Which white blood cell type is responsible for the initial attack on pathogens?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that is crucial in the initial attack on pathogens. These cells have the ability to engulf and digest foreign particles such as bacteria and viruses, thereby preventing infections. Red blood cells primarily function in oxygen transport, platelets are vital for blood clotting, and lymphocytes are involved in the immune response. However, phagocytes are specifically designed to provide the initial defense against pathogens by directly attacking and eliminating them.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells. This type of epithelium is found in areas where absorption, secretion, and filtration occur, as it allows for efficient exchange of substances across the epithelial barrier. Simple epithelium is well-suited for diffusion and filtration processes due to its thin nature, enabling substances to pass through easily. Choice A, 'No layers,' is incorrect as epithelial tissue always consists of at least one cell layer. Choice C, 'Two to several layers,' describes stratified epithelium, not simple epithelium, which has only one layer. Choice D, 'Many tightly packed layers,' is more characteristic of stratified epithelium, where multiple layers of cells are present. Therefore, the correct answer is B: 'One layer.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The myelin sheath, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, is derived from nervous tissue, specifically glial cells. Glial cells, including oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, are responsible for producing the myelin sheath that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers, aiding in the conduction of nerve impulses. Epithelial tissue (Choice A), Muscle tissue (Choice B), and Connective tissue (Choice D) are not responsible for producing the myelin sheath; instead, nervous tissue (glial cells) plays this crucial role.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, a form of cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) through a series of chemical reactions. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Choice A, Vitamin A, is not synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight; it is obtained through dietary sources. Choice B, Vitamin C, is not synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight either. Vitamin C is obtained through dietary sources like fruits and vegetables. Choice D, Vitamin E, is not synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and is obtained through dietary sources like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. This mechanism helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Reflecting UV rays away from the skin (option A) is not the primary function of sunscreen. While sunscreen does block UV rays, it does not do so completely (option C) as some UV rays may still penetrate the skin. Sunscreen does not stimulate melanin production (option D) as a means of protecting the skin from UV rays.