Which gland, often referred to as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system and located at the base of the brain, secretes various hormones that control other glands?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pituitary gland is correctly known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system. It is situated at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in secreting a variety of hormones that regulate the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. These hormones control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and various other essential bodily functions. The other choices, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas, are incorrect as they do not serve as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system nor are located at the base of the brain like the pituitary gland.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Mitral valve. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. Its function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. Choice A, the Tricuspid valve, is incorrect as it is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. Choice C, the Aortic valve, and Choice D, the Pulmonic valve, are also incorrect as they are involved in the circulation of blood leaving the heart rather than preventing backflow within the atria and ventricles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The trachea is the correct scientific term for the windpipe, a tube that carries air from the larynx to the bronchi. It is an essential part of the respiratory system, enabling the passage of air to and from the lungs. The pharynx is the region behind the mouth and nasal cavity, acting as a passageway for air and food. The epiglottis is a cartilage flap that shields the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway. Bronchioles are smaller airways that branch off from the bronchi within the lungs, further dividing and distributing air within the lungs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mouth. The mouth is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva. This process is essential for breaking down food into smaller, more digestible pieces before swallowing. The esophagus (choice A) is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in the mechanical breakdown of food. The stomach (choice B) primarily functions to further break down food using acids and enzymes, rather than mechanical means. The small intestine (choice C) is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, not for the mechanical breakdown of food.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the urinary system is to maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is achieved by regulating the levels of electrolytes and water in the body. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood to form urine, which helps to regulate the pH balance. Choice A, transporting oxygen, is primarily the function of the respiratory system. Choice B, fighting off infections, is a function of the immune system. Therefore, the correct answer is maintaining acid-base balance.