Which of the following describes how atomic radius varies across the periodic table?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Atomic radius tends to increase from top to bottom and left to right on the periodic table. This is because as you move down a group (top to bottom), new energy levels are added, increasing the distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus and thus increasing the size of the atom. On the other hand, as you move from left to right across a period, the number of protons and electrons increases, leading to a stronger nuclear charge that attracts the electrons closer to the nucleus, resulting in smaller atomic radii. Choice B is incorrect as atomic radius does not increase from right to left. Choices C and D are incorrect as they incorrectly associate the trend with specific groups of elements (halogens and noble gases) rather than the general trend observed on the periodic table.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: semilunar valves. Semilunar valves are primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart. These valves are located at the base of the aorta and the pulmonary artery, ensuring blood flows in one direction only by closing when the ventricles relax to prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Atrioventricular valves (choice A) include the tricuspid and bicuspid valves, which prevent backflow between the atria and ventricles, not major blood vessels. Tricuspid valves (choice C) and bicuspid valves (choice D) are specific types of atrioventricular valves located between the atria and ventricles, not at the base of major blood vessels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bone is primarily composed of calcium, making up about 70% of its inorganic content. Calcium is essential for bone strength and structure, playing a key role in maintaining bone health. Choice B, magnesium, while important for bone health, is found in smaller amounts in bones compared to calcium. Choice C, collagen, is a protein and is a major organic component of bone, not an inorganic material. Choice D, potassium, is an essential mineral for various bodily functions but is not a primary inorganic material found in bones.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer. It is the region of the brain located at the base of the brainstem responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as respiration, digestion, and heart rate. These functions are essential for maintaining life. The cerebellum (Option A), temporal lobe (Option C), and cerebral cortex (Option D) do not control these autonomic functions. The cerebellum is mainly involved in coordination and balance, the temporal lobe is associated with memory and hearing, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making.