Which muscles stabilize the pectoral girdle?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The pectoral girdle (shoulder girdle) is stabilized by axial muscles (e.g., trapezius, connecting spine to scapula) and scapular muscles (e.g., rhomboids, serratus anterior, anchoring scapula), balancing mobility and stability. Axial alone omits scapular contribution. Appendicular includes limb muscles, not all girdle stabilizers. Axial and appendicular overgeneralizes, as not all appendicular muscles stabilize the girdle. 'Axial and scapular' precisely identifies the stabilizing groups, making it correct.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The distal radius, near the wrist, is the widest part, flaring to form the distal radioulnar joint and wrist articulation with carpals, supporting hand movement. The proximal end , near the elbow, is narrower, with the radial head. Medial and lateral describe sides, not width, but the distal end's breadth exceeds others. Its expanded distal structure, visible in forearm X-rays, makes 'b' the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx's lower part, the laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx), connects anteriorly to the larynx, the voice box and airway entrance. Extending from the hyoid bone to the esophagus and larynx, it serves as a dual pathway for digestion and respiration. Posteriorly, it opens to the esophagus for food, while anteriorly, it joins the larynx at the epiglottis, which directs air to the trachea. The laryngopharynx's nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium suits its role in both systems. The hyoid bone supports the pharynx structurally but isn't an attachment point for its lower end it anchors muscles higher up. The trachea, below the larynx, continues the airway but connects via the larynx, not directly to the pharynx. Anatomically, the laryngopharynx spans C4-C6 vertebrae, transitioning seamlessly into the laryngeal opening. This attachment enables swallowing and breathing coordination, with clinical relevance in procedures like laryngoscopy. Respiratory and digestive anatomy texts confirm this connection, distinguishing it from skeletal or distal airway structures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Stratified squamous epithelium lines the esophagus, a multi-layered, tough tissue protecting against abrasion from food passage, non-keratinized to stay moist. Simple cuboidal is for secretion/absorption (e.g., glands), not protection here. Simple columnar suits secretion in the stomach, not esophageal wear. Transitional stretches in the bladder, not relevant. Stratified squamous's durability, per digestive tract anatomy, makes 'b' the correct type.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sweat glands, primarily eccrine, regulate body temperature (thermoregulation) by secreting sweat to cool via evaporation, a key homeostasis mechanism. Protection is secondary (e.g., flushing pathogens). Sensory reception involves nerves, not glands. Hormonal secretion is endocrine, not sweat-related. Thermoregulation's primacy, per skin physiology, makes 'b' correct.