Which statement about white blood cells is true?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: B cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for producing antibodies in response to pathogens. Antibodies play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria and viruses in the body, aiding in the immune response and protecting against infections. This function is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. White blood cells, including B cells, are produced in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream. Platelets, not white blood cells, are a specialized class of blood cells that function to clot blood and stop bleeding. While white blood cells provide immunity, not all of them are active throughout life as some have specific lifespans and functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The lysosome is the correct cellular organelle used for digestion to recycle materials. Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and ingested substances. This process helps in recycling nutrients and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The Golgi apparatus is involved in processing and packaging proteins, the centrioles play a role in cell division, and the mitochondria are responsible for energy production. However, none of these organelles are primarily used for digestion and recycling of materials within the cell.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Valves in arteries serve the crucial function of preventing backflow of blood. Arteries carry blood at high pressure away from the heart, and the valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, towards the capillaries, to maintain efficient circulation. Without these valves, there would be a risk of blood flowing backward, compromising the effectiveness of blood circulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A incorrectly suggests that valves maintain high blood pressure for nutrient diffusion in capillaries, which is not their function. Choice C inaccurately compares valves to vestigial traits, like the appendix, implying they serve no purpose, which is untrue. Choice D is incorrect as valves are indeed present in arteries to regulate blood flow, not just in veins.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sodium bicarbonate, when released into the lumen of the small intestine, functions to increase the pH of the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. This increase in pH helps neutralize the acidity of the chyme, creating a more optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function properly. Maintaining a slightly basic pH in the small intestine is crucial for overall digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sodium bicarbonate does not chemically digest fats or proteins in the chyme, and it does not decrease the pH of the chyme as it actually increases the pH to prevent harm to the intestine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bone to bone, providing stability and support to joints. They help prevent excessive movement in the joints and maintain proper alignment between bones during movement. Ligaments are not directly involved in connecting muscle to muscle, bone to muscle, or muscle to tendon. Choice A is incorrect because ligaments do not connect muscle to muscle. Choice C is incorrect as ligaments do not connect bone to muscle. Choice D is incorrect as ligaments do not connect muscle to tendon.