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. A botanist wants to determine if environmental temperature affects root growth. What is the independent variable in this study?

A. Temperature
B. Seedlings
C. Light
D. Root length

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Temperature.' In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher. In this study, the botanist is specifically investigating how environmental temperature affects root growth, making temperature the independent variable. Choice B, 'Seedlings,' and Choice C, 'Light,' are not the independent variables in this context as they are not the factors being intentionally changed or manipulated. Choice D, 'Root length,' is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome that is being measured or observed in response to the changes in the independent variable, temperature.

3. How does AIDS impair the immune system?

A. AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, preventing the activation of Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells.
B. IgE stimulates mast cells to release excessive histamine.
C. IgE inhibits mast cells from releasing sufficient histamine.
D. Helper T-Cells deceive the body into attacking itself.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: AIDS targets and destroys Helper T-Cells, which play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response. By affecting these cells, AIDS prevents the activation of other important immune cells like Cytotoxic T-Cells or B-Cells. This disruption in the immune system's communication and response mechanisms leads to immune system failure and increased vulnerability to infections. Choices B and C are incorrect because they refer to the role of IgE in allergic reactions, which is not directly related to how AIDS impairs the immune system. Choice D is also incorrect as Helper T-Cells being destroyed in AIDS is not about deceiving the body into attacking itself, but rather the direct impact on immune system function.

4. What is the main function of red blood cells?

A. Transport oxygen
B. Transport carbon dioxide
C. Regulate blood pressure
D. Regulate heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transport oxygen. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to cells throughout the body. This oxygen transport is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Red blood cells do not regulate blood pressure or heart rate; their main role is oxygen transport. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because red blood cells do not transport carbon dioxide, regulate blood pressure, or regulate heart rate. These functions are primarily carried out by other components of the circulatory and regulatory systems.

5. Which types of glial cells are in the PNS?

A. Schwann cells, satellite cells
B. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes
C. Microglia, ependymal cells
D. Satellite cells, oligodendrocytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, which includes Schwann cells and satellite cells as the types of glial cells found in the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cells support neurons and myelinate axons, while satellite cells provide structural support and regulate the microenvironment around neurons in the PNS. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to glial cell types that are typically found in the central nervous system, not the peripheral nervous system. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are primarily located in the CNS, where they perform functions such as providing structural support and forming the blood-brain barrier. Microglia are immune cells found in the CNS responsible for immune defense and maintenance of neural environment, while ependymal cells line the cerebral ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord, contributing to the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.