Which of the following nutrients is essential for muscle growth and repair?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair as it provides the necessary building blocks (amino acids) for muscle tissue synthesis and repair. While vitamins and minerals are crucial for overall health, protein has a specific role in muscle development. Carbohydrates supply energy for workouts, and fats are important for general health but are less directly involved in muscle growth and repair compared to protein.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, regulates various endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands are directly controlled by the pituitary gland through hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) respectively. However, the pancreas, particularly the Islets of Langerhans, is not directly influenced by the pituitary gland. The pancreas is mainly governed by blood glucose levels and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A, the thyroid gland, is controlled by the pituitary gland through TSH. Choice B, the adrenal glands, are regulated by the pituitary gland via ACTH. Choice D, the parathyroid glands, are under the direct control of the pituitary gland through PTH.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that primarily functions to lower blood calcium levels. It achieves this by inhibiting bone breakdown and promoting calcium excretion by the kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it reflects the main role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the primary function of calcitonin. Calcitonin does not stimulate metabolism and heat production (Choice A), increase calcium absorption from the intestines (Choice B), or enhance bone growth and development (Choice C).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tendons are the correct answer as they are the tough, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscle to bone. They play a crucial role in transmitting the forces generated by muscle contraction to the bones, facilitating movement. Fascia surrounds muscles and provides support, perimysium is the connective tissue sheath around muscle fibers, and ligaments connect bone to bone, stabilizing joints, which makes them distinct from tendons.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Somatic nervous system. The major divisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside of the central nervous system. The somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements and reflexes, is a part of the peripheral nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is another subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion. Therefore, the somatic nervous system is not a major division of the nervous system, making it the correct answer.