the human immunodeficiency virus hiv targets and destroys which type of immune cell

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Which type of immune cell does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target and destroy?

A. Neutrophils
B. Macrophages
C. Helper T cells
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: HIV targets and destroys Helper T cells, which are vital for coordinating the immune response against infections. The destruction of Helper T cells weakens the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Neutrophils (Choice A) are primarily involved in acute inflammatory responses and fighting bacterial infections. Macrophages (Choice B) play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation but are not the primary target of HIV. Memory B cells (Choice D) are responsible for mounting a quicker and more robust antibody response upon re-exposure to a pathogen, but they are not the main target of HIV infection.

2. Which of the following is not part of the digestive system?

A. Esophagus
B. Liver
C. Stomach
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Pancreas.' While the pancreas contributes to digestion by secreting enzymes, it is not part of the main digestive tract. The esophagus, liver, and stomach are integral components of the digestive system. The esophagus helps in the transport of food to the stomach, the stomach aids in food breakdown, the liver produces bile for fat digestion, and the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes. Therefore, the pancreas is the correct answer as it is not part of the primary digestive tract but supports digestion through enzyme secretion.

3. What is the electrical charge of the nucleus?

A. A nucleus always has a positive charge.
B. A stable nucleus has a positive charge, but a radioactive nucleus may have no charge and instead be neutral.
C. A nucleus always has no charge and is instead neutral.
D. A stable nucleus has no charge and is instead neutral, but a radioactive nucleus may have a charge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nucleus always has a positive charge. This is because the nucleus is composed of positively charged protons, along with neutral neutrons. The positive charge of the protons is balanced by the negative charge of the surrounding electrons in an atom, resulting in an overall neutral charge for the atom as a whole. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately reflects the positive charge of the nucleus due to the presence of protons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the fundamental composition and charge distribution within an atom's nucleus. A stable nucleus consists of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, leading to an overall positive charge, and not a neutral charge as suggested in the incorrect choices.

4. How does AIDS impair the immune system?

A. AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, preventing the activation of Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells.
B. IgE stimulates mast cells to release excessive histamine.
C. IgE inhibits mast cells from releasing sufficient histamine.
D. Helper T-Cells deceive the body into attacking itself.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, which play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response. By affecting these cells, AIDS prevents the activation of other important immune cells like Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells. This disruption in the immune system's communication and response mechanisms leads to immune system failure and increased vulnerability to infections. Choices B and C are incorrect because they refer to the role of IgE in allergic reactions, which is not directly related to how AIDS impairs the immune system. Choice D is also incorrect as Helper T-Cells being destroyed in AIDS is not about deceiving the body into attacking itself, but rather the direct impact on immune system function.

5. Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

A. Vein
B. Artery
C. Capillary
D. Venule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Artery. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body. Veins, on the other hand, carry blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients are exchanged with tissues. Venules are small veins that collect blood from capillaries, not from the heart, making them incorrect in this context.