Which element is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is graphite. Graphite is a non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity due to its unique electronic structure. While metals are typically known for their conductivity, graphite is an exception to this rule. Copper (choice A), silver (choice B), and gold (choice D) are all metals and are known for their excellent conductivity. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria of the question, which specifically asks for an element that is a good conductor of electricity but is not a metal.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines, where it performs involuntary contractions to move substances through these organs. Cardiac muscle, found in the heart, is responsible for pumping blood. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and involved in voluntary movements. Striated muscle is a term often used interchangeably with skeletal muscle, which is responsible for voluntary movements but not typically found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is the correct answer. It is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and other automatic processes in the body. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, making choice A incorrect. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which is not directly responsible for these involuntary functions, making choice C incorrect. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating involuntary functions, making choice D incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, making it a vital component in maintaining homeostasis. It also plays a crucial role in the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The amygdala primarily processes emotions, the hippocampus is associated with memory formation, and the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the hypothalamus is the correct answer as it directly regulates the physiological processes mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol is the correct answer. It is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body's response to stress. Cortisol plays a crucial role in increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system during stressful situations. Aldosterone, another hormone from the adrenal glands, primarily regulates salt and water balance in the body, not the stress response. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but its effects are more immediate and short-lived compared to cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the body's response to stress.