Edema, characterized by swelling due to fluid buildup, can be a sign of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Edema is the swelling caused by fluid retention in the body tissues. It can indicate various underlying conditions. Heart failure can lead to fluid buildup due to the heart's ineffective pumping. Liver disease can cause edema by reducing protein production, leading to fluid leakage into tissues. Dysfunction of the lymphatic system can impair fluid drainage, contributing to edema. Therefore, all of the above conditions can manifest with edema, making the correct answer 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are all valid causes of edema, making them incorrect when considered individually. Selecting 'All of the above' encompasses all the possible causes of edema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The stratified squamous epithelium found in the skin is adapted for protection. This type of epithelium forms a tough, protective barrier against physical, chemical, and biological damage. Its multiple layers of cells help prevent the entry of pathogens and reduce water loss from the body, making it essential for shielding the underlying tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because stratified squamous epithelium is not specialized for absorption, secretion, or gas exchange. Instead, its primary function is to protect the underlying tissues and organs from external damage and dehydration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sweat glands play a crucial role in regulating body temperature by producing sweat that evaporates from the skin surface. This evaporation cools the body when it is hot and helps to maintain a stable internal temperature. Sebaceous glands produce oil to lubricate the skin, hair follicles are responsible for hair growth, and Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell in the skin. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Sweat glands' as they are specifically designed to respond to temperature changes by constricting or dilating to help regulate body temperature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Scoliosis most commonly affects the thoracic spine, which is the upper back region. While scoliosis can potentially affect any part of the spine, the thoracic spine is the most frequently involved area. This region is more commonly affected due to the natural structural curves of the spine and the biomechanics of the thoracic area. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) can also be affected by scoliosis, but the thoracic spine is the primary area of involvement in most cases. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it is the part of the spine most commonly affected by scoliosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The acceleration of an object is given by the formula \(a = \frac{F}{m}\), where \(F\) is the net force acting on the object and \(m\) is the mass of the object. In this case, the net force acting on the box is 20 N, and the mass of the box is 10 kg. Plugging these values into the formula, we get \(a = \frac{20}{10} = 2\) m/s².