What is the primary function of the placenta during pregnancy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the placenta during pregnancy is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the mother and the fetus. This ensures that the fetus receives oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide, supporting its growth and development. While the placenta also allows for the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus, its main role is to ensure proper gas exchange. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary role of the placenta is not to produce insulin or excrete waste products from the fetus. Selecting the correct answer, choice B, highlights the crucial role of the placenta in providing oxygen to the fetus and removing carbon dioxide, which are essential for fetal well-being and development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is indeed the most prevalent antibody type in the blood and tissue fluids. Its primary functions include neutralizing toxins and viruses, promoting phagocytosis, and activating the complement system. IgG plays a crucial role in long-term immunity and provides passive immunity to newborns by crossing the placenta, safeguarding them from infections. Immediate allergic reactions are mainly mediated by IgE, not IgG. While IgM is known for activating other immune cells, IgG focuses on other key functions within the immune response, such as neutralizing pathogens and enhancing phagocytosis. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as IgG is primarily involved in neutralizing toxins and viruses, rather than the other options presented.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as less than 60 beats per minute. This condition can result in inadequate blood flow to meet the body's demands. It is crucial to distinguish between bradycardia and tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, as they require different management strategies. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they describe normal, slightly elevated, and significantly elevated heart rates, respectively, rather than an abnormally slow heart rate characteristic of bradycardia. Recognizing bradycardia is essential for appropriate evaluation and intervention in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption as it helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, UVB rays convert a compound in the skin to vitamin D. This vitamin is vital for maintaining bone health and ensuring the overall calcium balance in the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage by free radicals. However, none of these vitamins are primarily responsible for calcium absorption and synthesized in the skin upon sun exposure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for the process of bone formation and breakdown is remodeling. Ossification specifically refers to bone formation, while resorption pertains to bone breakdown. Remodeling encompasses both processes, as it involves the continuous cycle of bone formation and resorption to maintain bone strength and structure. Choice A, 'Ossification,' is incorrect as it only refers to bone formation. Choice B, 'Resorption,' is incorrect as it only refers to bone breakdown. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is incorrect as it includes terms that are not comprehensive of both bone formation and breakdown.