Which blood component is chiefly responsible for clotting?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting. When there is an injury, platelets adhere to the site and release chemicals that help form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Red blood cells transport oxygen, antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, and plasma cells are a type of white blood cell involved in producing antibodies, none of which are primarily responsible for clotting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sperm maturation occurs in the epididymis, a coiled tube located on the back of each testicle. In the epididymis, sperm gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg. It serves as a storage site for mature sperm until ejaculation. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland contribute fluids to semen, enhancing sperm viability and motility. The vas deferens is responsible for transporting mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation, but it is not where sperm maturation takes place. Therefore, the correct answer is the epididymis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of joint types, from least mobile to most mobile, is hinge, condyloid, saddle. A hinge joint allows movement in one plane (like a door hinge), a condyloid joint allows movement in two planes but not rotation (like the wrist), and a saddle joint allows movement in multiple directions (like the thumb). Choice A, 'Hinge, condyloid, saddle,' is the correct sequence as it accurately represents the order of increasing permitted motion in joints. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct order of joint types from least mobile to most mobile as required by the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Synergists play multiple roles in muscle function. They assist primary movers in completing specific movements by working together with them. Additionally, synergists help stabilize the point of origin and provide extra pull near the insertion, contributing to the efficiency of movement. Furthermore, they also help prevent unwanted movement at a joint by ensuring that the intended motion is executed smoothly. Therefore, all the statements in the answer choices accurately describe the functions of synergists, making 'All of the above' the most comprehensive and precise description of their role.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Bone is resistant to shattering due to the intricate balance of minerals and collagen fibers. The minerals provide strength to the bone, while the collagen fibers offer flexibility. This combination ensures that bone is a robust and resilient tissue. Choice A (The calcium salts deposited in the bone) is incorrect as calcium salts alone do not provide the necessary flexibility for bone to withstand shattering. Choice B (The collagen fibers) is partially correct as collagen fibers contribute to the flexibility of bone but alone are not sufficient for resistance to shattering. Choice C (The bone marrow and network of blood vessels) is incorrect as they do not directly contribute to the physical resistance of bone to shattering.