Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against external factors. The dermis is situated beneath the epidermis and contains structures like blood vessels and hair follicles. Subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis, lies below the dermis and consists mainly of fat tissue, serving functions such as insulation and energy storage. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the outermost layer of the skin.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facilitate the breakdown of antigens. Antibodies are protein molecules produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, known as antigens, in the body. Antibodies bind to specific antigens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells, thereby helping the body to defend against infections and other threats. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because antibodies do not have a direct role in the production of white blood cells, initiation of gluconeogenesis, or promotion of intracellular storage of lipids. The primary function of antibodies is to target and facilitate the destruction of antigens in the body.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The gastrocnemius vein is located lateral to the femoral vein. In anatomical terms, lateral refers to the direction towards the side of the body or away from the midline. In this case, the gastrocnemius vein is positioned to the side of the femoral vein. The term 'distal' refers to being further away from the point of reference, 'superior' indicates a higher position, and 'ventral' refers to the front or anterior aspect of the body. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Lateral.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anterior. The term 'anterior' specifically refers to the front of the body. In anatomical terms, anterior is the opposite of posterior, which means toward the back of the body. Superior and inferior, choices A and C, respectively, refer to top and bottom directions, not front and back. Therefore, 'Anterior' is the most appropriate term for describing a position toward the front of the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Formation of hypothesis. In a scientific investigation, forming a hypothesis is the initial step. A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction based on existing knowledge and observations. It helps guide the experiment and provides a direction for the research process. Without a hypothesis, there is no specific aim or goal for the experiment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they occur after the formation of a hypothesis. Analysis of results and drawing conclusions typically come after the experiment has been conducted, while performing the experiment is done to test the hypothesis formed at the beginning of the investigation.