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 is the name of the strong acid produced by the stomach to help break down food?

A. Hydrochloric acid
B. Lactic acid
C. Bile
D. Fatty acid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, hydrochloric acid. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion process by breaking down food, particularly proteins. This acid is crucial for the proper absorption of nutrients in the stomach. Lactic acid is produced in muscles during intense exercise, not in the stomach. Bile is produced by the liver to assist in digestion, primarily in the small intestine, not in the stomach. Fatty acids are molecules found in fats with different functions in the body, but they are not the primary acid produced by the stomach for digestion.

3. Which term refers to a molecule of DNA and structural protein?

A. Lysosome
B. Centrosome
C. Chromosome
D. Genome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chromosome. A chromosome is a structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information. It is the condensed form of DNA associated with structural proteins, not just a molecule of DNA or protein. Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes, not DNA and protein. Centrosomes are involved in cell division, not related to DNA and protein together. A genome refers to an organism's complete set of DNA, not specifically a molecule containing both DNA and structural protein.

4. What is hydroxyapatite?

A. A mixture of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that strengthen the collagen matrix of bone.
B. The structural unit of a bone that runs the length of the bone.
C. The covering of bones at the point of articulation to prevent grinding.
D. The lightest portion of a long bone and concentrated at the ends.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydroxyapatite is a mineral compound composed of calcium and phosphorus that plays a crucial role in strengthening the collagen matrix of bones, contributing to their structural integrity and hardness. It is a key component of bone tissue and provides the mineralization necessary for bone strength and density. Choice B is incorrect because the structural unit of a bone is the osteon or Haversian system, not hydroxyapatite. Choice C is incorrect as it describes cartilage, not hydroxyapatite. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the epiphysis, which is not synonymous with hydroxyapatite.

5. What is the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and how does it relate to its decay rate?

A. The time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay.
B. The time it takes for all of the sample to decay.
C. The rate at which new isotopes are created.
D. The energy released during decay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the initial sample to decay. After one half-life, half of the radioactive atoms have decayed. The decay rate, however, refers to the rate at which radioactive atoms decay, which is not directly related to the half-life. Choice B is incorrect because it does not correctly define the half-life. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the creation of new isotopes, not the decay process. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the energy released during decay, which is not the same as the concept of half-life.