what is the primary function of the kidneys

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. What is the primary function of the kidneys?

A. To digest food
B. To filter blood and produce urine
C. To absorb nutrients
D. To transport oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the kidneys is to filter blood and remove waste products from the body, producing urine in the process. This function helps in maintaining the body's internal environment stable, a process known as homeostasis. Option A, 'To digest food,' is incorrect as digestion primarily occurs in the gastrointestinal system, not in the kidneys. Option C, 'To absorb nutrients,' is also incorrect because nutrient absorption mainly takes place in the intestines. Option D, 'To transport oxygen,' is incorrect as the lungs and circulatory system are responsible for oxygen transport, not the kidneys.

2. Which part of the cell is responsible for storing genetic information?

A. Ribosome
B. Mitochondrion
C. Nucleus
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Nucleus. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information in the form of DNA. The DNA within the nucleus controls the activities of the cell by directing the synthesis of proteins and regulating gene expression. Choices A, Ribosome, B, Mitochondrion, and D, Cytoplasm, do not store genetic information. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, mitochondria produce energy for the cell, and cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that houses organelles and where many cellular activities occur.

3. Which feedback loops are less common and sometimes harmful because they enhance stimuli rather than inhibit them?

A. Negative feedback loop
B. Positive feedback loop
C. Inhibitory feedback loop
D. Stimulating feedback loop

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct. Positive feedback loops enhance or amplify changes, which can sometimes be harmful as they drive processes further from equilibrium. In contrast, negative feedback loops work to counteract deviations from a set point, promoting stability. Choice A, 'Negative feedback loop,' is incorrect because negative feedback loops inhibit or reduce changes, promoting stability. Choice C, 'Inhibitory feedback loop,' is incorrect as it is synonymous with negative feedback loops. Choice D, 'Stimulating feedback loop,' is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the nature of positive feedback loops.

4. What is the difference between exhalation (expiration) and inhalation (inspiration)?

A. Exhalation involves active muscle contraction, while inhalation is passive.
B. Inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air, while exhalation releases carbon dioxide-rich air.
C. Exhalation occurs through the nose only, while inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth.
D. Inhalation warms and humidifies air, while exhalation cools and dries air.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exhalation (expiration) involves active muscle contraction, specifically the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, to decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity and push air out of the lungs. In contrast, inhalation (inspiration) is a passive process where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract to increase the thoracic cavity volume, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Choice B is incorrect as exhalation removes carbon dioxide-rich air and inhalation brings in oxygen-rich air. Choice C is incorrect because both exhalation and inhalation can occur through the nose or mouth. Choice D is inaccurate as inhalation humidifies and warms the air, while exhalation cools and dries it.

5. When a person pushes a box across the floor, which of the following forces is NOT doing work?

A. The person's pushing force
B. The normal force from the floor
C. The gravitational force on the box
D. The frictional force between the box and the floor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal force from the floor is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the box, so it does not contribute to the work being done. Work is only done by forces acting in the direction of motion of an object. In this case, the normal force is acting at a right angle to the motion, hence it does not perform any work on the box. The person's pushing force, the gravitational force, and the frictional force are all acting in the direction of motion of the box, so they contribute to the work being done in moving the box across the floor.