Question 1

Stratified squamous epithelium is well-suited for

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium is well-suited for lining body surfaces subject to abrasion, such as the skin and lining of the mouth and esophagus. Its multiple layers of cells provide protection against physical damage.

Question 2

Connective tissue is different from the other major tissue types in that

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue is made up of cells that are widely spaced apart and surrounded by a non-living matrix. This distinguishes it from the other three major types of tissue (epithelial, muscle, and nervous), which are made up of cells that are closely packed together. Additionally, connective tissue is not exclusive to humans and can be found in a variety of organisms.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the cells of the mucous membrane lining your air tubes is false?

Accepted Answer

The cells of the mucous membrane lining your air tubes are not stratified squamous epithelial cells, as these are found in the skin and lining the esophagus, mouth, and vagina. Rather, the cells of the mucous membrane are typically cuboidal or columnar in shape and are responsible for manufacturing and secreting mucus, as well as carrying cilia that help to sweep mucus up and out of the respiratory system.

Question 4

The connection between structure and ________ is a basic concept of biology.

Accepted Answer

The connection between structure and function is a fundamental concept in biology. The way that an organism's physical structure is organized directly influences how it functions in its environment. For example, the structure of a bird's wings is specifically adapted for flight, and the structure of a plant's roots is designed to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Question 5

A physiologist is a biologist who studies

Accepted Answer

The function of body parts is the focus of physiology, making option D the best choice. While physiologists may also have an understanding of other areas, such as anatomy and evolution, their primary field of study pertains to the functions of living organisms. Option A is more aligned with anatomy, option B with evolutionary biology, and option C with physics.

Question 6

The laryngeal nerve is 15 feet long in giraffes because

Accepted Answer

The laryngeal nerve's length in giraffes is due to evolutionary history, where it is a modified structure from ancestors with shorter necks, resulting in its long path.

Question 7

Smooth muscle is responsible for

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle is responsible for involuntary body activities such as the contraction and relaxation of blood vessels, the movement of food through the digestive tract, and the contraction of the bladder. It is not responsible for voluntary body activities such as running or the pumping action of the heart.

Question 8

The liquid part of the blood that consists of water, salts, and dissolved proteins is known as

Accepted Answer

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that consists of water, salts, and dissolved proteins. Interstitial fluid is found outside of blood vessels in tissues. Lymph is fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system. Platelets are not part of the liquid portion of blood but are actual cell fragments that help with clotting.

Question 9

Which of the following items has a shape most like a squamous epithelial cell?

Accepted Answer

A fried egg has a flat and thin shape, similar to the characteristic shape of squamous epithelial cells, which also have a flat and thin morphology.

Question 10

The human spine acts like a weight-bearing column. Compare this to the spine of a horse, which acts like an elastic suspension bridge. Which organism would you predict to experience more back pain and why?

Accepted Answer

The human spine is naturally compressed due to walking in an upright position, causing more pressure on the vertebral discs and potentially leading to back pain. The horse's spine, on the other hand, absorbs shock like an elastic suspension bridge and is less likely to experience such issues. The other choices are not relevant or accurate factors in predicting back pain.

Question 11

Which of the following is a major category of animal tissue?

Accepted Answer

Epithelium is a major category of animal tissue, consisting of layers of cells that cover the body surface or line internal surfaces such as the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts. Heart, lymph, and biceps are not major categories of animal tissue.

Question 12

A leiomyoma is a benign tumor that affects smooth muscle. A large tumor of this type might be predicted to

Accepted Answer

Leiomyomas are commonly found in the uterus and can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pressure on surrounding organs. While a large tumor of this type might potentially cause some mobility issues or press on nearby structures (such as the bladder or colon), it is less likely to result in heart problems.

Question 13

The most common type of connective tissue in the human body is

Accepted Answer

Loose connective tissue is the most common type of connective tissue in the human body. This type of tissue is found throughout the body and provides support and cushioning to organs and structures.

Question 14

What kind of connective tissue has an extracellular liquid matrix called plasma?

Accepted Answer

The extracellular liquid matrix called plasma is found in blood, which is a type of connective tissue. Nerve tissue does not have an extracellular matrix, while loose connective tissue and adipose tissue have a gel-like matrix or droplets of fat, respectively.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a tissue?

Accepted Answer

Heart muscle is an example of a tissue as it is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. The heart itself and the circulatory system are both organs made up of multiple tissues, while red blood cells are individual cells and not considered a tissue.

Question 16

Epithelial tissues

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissues cover both external and internal body surfaces, providing a protective barrier and regulating the exchange of molecules and ions between different environments. They do not cause body movements or form a supportive framework, and while some epithelial tissues may contain sensory receptors, this is not their primary function.

Question 17

An organ system consists of

Accepted Answer

An organ system consists of organs that collectively perform a vital body function. For example, the digestive system is made up of organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver, that work together to break down and absorb nutrients from food.

Question 18

Which of the following is a type of connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

Adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue that stores energy in the form of fat cells. Plasma is a component of blood, not a type of connective tissue. Epithelial and muscle tissue are not types of connective tissue.

Question 19

Structure in the living world is organized into hierarchical levels. Which of the following correctly lists these from least inclusive to most inclusive?

Accepted Answer

The correct hierarchy from least inclusive to most inclusive is: molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism. Choice B correctly lists the levels in this order.

Question 20

Which of the following is formed from a matrix of collagen fibers embedded in a hard mineral substance?

Accepted Answer

Collagen fibers embedded in a hard mineral substance is a characteristic of bone tissue.

Quiz 20: Unifying Concepts of Animal Structure and Function