What is the role of the diaphragm in respiration?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration by contracting and expanding the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion leads to a decrease in pressure inside the lungs, causing air to rush in. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and causing the lungs to deflate. This action increases the pressure in the lungs, leading to air being pushed out. Therefore, the diaphragm's main function is to facilitate the inhalation and exhalation of air by contracting and expanding the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the diaphragm's primary function is not to regulate air pressure in the lungs, store oxygen, or break down carbon dioxide. Instead, its main purpose is to aid in the mechanical process of breathing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting information between the brain and the body. Choices B, C, and D are not part of the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves belong to the peripheral nervous system, whereas the brainstem and cerebellum are components of the brain, distinct from the central nervous system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Red blood cell. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body. White blood cells (Choice A) are part of the immune system and help fight infections, not involved in carrying oxygen. Platelets (Choice C) are responsible for blood clotting, not oxygen transport. Plasma (Choice D) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances like nutrients and waste products, but it does not directly carry oxygen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudoriferous gland. Sudoriferous glands, also known as sweat glands, are responsible for producing sweat to regulate body temperature. Sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and hair. Hair follicles are associated with hair growth, not sweat production. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin for skin pigmentation, not sweat.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland is responsible for maintaining the body's circadian rhythm by producing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is essential in controlling the body's internal clock. The thyroid gland, although important for metabolism, is not directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms. The pancreas plays a role in blood sugar regulation through insulin production, not in controlling circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions, but the pineal gland is specifically responsible for the circadian rhythm.