1. Action potentials, the all-or-nothing electrical signals traveling along neurons, are generated by the movement of:

A. Glucose
B. Sodium and potassium ions
C. Neurotransmitters
D. Myelin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium and potassium ions. Action potentials are generated by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane. During depolarization, sodium ions rush into the cell, causing a change in electrical charge. This influx of positive ions triggers the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels, allowing potassium ions to exit the cell during repolarization. Glucose is a source of energy for cells but does not directly generate action potentials. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released at synapses, while myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, speeding up the conduction of action potentials but not directly generating them.

2. The bones of the skull are classified as what type of bone?

A. Long bone
B. Short bone
C. Flat bone
D. Irregular bone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Flat bone. The bones of the skull are classified as flat bones due to their thin, flattened shape. Flat bones provide protection to vital organs and have a broad surface for muscle attachment. Long bones, like the femur, are characterized by their elongated shape, while short bones, such as those in the wrist and ankle, are cube-shaped. Irregular bones have complex shapes and do not fit into the other bone categories. In this case, the flat bones of the skull best fit the classification.

3. What is the name for the tiny particles that make up atoms?

A. Protons
B. Electrons
C. Neutrons
D. Subatomic particles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Protons, neutrons, and electrons are all subatomic particles that make up atoms.

4. Which sentence uses the correlative conjunction "either/or" correctly?

A. You can either come to the party or stay home.
B. Either she will go to the concert, or he will.
C. I'm not sure whether I should go swimming or running.
D. He likes both pizza and pasta, so he can have either.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Option Aa uses "either/or" to present two exclusive options.

5. Which property of a wave determines its energy?

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

Correct answer: b

Rationale: Amplitude is directly related to the energy carried by a wave - higher amplitudes correspond to higher energy waves.

6. What is the function of the pituitary gland?

A. Produces hormones that regulate growth and metabolism
B. Filters blood and removes waste products
C. Stores and releases bile
D. Produces red blood cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the activity of many other endocrine glands in the body. It is located at the base of the brain and produces a variety of hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and blood pressure.