Which vitamin is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, a key component of connective tissues. Collagen, a crucial protein, provides structure and strength to various body tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis by aiding in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, which is essential for stabilizing the collagen structure. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to impaired collagen production, resulting in conditions like scurvy, characterized by weakened connective tissues. Vitamin A (Choice A) is important for vision and immune function but is not directly involved in collagen production. Vitamin D (Choice C) is essential for calcium absorption and bone health but is not primarily responsible for collagen synthesis. Vitamin E (Choice D) acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, but it is not a key player in collagen production.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The skeletal system's primary functions include support and structure, protection of internal organs, movement facilitation, production of blood cells, and storage of minerals like calcium. Insulation of the body is not a function of the skeletal system. Insulation, typically involving fat under the skin, helps regulate body temperature but is not a direct function of the skeletal system. Choice B, the production of red blood cells, is a function of the skeletal system as it occurs in the bone marrow within the bones. Choices A and C are also correct functions of the skeletal system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epiphyses. Epiphyses are cartilaginous areas found at the ends of long bones, enabling growth and bone lengthening during childhood and adolescence. The diaphysis refers to the main shaft of a long bone. The periosteum is the outer bone layer responsible for nourishment and aiding in bone repair. The medullary cavity is the central cavity within the diaphysis that contains bone marrow but is not involved in new bone tissue formation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cardiac muscle. The cardiac muscle is specifically designed to pump blood throughout the body and is found in the heart. In contrast, the bicep, tricep, and deltoid are skeletal muscles responsible for joint movement, not for pumping blood. The bicep is responsible for elbow flexion, the tricep for elbow extension, and the deltoid for shoulder abduction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is the correct answer as it plays a crucial role in muscle function by helping prevent muscle weakness and fatigue. It is essential for maintaining muscle strength and function, as well as supporting overall bone health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, emphasizing its significance for muscle health. Vitamin A does not directly impact muscle function in the same way as Vitamin D. Although Vitamin B12 is important for neurological function and red blood cell production, it is not primarily known for its role in muscle function. Vitamin E is more commonly associated with its antioxidant properties and its role in protecting cells from damage, but it is not specifically linked to muscle function and preventing muscle weakness and fatigue.