what is the largest organ in the human body

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. Which of the following is the largest organ in the human body?

A. Liver
B. Brain
C. Heart
D. Skin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It covers the entire body, serving as a protective barrier against pathogens, UV radiation, and physical damage. Additionally, the skin plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and synthesizing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The liver is the largest internal organ, the brain is the control center of the body, and the heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. However, none of these organs are the largest in terms of surface area or overall size.

2. What checkpoint mechanism ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins?

A. Prometaphase
B. Metaphase
C. Cyclin degradation
D. Sister chromatid cohesion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) Prometaphase is the correct answer because it is the stage of mitosis where all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope breaks down, allowing the spindle fibers to attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. This attachment is necessary for proper chromosome alignment and segregation during anaphase. B) Metaphase is incorrect because it is the stage where chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate but do not necessarily have all spindle fibers attached. C) Cyclin degradation is incorrect because it is a regulatory mechanism that controls the progression of the cell cycle but is not specifically related to ensuring all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers. D) Sister chromatid cohesion is incorrect because it refers to the physical connection between sister chromatids that is maintained until anaphase, but it does not ensure that all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.

3. Which type of capillary is the most permeable?

A. Continuous capillaries
B. Sinusoidal capillaries
C. Fenestrated capillaries
D. Vascular capillaries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sinusoidal capillaries are indeed the most permeable type. They are characterized by large gaps between endothelial cells, allowing for the passage of large molecules and cells. These capillaries are commonly found in organs like the liver, bone marrow, and spleen where high permeability is required for specialized functions such as filtration and exchange of substances. Continuous capillaries have tight junctions and are the least permeable, found in muscles, lungs, and the central nervous system where strict control over permeability is needed. Fenestrated capillaries, on the other hand, have small pores or fenestrations and are intermediate in permeability, found in organs like the kidneys, endocrine glands, and intestines where selective permeability is necessary. Vascular capillaries is not a specific type of capillary and is not a valid choice.

4. A dietitian wants to convince a patient to lose weight. Which statement below best communicates a scientific argument that justifies the need for weight loss?

A. Losing weight can lower blood pressure, increase energy levels, and promote overall health.
B. Society tends to treat overweight people unfairly.
C. Members of the opposite sex are more interested in people who maintain a healthy weight.
D. Losing weight is easy to do.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer as it provides a scientific argument supported by evidence. Losing weight has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase energy levels, and promote overall health. These are concrete health benefits that can be objectively measured and monitored. Choices B and C do not offer scientific justifications for weight loss but rather focus on societal perceptions and personal relationships. Choice D is incorrect as losing weight is not always easy and may require significant effort and lifestyle changes.

5. What term describes the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction?

A. Myofibril
B. Sarcomere
C. Tendon
D. Myoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Sarcomere.' The sarcomere is indeed the functional unit of a skeletal muscle responsible for muscle contraction. It is composed of actin and myosin filaments that interact to generate muscle contraction. Choice A, 'Myofibril,' is incorrect as myofibrils are composed of sarcomeres, not the functional units themselves. Choice C, 'Tendon,' is incorrect as tendons connect muscles to bones and do not directly participate in muscle contraction. Choice D, 'Myoglobin,' is incorrect as myoglobin is a protein that stores oxygen in muscle cells and is not directly involved in muscle contraction.