1. What is the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints called?

A. Cartilage
B. Ligaments
C. Tendons
D. Fascia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ligaments. Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at joints. They provide stability and support to the joints, preventing excessive movement that could result in injury. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones and cushions joints. Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, allowing for movement. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, providing support and protection. Therefore, in this case, the term that specifically refers to the tissue connecting bones at joints is ligaments.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the muscular system?

A. Movement
B. Maintaining posture
C. Generating heat
D. Regulating blood sugar levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Regulating blood sugar levels." The muscular system primarily functions in movement, maintaining posture, and generating heat. Muscles contract and relax to allow movement and help us stay upright. They also produce heat through muscle contractions to maintain body temperature. Regulating blood sugar levels is primarily controlled by the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas and hormones like insulin and glucagon. Therefore, this function is not directly related to the muscular system.

4. What kind of bond links amino acids together?

A. Hydrogen bond
B. Ionic bond
C. Disulfide bond
D. Covalent bond

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: Amino acids are linked together by covalent bonds to form proteins. A covalent bond is a strong chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. In the case of amino acids, the covalent bond that links them together is called a peptide bond. This bond forms between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid, resulting in the formation of a peptide chain. Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bonds can also play roles in protein structure and stability, but the primary bond linking amino acids together in a protein chain is the covalent peptide bond.

5. Which word has the same root as "unscathed"?

A. category
B. scar
C. scratch
D. category

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Both "unscathed" and "scratch" relate to damage or physical marks.

6. What is the difference between alpha decay and beta decay?

A. Both release the same type of particle.
B. Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus, while beta decay releases an electron or positron.
C. Alpha decay is more common than beta decay.
D. They both convert one element into another, but in different ways.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alpha decay releases a helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons), while beta decay releases an electron or positron. - Both processes alter the atomic structure and change the element's identity.