the stratum corneum the outermost layer of the epidermis is primarily composed of

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the primary composition of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis?

A. Keratinized dead cells
B. Melanocytes
C. Langerhans cells
D. Merkel cells

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is primarily composed of keratinized dead cells. These cells are flattened, fully keratinized, and lack nuclei, serving a protective function for the skin. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, providing skin pigmentation. Langerhans cells are involved in the immune response within the skin. Merkel cells are associated with sensory functions in the skin, particularly in touch sensations. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately reflects the main constituent of the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier against external factors.

2. What is the process of cell division in somatic (most body) cells called?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Respiration
D. Cytogenesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. It is the process of cell division in somatic cells, leading to the formation of two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in sex cells, leading to the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Respiration is a completely different biological process related to energy production, and cytogenesis is not a recognized term for cell division.

3. What is the difference between exhalation (expiration) and inhalation (inspiration)?

A. Exhalation involves active muscle contraction, while inhalation is passive.
B. Inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air, while exhalation releases carbon dioxide-rich air.
C. Exhalation occurs through the nose only, while inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth.
D. Inhalation warms and humidifies air, while exhalation cools and dries air.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exhalation (expiration) involves active muscle contraction, specifically the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity and push air out of the lungs. In contrast, inhalation (inspiration) is a passive process where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract to increase the thoracic cavity volume, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Choice B is incorrect as exhalation removes carbon dioxide-rich air and inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air. Choice C is incorrect because both exhalation and inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth. Choice D is inaccurate as inhalation humidifies and warms the air, while exhalation cools and dries it.

4. Which of the following constituents of blood is a biconcave disc that is round and flat without a nucleus?

A. Plasma
B. Platelet
C. RBC
D. WBC

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, RBC (Red Blood Cell). Red blood cells are biconcave discs that lack a nucleus, allowing them to carry oxygen efficiently. Plasma (A) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances. Platelets (B) are cell fragments important for blood clotting. White blood cells (WBCs) (D) are part of the immune system and have a nucleus.

5. Which two types of elements are most likely to form an ionic bond?

A. Two elements that are in the same period.
B. Two elements that are non-metals and have p orbitals.
C. One element that is a transition metal with d orbitals and one element that is a metal with s orbitals.
D. One element that is a metal with s orbitals and one element that is a nonmetal with p orbitals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between a metal, which donates electrons from its s orbital, and a nonmetal, which accepts electrons into its p orbital. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Choice A is incorrect as elements in the same period may vary significantly in their properties. Choice B is incorrect because ionic bonds are usually formed between a metal and a nonmetal, not two nonmetals. Choice C is incorrect because transition metals generally form complex ions through the sharing of electrons, not typical ionic bonds.