1. Cartilage, a type of connective tissue, provides flexible support in various structures. Which of these does NOT contain cartilage?

A. Ears
B. Joints
C. Muscles
D. Nose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscles do not contain cartilage. Cartilage is a specialized type of connective tissue that provides flexible support in structures like the ears, joints, and nose. Ears have cartilage in their structure, which helps maintain their shape and flexibility. Joints, such as the knee and elbow, have cartilage to cushion and reduce friction between bones. The nose also contains cartilage, forming its shape and structure. Muscles, on the other hand, are made up of muscle tissue and do not contain cartilage. Therefore, muscles are the correct answer as they do not contain cartilage, unlike the other options.

2. Which hormone, produced by the pancreas, is released in response to low blood sugar levels and stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream?

A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: b

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is released in response to low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, glucagon acts to stimulate the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, helping to raise blood sugar levels back to a normal range. Insulin, on the other hand, is released in response to high blood sugar levels and helps to lower blood sugar by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, glucagon is the hormone specifically responsible for stimulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream in response to low blood sugar levels.

3. What is the purpose of the periosteum, the tough outer layer of bone?

A. Produces red blood cells
B. Provides protection and nourishment to bone
C. Forms the joint surface
D. Stores minerals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Provides protection and nourishment to bone.' The periosteum is a tough outer layer of bone that serves multiple functions. It provides protection by acting as a barrier against infections and injuries. Additionally, the periosteum contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the bone cells, aiding in bone growth, repair, and maintenance. While red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not in the periosteum, the periosteum's primary role is to support the overall health and integrity of the bone structure.

4. What literary device is used in the phrase "a heart of gold"?

A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The phrase directly compares someone's good nature to gold, making it a metaphor.

5. A baseball is thrown into the air. At the peak of its trajectory, which of the following forces is acting on the ball?

A. Only gravitational force
B. Only the force of air resistance
C. Both gravitational force and the force of air resistance
D. Neither gravitational force nor the force of air resistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: At the peak, the ball momentarily stops moving upwards. Its inertia keeps it moving horizontally, but there is no force propelling it upwards except for gravity pulling it down.

6. Which of the following is a risk factor for developing kidney stones?

A. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
B. Maintaining adequate hydration with water
C. Having a family history of kidney stones
D. Regularly engaging in moderate exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Having a family history of kidney stones is a risk factor for developing them because genetics play a role in kidney stone formation. Individuals with a family history are more likely to inherit genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones. While consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining adequate hydration with water, and regularly engaging in moderate exercise are generally healthy habits that can help prevent kidney stones, they are not direct risk factors for developing them. Therefore, option C, having a family history of kidney stones, is the correct answer.