Moving the limbs (or fingers) apart, away from the midline, is __?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Abduction moves limbs or fingers away from the midline, like spreading arms or fanning fingers, driven by muscles like deltoid or abductor digiti minimi. Adduction brings them toward the midline. Rotation twists around an axis. Extension straightens joints. Abduction's lateral movement, per anatomical planes, makes 'b' the correct action.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The stratum basale, the deepest epidermal layer, produces new skin cells via mitosis of basal keratinocytes, regenerating the epidermis as cells move upward. Stratum corneum is dead, keratinized cells. Stratum granulosum is for keratinization, not division. Stratum spinosum strengthens, not generates. The basale's role as the proliferative base, per skin histology, makes 'c' correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The skeletal system's primary functions include all: hormone production (e.g., osteocalcin from osteoblasts), blood cell production (marrow in long bones), and protection/support (e.g., skull, rib cage), a comprehensive role. No single function excludes others bones multitask. This broad scope, per skeletal physiology, makes 'd' correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, forming the body's central axis for support/protection. Appendicular is limbs/girdles. Pectoral and pelvic girdles are appendicular parts. Axial's midline role, per skeletal division, makes 'b' correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The hyoid bone, free-floating in the neck, anchors tongue and larynx muscles (e.g., genioglossus), aiding speech/swallowing. It doesn't support the skull , protect thorax , or form skull base (d, occipital). Its muscular role, per anatomy, makes 'b' correct.