Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, including the regulation of salt and water balance?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is the correct answer. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by regulating salt and water balance. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance during stressful situations. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and cortisol are other hormones produced by the adrenal glands, but they have different functions in the stress response. Epinephrine primarily acts to increase heart rate and blood flow in response to stress, while cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. Insulin, on the other hand, is produced by the pancreas and is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not salt and water balance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The respiratory epithelium is the correct answer because it is the tissue lining the respiratory tract responsible for producing mucus to trap particles and containing cilia that sweep the mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract. The trachea, larynx, and bronchi are all structures within the respiratory system but do not specifically carry out the functions described in the question. The trachea is a passage for air, the larynx is involved in sound production and protecting the airway, and the bronchi are airway passages that branch from the trachea to the lungs. Only the respiratory epithelium fits the description of producing mucus and utilizing cilia for particle removal in the respiratory tract.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Synthesizing proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and utilize the information to assemble amino acids into proteins through a process known as translation. Choice A, packaging and transporting proteins, is incorrect as this function is typically performed by the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. Choice B, storing genetic material, is incorrect as genetic material is usually stored in the nucleus in the form of DNA. Choice C, controlling cell division, is incorrect as this function is primarily regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints and specific proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This absorption process aids in the formation of solid waste (feces) before it is excreted from the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the large intestine does not primarily digest and absorb nutrients, store and mix food, or break down carbohydrates. These functions are primarily carried out by the small intestine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Kidney stones are formed when minerals in the urine crystallize and stick together to form solid masses. Excess water not being reabsorbed (option A) does not directly contribute to kidney stone formation. Similarly, electrolytes becoming too concentrated (option C) is not a direct cause of kidney stone formation. The correct answer is B because the crystallization of minerals in the urine leads to the formation of kidney stones.