other cellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, while storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus.

4. Which of the following is an example of a chemical property of matter?

A. Boiling point
B. Flammability
C. Density
D. Conductivity

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Chemical properties describe how a substance reacts with other substances, such as its ability to burn (flammability) or react with acids or bases.

5. The "master gland" of the endocrine system, located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands is the:

A. Thyroid gland
B. Pituitary gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it plays a crucial role in regulating other endocrine glands in the body. It is located at the base of the brain and secretes various hormones that control functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. The thyroid gland (A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (C) produces hormones involved in stress response, and the pancreas (D) is primarily responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin production, but they do not serve as the master gland of the endocrine system.

6. Which muscular pouch in the upper left abdomen stores food after swallowing and begins mechanical and chemical digestion?

A. Esophagus
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Large intestine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stomach. The stomach is the muscular pouch in the upper left abdomen that stores food after swallowing. It is responsible for beginning both mechanical and chemical digestion processes. Once food enters the stomach, it is mixed with gastric juices and enzymes that break down the food into smaller particles. The stomach also contracts and relaxes to further mix the food with digestive juices. The esophagus is a tube that connects the throat to the stomach and does not store food or participate in digestion. The small intestine and large intestine are parts of the digestive system, but they are not muscular pouches in the upper left abdomen responsible for storing and digesting food.