Which of the following sets of valves is primarily responsible for preventing blood flow from major blood vessels to the heart?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: skin.' The skin is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection. It acts as a protective shield that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the body. The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, acts as a tough physical barrier that blocks the entry of pathogens. Additionally, the skin has special immune cells that can help fight off invaders that manage to breach the physical barrier. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While mucous membranes, stomach acid, and urine play important roles in the body's defense against pathogens, the primary physical barrier is the skin, which covers the entire body and provides a robust protective barrier.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the pyloric sphincter is to regulate the flow of partially digested food material (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. This control is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because neutralizing stomach acid is primarily the function of the stomach lining and antacid mechanisms. Choice C is incorrect because preventing the backflow of digested food materials and stomach acid into the esophagus is mainly the role of the lower esophageal sphincter. Choice D is incorrect because the chemical digestion process primarily starts in the stomach through the action of gastric juices, not the pyloric sphincter.