Which of the following structures, located at the end of the ear canal, vibrates when sound waves strike it?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the Tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is located at the end of the ear canal and vibrates when sound waves strike it. This vibration is then transmitted to the ossicles in the middle ear, which amplify and transmit the sound to the inner ear. Choice A, the Acoustic meatus, is incorrect as it is the ear canal itself, not the structure that vibrates. Choice B, the Cochlea, is responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals but is not located at the end of the ear canal. Choice C, the Eustachian tube, is responsible for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere and is not involved in vibration from sound waves.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the aortic valve. The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, preventing the backflow of blood into the left ventricle once it has been pumped out during systole. Choice A, pulmonic, is incorrect as it is associated with the right side of the heart. Choice B, mitral, is incorrect as it is the valve between the left atrium and ventricle. Choice C, tricuspid, is incorrect as it is located between the right atrium and ventricle.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis by forming plugs to stop bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because platelets do not promote vasodilation; instead, they help in vasoconstriction. Choice C is incorrect as the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin is a function of the coagulation cascade involving various clotting factors, not platelets. Choice D is incorrect as platelets do not directly activate calcium; instead, they play a role in the activation of other clotting factors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. Its main function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium during the heart's pumping cycle. Choice A, the aortic valve, is responsible for preventing backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. Choice C, the pulmonic valve, prevents backflow from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle. Choice D, the mitral valve, prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sodium is the most abundant ion in extracellular fluid. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Calcium (Choice A) is mainly found in bones and teeth, Chloride (Choice B) is the major anion in extracellular fluid but not the most abundant ion, and Potassium (Choice D) is found predominantly inside cells.