Which type of muscle is characterized by involuntary contractions, is striated, and is primarily found in the heart?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle fits the description provided in the question as it exhibits involuntary contractions, striations, and is predominantly located in the heart. Skeletal muscle, while also striated, is voluntary and not involuntary like cardiac muscle. Smooth muscle lacks striations and is typically found in the walls of internal organs. Elastic muscle is not a recognized type of muscle tissue in human anatomy, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, located between the pons and the spinal cord, is responsible for coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and posture. The thalamus functions in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate, and the hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions like temperature and hunger. Therefore, the cerebellum is the structure that specifically handles coordination, balance, and posture.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Melatonin is the hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and is associated with the body's internal circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening, signaling to the body that it is time to sleep, and decrease in the morning, helping to wake up and feel alert. Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins are neurotransmitters that serve different functions in the body and are not primarily responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Dopamine plays a role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control. Endorphins are involved in pain regulation and are often referred to as the body's natural painkillers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Their thick, muscular walls allow them to withstand high pressure and efficiently transport blood to various tissues and organs throughout the body. Veins (choice A) carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart, capillaries (choice C) facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and tissues, and venules (choice D) are small blood vessels that collect blood from the capillaries and gradually converge into veins.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.