Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Valves in arteries serve the crucial function of preventing backflow of blood. Arteries carry blood at high pressure away from the heart, and the valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, towards the capillaries, to maintain efficient circulation. Without these valves, there would be a risk of blood flowing backward, compromising the effectiveness of blood circulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A incorrectly suggests that valves maintain high blood pressure for nutrient diffusion in capillaries, which is not their function. Choice C inaccurately compares valves to vestigial traits, like the appendix, implying they serve no purpose, which is untrue. Choice D is incorrect as valves are indeed present in arteries to regulate blood flow, not just in veins.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Epithelial. The epidermis is composed of epithelial cells, specifically called keratinocytes, which are responsible for producing keratin, a protein that provides the skin with strength and flexibility. Epithelial cells form the protective outer layer of the skin and play a crucial role in skin repair and regeneration. Choice A - Osteoclasts are cells involved in bone remodeling, not found in the epidermis. Choice B - Connective tissue cells are not the primary cells found in the epidermis. They are more commonly found in the dermis, providing structural support and elasticity to the skin. Choice C - Dendritic cells are part of the immune system and are present in the skin to help recognize pathogens and activate the immune response. However, they are not the main cell type that composes the epidermis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Myocardium. The myocardium is the cardiac muscle layer that comprises the majority of the heart's muscle mass. It is responsible for the heart's contractions, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body. The endocardium is the innermost layer of the heart lining the chambers, while the epicardium is the outermost layer covering the heart. The fibrous skeleton provides structural support and serves as an attachment point for cardiac muscle fibers. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the primary muscle layer of the heart.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the liver. The liver is responsible for producing bile, regulating blood sugar levels, and detoxifying the blood. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder. The pancreas primarily functions in digestion by producing enzymes and insulin, while the stomach is mainly involved in breaking down food through the secretion of gastric juices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most likely hypothesis based on the information provided is that honeybees are contracting parasites in large droves. Anya observed no geographic patterns in hive deaths and proceeded to analyze honey and bees for further investigation. This suggests that she suspected a widespread issue affecting multiple hives simultaneously, consistent with a scenario where honeybees are being infected by parasites in high numbers, leading to dwindling populations across different locations. The other choices can be eliminated because there is no mention of aggressive species of bees from the South, no evidence pointing to pesticide sensitivity as the cause, and no indication of a correlation with cell phone towers in the information provided.