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 of the following is NOT a type of epithelium?

A. Stratified squamous
B. Simple cuboidal
C. Stratified columnar
D. Pseudostratified columnar

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Pseudostratified columnar. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium is not a type of epithelium. It is a specialized form of simple columnar epithelium. Stratified squamous, simple cuboidal, and stratified columnar are all types of epithelial tissues found in the human body. Stratified squamous epithelium is found in the skin, mouth, and esophagus; simple cuboidal epithelium lines kidney tubules and glands; stratified columnar epithelium is present in parts of the respiratory tract and male urethra.

3. Which of the following organs is NOT directly involved in the mechanical breakdown of food?

A. Mouth
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Esophagus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the esophagus (D). The esophagus is not directly involved in the mechanical breakdown of food. Its primary function is to transport food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis, a series of muscular contractions. The mouth is involved in the initial mechanical breakdown by chewing and mixing food with saliva. The stomach mechanically breaks down food through churning movements, and the small intestine further breaks down food through peristalsis and segmentation. Choices A, B, and C are directly involved in mechanical breakdown processes. The mouth helps in chewing and mixing food with saliva, the stomach mechanically breaks down food through churning movements, and the small intestine continues the breakdown process with peristalsis and segmentation.

4. A researcher wants to investigate the relationship between family income and quality of medical care. Which statement provides the best reason to conduct this investigation?

A. The researcher can identify affordable medical care to recommend to low-income families.
B. The investigation can help identify individuals who are healthy so they can maintain their health.
C. Results of this investigation may identify a group of people who do not receive quality medical care and could benefit from improved medical treatments.
D. There is a valid reason to conduct this investigation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because identifying a group of individuals who do not receive quality medical care can lead to targeted interventions to improve their access to better medical treatments. This investigation can help address disparities in healthcare and improve outcomes for those in need. Choice A is incorrect because the focus is on identifying those who lack quality medical care, not just affordable care. Choice B is incorrect as it misinterprets the purpose of the investigation, which is to improve medical care for those not receiving quality care, rather than maintaining the health of those already healthy. Choice D is too vague and does not provide a specific reason for conducting the investigation, unlike choice C which highlights the potential benefits of identifying individuals in need of improved medical treatments.

5. The innate immune system provides a non-specific first line of defense. What are some physical barriers that contribute to the innate immune system?

A. Antibodies
B. Phagocytes
C. Skin and mucous membranes
D. Memory B cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.