CLEP Biology Vertebrate Organ Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cells in the immune system produce antibodies?
- T lymphocytes
- Natural killer cells
- B lymphocytes (plasma cells) (Correct answer)
- Macrophages
Correct answer: B lymphocytes (plasma cells)
B lymphocytes differentiate into plasma cells, which are specialized for producing and secreting antibodies.
Question 2: What is the function of the epiglottis in vertebrates?
- Producing digestive enzymes
- Preventing food from entering the trachea (Correct answer)
- Absorbing nutrients from food
- Regulating airflow in the lungs
Correct answer: Preventing food from entering the trachea
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.
Question 3: In the vertebrate nervous system, which type of neuron carries signals FROM sensory receptors TO the central nervous system?
- Motor neurons
- Interneurons
- Afferent (sensory) neurons (Correct answer)
- Efferent neurons
Correct answer: Afferent (sensory) neurons
Afferent neurons transmit sensory information from peripheral receptors to the spinal cord and brain.
Question 4: Which hormone lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake of glucose?
- Glucagon
- Cortisol
- Insulin (Correct answer)
- Growth hormone
Correct answer: Insulin
Insulin, secreted by beta cells of the pancreatic islets, facilitates glucose uptake by cells, lowering blood sugar.
Question 5: What is the primary role of the lymphatic system?
- Producing red blood cells
- Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and supporting immunity (Correct answer)
- Filtering blood toxins
- Regulating hormone levels
Correct answer: Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and supporting immunity
The lymphatic system drains excess interstitial fluid back into the blood and is central to immune surveillance and response.
Question 6: Which structure connects a muscle to a bone in the vertebrate musculoskeletal system?
- Ligament
- Cartilage
- Tendon (Correct answer)
- Fascia
Correct answer: Tendon
Tendons are tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that attach skeletal muscles to bones.
Question 7: In the vertebrate eye, where are photoreceptors (rods and cones) located?
- Cornea
- Iris
- Lens
- Retina (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Retina
Rods and cones are photoreceptor cells found in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
CLEP Biology Vertebrate Organ Systems 3
Which cells in the immune system produce antibodies?