What is the longest bone in the human body?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The femur is indeed the longest bone in the human body. It extends from the hip to the knee, providing crucial support for the body's weight and enabling various movements. The tibia and fibula are bones in the lower leg, while the humerus is located in the upper arm. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility as we age is crucial to prevent falls. Strong muscles and good flexibility help improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries, especially in older adults. Falls are a significant concern for the elderly population, and preventing them through muscle strength and flexibility can enhance overall quality of life. Headaches are not directly related to muscle strength and flexibility; they can have various causes such as stress, dehydration, or underlying health conditions. Anxiety is a mental health condition and not directly prevented by muscle strength and flexibility. Similarly, the common cold is a viral infection and is not influenced by muscle strength and flexibility.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the medulla oblongata. This part of the brain, located at the base of the brainstem, is primarily responsible for regulating essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and swallowing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The cerebrum is associated with higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, the cerebellum controls coordination and balance, and the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the medulla oblongata specifically governs the autonomic functions critical for survival.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body by increasing calcium levels in the blood through various mechanisms, such as promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium levels, and thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary hormone released by the parathyroid glands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Corticosteroids, produced by the adrenal cortex, primarily function to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance. One of the key corticosteroids, aldosterone, plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. This regulation is essential for maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because corticosteroids do not primarily regulate insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, stimulate the immune system and inflammatory response, or promote growth and development during puberty. While corticosteroids can have effects on insulin sensitivity, immune response, and growth, their major role is in maintaining blood pressure and electrolyte balance.