Which type of muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs, such as the stomach and intestines, and is responsible for involuntary contractions to propel substances through the organs?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines, where it performs involuntary contractions to move substances through these organs. Cardiac muscle, found in the heart, is responsible for pumping blood. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and involved in voluntary movements. Striated muscle is a term often used interchangeably with skeletal muscle, which is responsible for voluntary movements but not typically found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach and intestines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, making it a vital component in maintaining homeostasis. It also plays a crucial role in the endocrine system by controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The amygdala primarily processes emotions, the hippocampus is associated with memory formation, and the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information. Therefore, the hypothalamus is the correct answer as it directly regulates the physiological processes mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol is the correct answer. It is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the body's response to stress. Cortisol plays a crucial role in increasing blood pressure and suppressing the immune system during stressful situations. Aldosterone, another hormone from the adrenal glands, primarily regulates salt and water balance in the body, not the stress response. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, but its effects are more immediate and short-lived compared to cortisol. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels and is not directly involved in the body's response to stress.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Mitral valve. The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The other choices are incorrect because: A) The aortic valve prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. B) The pulmonary valve prevents backflow from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle. C) The tricuspid valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pharynx is the correct answer. The pharynx is a structure in the respiratory system that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It contains a flap-like structure called the epiglottis, which prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing by covering the opening to the trachea. The larynx, although important in the respiratory system, is located below the pharynx and contains the vocal cords. The trachea is a tube that carries air to and from the lungs, while the bronchi are the two main branches that lead from the trachea into the lungs.