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 organelle provides energy for cellular functions?

A. Nucleus
B. Cell membrane
C. Mitochondria
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Mitochondria. Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell as they produce energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration. This process is essential for various cellular functions, making mitochondria crucial for energy production within the cell. Choice A, Nucleus, is incorrect as the nucleus is responsible for housing the cell's genetic material and controlling cellular activities but not for energy production. Choice B, Cell membrane, is incorrect as it is primarily involved in maintaining cell integrity and regulating the passage of substances in and out of the cell, not in energy production. Choice D, Cytoplasm, is incorrect as it is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and is the site of many metabolic pathways, but it is not the specific organelle responsible for energy 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. The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens. What type of immune cell is responsible for producing antibodies?

A. Natural killer cells
B. Phagocytes
C. Helper T cells
D. B cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: B cells are responsible for producing antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response. When activated by a specific antigen, B cells differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to target and neutralize pathogens. Natural killer cells are primarily involved in killing infected or cancerous cells, phagocytes engulf pathogens, and helper T cells assist in activating other immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is B cells because they play a crucial role in antibody production, a key component of the adaptive immune response.

5. What is the outermost protective layer of the kidney?

A. Renal cortex
B. Renal medulla
C. Renal capsule
D. Renal pelvis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Renal capsule. The renal capsule is the outermost protective layer of the kidney. It is a tough fibrous layer that surrounds the kidney and helps protect it from injury and maintain its shape. Choice A, Renal cortex, is the outer region of the kidney where filtration occurs. Choice B, Renal medulla, is the inner region of the kidney where urine is formed. Choice D, Renal pelvis, is the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the kidney and funnels it into the ureter. Therefore, the renal capsule is specifically designated as the outermost protective layer of the kidney.