1. What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems? How do they affect the heart rate and blood pressure? - The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, which prepares the body for action by increasing the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response, which restores the body to a relaxed state by decreasing the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. - Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. It also helps them understand how these functions are affected by stress and relaxation. 2. What are the three types of muscle tissue? What are their main characteristics and functions? - The three types of muscle tissue are skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and enables voluntary movement. It is striated, meaning it has alternating light and dark bands of protein fibers. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and pumps blood throughout the body. It is also striated, but has intercalated discs that allow electrical impulses to pass between cells. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. It enables involuntary movement such as peristalsis and vasoconstriction. It is not striated, but has spindle-shaped cells that contract in response to stimuli. - Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the structure and function of different types of muscle tissue, which are essential for movement, circulation, and digestion. 3. What are the four main types of bones? Give an example of each type and explain how they differ in shape and function. - The four main types of bones are long, short, flat, and irregular. Long bones are longer than they are wide and have a shaft and two ends. They provide leverage and support for movement. An example of a long bone is the femur. Short bones are roughly cube-shaped and provide stability and shock absorption. An example of a short bone is the carpal. Flat bones are thin and flat and provide protection for vital organs. They also serve as sites for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation). An example of a flat bone is the sternum. Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into any other category. They provide various functions depending on their location. An example of an irregular bone is the vertebra. - Rationale: This question tests the students' knowledge of the classification, structure, and function of different types of bones, which form the skeletal system.