Which of the following is NOT part of the circulatory system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are part of the urinary system, responsible for filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance in the body. In the circulatory system, the heart pumps blood, blood carries oxygen and nutrients, and blood vessels transport blood throughout the body. Choices B, C, and D are all components of the circulatory system, making the kidneys the correct choice as it belongs to the urinary system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. Oxygen from the air we breathe diffuses into the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli, while carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. The bronchi, larynx, and pharynx are all part of the respiratory system but are not directly involved in gas exchange. The bronchi are airways that lead to the lungs, the larynx is the voice box, and the pharynx is the throat. These structures are important for breathing and vocalization but do not participate in the exchange of gases between the respiratory system and the circulatory system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Stomach.' The stomach is an organ of the digestive system responsible for breaking down food through mechanical and chemical digestion. In contrast, the thyroid, intestines, and pancreas are glands. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism through hormone secretion, the intestines aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, and the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. Therefore, the stomach is functionally different from the other options as it is an organ involved in digestion, while the others are glands with specific secretory functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Active artificial immunity. Vaccination introduces a weakened or inactive form of the pathogen to stimulate the immune system, leading to the development of immunity. Active artificial immunity is the result of deliberate exposure to an antigen, such as through vaccination, to produce an immune response. Passive immunity, like receiving pre-formed antibodies, does not involve the immune system's activation. Natural immunity is typically acquired through exposure to the pathogen itself, not through vaccination.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prions. Prions are infectious proteins that can stimulate an adaptive immune response by triggering the production of specific antibodies. Peptides are fragments of proteins and can be processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells to activate T cells, which play a role in adaptive immunity. Phagocytes, such as macrophages, are part of the innate immune system and are involved in engulfing and destroying pathogens, but they do not directly stimulate adaptive immunity. Platelets are primarily involved in blood clotting and are not directly related to stimulating adaptive immunity.