what is the largest muscle in the human body

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Which muscle is the largest in the human body?

A. Gluteus maximus (buttocks)
B. Quadriceps femoris (thighs)
C. Erector spinae (back)
D. Pectoralis major (chest)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the gluteus maximus (buttocks). The gluteus maximus is indeed the largest muscle in the human body, located at the back of the hip and stretching from the sacrum to the femur. This muscle is crucial for hip joint extension, playing a significant role in various activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. While the quadriceps femoris, erector spinae, and pectoralis major are also important muscles, they are not the largest muscle in the human body.

2. Which layer of the skin is responsible for new skin cell production?

A. Stratum corneum
B. Stratum basale
C. Stratum granulosum
D. Stratum spinosum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Stratum basale. The stratum basale, also known as the basal layer or stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for new skin cell production through cell division. It contains basal cells that continuously divide to produce new keratinocytes, which move up through the layers of the epidermis. Choice A, Stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead cells filled with keratin. It serves a protective function but is not involved in new skin cell production. Choice C, Stratum granulosum, is a layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes undergo changes in their structure and composition. It is involved in the process of keratinization but not in new skin cell production. Choice D, Stratum spinosum, is a layer of the epidermis where cells become interconnected by desmosomes. While it plays a role in providing strength and support to the epidermis, it is not primarily responsible for new skin cell production.

3. What is the function of valves in arteries?

A. To maintain high blood pressure for the proper diffusion of nutrients in capillaries.
B. To prevent backflow of blood due to high pressure away from the heart.
C. As a vestigial trait from evolution, like the appendix, that serves no purpose.
D. Valves are absent in arteries but present in veins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valves in arteries serve the crucial function of preventing backflow of blood. Arteries carry blood at high pressure away from the heart, and the valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, towards the capillaries, to maintain efficient circulation. Without these valves, there would be a risk of blood flowing backward, compromising the effectiveness of blood circulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A incorrectly suggests that valves maintain high blood pressure for nutrient diffusion in capillaries, which is not their function. Choice C inaccurately compares valves to vestigial traits, like the appendix, implying they serve no purpose, which is untrue. Choice D is incorrect as valves are indeed present in arteries to regulate blood flow, not just in veins.

4. Which of the following substances is a common base found in household products?

A. Sodium chloride (NaCl)
B. Ammonia (NH₃)
C. Vinegar
D. Lemon juice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Ammonia (NH₃). Ammonia is commonly found in household products and is used in cleaning agents due to its alkaline properties. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common salt and not a base. Vinegar is acetic acid, which is acidic in nature. Lemon juice contains citric acid, making it acidic as well. Therefore, ammonia is the only base among the choices provided.

5. What type of intermolecular force is responsible for the high surface tension of water?

A. Hydrogen bonding
B. London dispersion forces
C. Ionic bonding
D. Metallic bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The high surface tension of water is primarily due to the strong hydrogen bonding between water molecules. Hydrogen bonding is a specific type of intermolecular force that occurs between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, like oxygen in water, and another electronegative atom nearby. This unique interaction results in a strong attraction between water molecules at the surface, leading to the cohesive forces responsible for the high surface tension of water. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because London dispersion forces, ionic bonding, and metallic bonding do not account for the high surface tension observed in water. London dispersion forces are relatively weaker intermolecular forces, while ionic and metallic bonding are types of intramolecular forces that do not directly contribute to the surface tension of water.