Anabolic reactions are chemical reactions of the body that build things, make them bigger or more complex. Catabolic reactions break things down making them smaller or less complex. If the rate of anabolic reaction in the body is much faster than the rate of catabolic reactions, which of the following necessary life function will be accomplished? A) growth B) movement C) responsiveness D) digestion The parietal pleura would represent a serous membrane A) covering the heart B) lining the thoracic cavity C) covering individual lungs D) lining the abdominal cavity
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- Anabolic vs. Catabolic Reactions Question:
- Correct Answer: A) growth
- Parietal Pleura Question:
- Correct Answer: B) lining the thoracic cavity
Explanation
The human body depends on a delicate balance between anabolic and catabolic reactions. Anabolic reactions are metabolic processes that build complex molecules from simpler ones. These reactions require energy and result in cellular growth, repair, and the synthesis of necessary components like proteins and nucleic acids. In contrast, catabolic reactions break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process.
If anabolic reactions dominate (i.e., their rate is much faster than catabolic ones), the body is synthesizing more materials than it is breaking down. This leads to accumulation of body mass and structural components, a hallmark of growth. Growth requires the body to build new cells and tissues, so it makes sense that increased anabolic activity directly supports this life function. Therefore, Option A: growth is the correct choice.
For the second question, the pleura is a serous membrane associated with the lungs. It has two layers:
- The visceral pleura, which directly covers the surface of the lungs.
- The parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity, including the inner surfaces of the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum.
The parietal pleura is not in direct contact with the lungs themselves but instead defines the outer boundary of the pleural cavity, allowing smooth lung expansion and contraction during breathing. The pleural fluid between the two layers reduces friction during these movements.
Hence, the correct answer is B) lining the thoracic cavity, because the parietal pleura lines the internal wall of the thoracic cavity, not the lungs or heart directly, nor the abdominal cavity.
