Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Thyroxine, also known as T4, is produced by the thyroid gland and plays a vital role in regulating the body's metabolism. Insulin is not responsible for regulating metabolism; instead, it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Melatonin is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles, not metabolism. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a stress hormone that prepares the body for fight or flight responses, not primarily involved in metabolic regulation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Recessive Inheritance.' Mendelian inheritance involves traits controlled by single genes with dominant and recessive alleles. Incomplete dominance (choice A) is a non-Mendelian inheritance pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two homozygous phenotypes. Polygenic alleles (choice B) involve multiple genes contributing to a single trait, not following Mendelian principles. Combination inheritance (choice C) is not a recognized term in genetics and does not describe Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space between the lungs in the chest that contains the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, and other structures. This area separates the lungs into right and left cavities. Choice B, pericardial cavity, is incorrect as it refers to the space that surrounds the heart. Choice C, pleural cavity, is not the correct answer as it is the space between the layers of the pleura surrounding each lung. Choice D, thoracic space, is a vague term and not specific to the space between the lungs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Skin.' The skin is the largest organ in the human body and consists of multiple tissue types working together to perform various functions such as protection, sensation, and temperature regulation. Choice B, 'Neuron,' is a specialized cell in the nervous system and not an organ. Choice C, 'Brainstem,' is a part of the central nervous system composed of nerve tissues but is not an organ on its own. Choice D, 'DNA,' is a molecule that carries genetic instructions, not an organ.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A graduated cylinder is the most suitable tool to measure the volume of both liquids and solids. It works by measuring the displacement of water when the solid is submerged in the graduated cylinder. Choice A, the triple beam balance, is used to measure mass, not volume. Choice B, using a measuring wheel and mathematical formula, is typically used to measure distance or area, not volume. Choice D, a measuring wheel, is used to measure distance, making it inappropriate for measuring the volume of a solid.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the cardiovascular system (Option D). The cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed, to various tissues and organs in the body, including the spleen. The immune system (Option A) is responsible for defending the body against infections and diseases. The endocrine system (Option B) regulates hormones and their effects on the body. The respiratory system (Option C) is responsible for the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, in the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gallbladder. The gallbladder is the organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Bile is essential for the digestion of fats in the small intestine. The liver produces bile, which is then stored and concentrated in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine when needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the liver produces bile, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes, and the stomach is primarily involved in the digestion of food through acid secretion and mechanical processes, not in storing bile.