Which hormone, produced by the thyroid gland, plays a key role in regulating calcium levels in the blood by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. It works by decreasing blood calcium levels through two main mechanisms: promoting calcium uptake by bones and decreasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the other hand, increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium release from bones and increasing calcium absorption in the intestines. Thyroxine, another thyroid hormone, primarily regulates metabolism and has no direct influence on calcium levels. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and is not related to calcium homeostasis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nasal passages are responsible for humidifying and warming inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. The mucous membranes in the nasal passages help add moisture to the air and warm it to body temperature. This process is crucial for protecting the lung tissues from potential damage caused by cold and dry air, ensuring optimal conditions for respiration. The trachea (Choice A) is responsible for conducting air to and from the lungs, the larynx (Choice B) is involved in sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing, and the bronchi (Choice D) are the branches of the trachea that further divide to deliver air to the lungs but are not primarily responsible for humidifying and warming inhaled air.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The main function of lysosomes is to break down and recycle cellular waste materials, such as old organelles, foreign substances, and cellular debris. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and proper functioning. Storing carbohydrates (B), synthesizing lipids (C), and transcribing DNA into mRNA (D) are not functions typically associated with lysosomes. Storing carbohydrates is primarily done by other organelles like vacuoles. Synthesizing lipids is a function usually associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and transcribing DNA into mRNA occurs in the nucleus by the process of transcription.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. These contractions help push food along the digestive system, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation, on the other hand, refers to the mixing and breaking down of food in the intestines, not the movement of food. Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine, not the muscle contractions. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term for this function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone primarily responsible for triggering ovulation in the female menstrual cycle. LH surge occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, causing the mature follicle to release an egg from the ovary. Estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the endometrium for potential implantation of a fertilized egg, but they do not trigger ovulation directly. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for the development of ovarian follicles but is not the primary hormone responsible for ovulation. Therefore, the correct answer is Luteinizing hormone (LH) as it directly initiates the release of the egg during ovulation.