What is the fatty sheath that insulates some nerve fibers and speeds up signal transmission called?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that surrounds and insulates some nerve fibers, facilitating the rapid transmission of signals along the nerve fibers. Choices B, C, and D (Dura mater, Pia mater, and Arachnoid mater) are layers of the meninges, protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The primary function of the meninges is to protect and support the central nervous system, not to insulate nerve fibers for signal transmission.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Testosterone and estrogen are the primary sex hormones responsible for the development of male and female sex organs, respectively, and the emergence of secondary sex characteristics during puberty. Growth hormone, insulin, and thyroid hormone do not directly influence the development of sex organs and secondary sex characteristics during puberty. Growth hormone primarily regulates growth and metabolism, insulin regulates blood sugar levels, and thyroid hormone controls metabolism and energy levels. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect for this question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the correct answer. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, leading to increased blood calcium levels. It acts on the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream, facilitates the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, and triggers vitamin D activation to boost calcium absorption from the intestines. Choice B, Calcitonin, is incorrect as it works in opposition to PTH by decreasing blood calcium levels through inhibiting calcium release from bones. Choices C and D, Growth hormone and Testosterone, are not directly involved in calcium homeostasis and do not regulate blood calcium levels through bone calcium release mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During exercise, the cardiovascular response includes an increase in blood flow to the muscles to deliver more oxygen and nutrients needed for energy production. This helps to support the increased demand for oxygen and nutrients by the working muscles. Blood pressure typically increases during exercise to help facilitate this increased blood flow to the muscles. Additionally, blood vessel diameter may widen (vasodilation) to allow for more blood flow, rather than narrow. Blood viscosity does not typically thicken during exercise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli in the lungs, leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to excessive mucus production and coughing. Therefore, the correct difference between emphysema and chronic bronchitis is that emphysema damages the alveoli, while chronic bronchitis inflames the airways. Choice B is incorrect because chronic bronchitis is associated with coughing, not emphysema. Choice C is incorrect as chronic bronchitis is typically less reversible compared to emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are commonly seen in smokers, but chronic bronchitis can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as air pollution or genetic predisposition.