Which vitamin requires intrinsic factor for proper absorption?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin B12 requires intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach, for proper absorption in the small intestine. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 and facilitates its absorption in the ileum. Deficiency in intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Vitamin A is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of bile salts; Vitamin C is absorbed in the small intestine via active transport; Vitamin D is absorbed in the small intestine through a process involving bile salts and micelles. It is essential for students to understand this relationship as it highlights the importance of intrinsic factor in the absorption of specific vitamins and the consequences of its deficiency.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lymph nodes are essential for filtering lymph and trapping harmful substances. They are a vital part of the immune system as they remove pathogens and harmful substances from the lymph before it returns to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes do not store blood or produce antibodies, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because lymph nodes do not store blood; they primarily filter lymph. Choice B is incorrect as lymph nodes do not produce antibodies; that function is mainly carried out by specialized cells within the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as lymph nodes do not perform all the functions listed, making it an incorrect answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Vaccines work by introducing weakened or inactive versions of pathogens to trigger an immune response in the body. This exposure helps the immune system recognize and remember the pathogen, enabling a faster and more effective response upon future exposure. Vaccines do not directly kill pathogens but prepare the immune system for a potential encounter, enhancing protection. They also do not stimulate the immediate production of specific antibodies as the immune response takes time to develop upon vaccination. Choice A is incorrect because vaccines do not kill pathogens directly; they prime the immune system to recognize and respond to them. Choice C is incorrect because while vaccines lead to the production of specific antibodies, it is not immediate, as it takes time for the immune response to develop and produce these antibodies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: EEG measures electrical activity in the brain, primarily reflecting the activity of neurons. Neurons are the primary cells responsible for generating electrical impulses and transmitting information in the brain. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia are other types of cells in the brain that have different functions and are not primarily involved in generating the electrical activity measured by EEG. Astrocytes support neuronal function, oligodendrocytes produce myelin to insulate axons, and microglia are involved in immune responses and maintaining brain health, but they do not generate the electrical impulses detected by EEG.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is simple squamous epithelium (Choice A). The inner surface of blood vessels is lined by a single layer of flattened cells, known as simple squamous epithelium. This epithelium type is thin and allows for efficient diffusion and filtration, which is essential for the exchange of gases and nutrients across blood vessel walls. Simple columnar epithelium (Choice B) is typically found in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for absorption and secretion. Stratified squamous epithelium (Choice C) is commonly found in the skin, providing protection against mechanical stress. Stratified columnar epithelium (Choice D) is not a characteristic epithelium type found in the lining of blood vessels, as it is more commonly present in specific regions of the body like parts of the male urethra and the conjunctiva of the eye.