what is the primary function of the large intestine

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

1. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

A. To digest food
B. To absorb water and form feces
C. To absorb proteins
D. To regulate blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water from digested food and form feces for elimination. It does not primarily digest food, absorb proteins, or regulate blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because the large intestine does not digest food but rather absorbs nutrients and water. Choice C is incorrect as the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of blood pressure is not a primary function of the large intestine.

2. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

A. to create sound and speech
B. to take oxygen into the body while removing carbon dioxide
C. to transport nutrients to the cells and tissue of the body
D. to act as a barrier between the body’s organs and outside influences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to take oxygen into the body through inhalation and remove carbon dioxide through exhalation. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration and energy production, while carbon dioxide is a waste product that needs to be expelled from the body. This process is vital for the functioning of the body's cells and tissues. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because sound and speech production, nutrient transport, and acting as a barrier against outside influences are not the primary functions of the respiratory system. While the respiratory system is involved in speech production to some extent, its primary role is in gas exchange for respiration.

3. Which body system is responsible for the transport of dissolved oxygen from the lungs to the spleen?

A. Immune
B. Endocrine
C. Respiratory
D. Cardiovascular

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the cardiovascular system (Option D). The cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed, to various tissues and organs in the body, including the spleen. The immune system (Option A) is responsible for defending the body against infections and diseases. The endocrine system (Option B) regulates hormones and their effects on the body. The respiratory system (Option C) is responsible for the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, in the lungs.

4. How do hydrogen bonds in water affect its characteristics?

A. Hydrogen bonds are not polar enough to attract non-polar molecules.
B. Hydrogen bonds cause water to be less dense when it is a solid than when it is a liquid.
C. Hydrogen bonds cause water to have high surface tension, allowing some organisms to move across it.
D. Hydrogen bonds cause water to be a good solvent.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrogen bonds in water contribute to its high surface tension, enabling some organisms to move across the water's surface. This property is essential for certain insects and small animals that rely on surface tension to move or stay afloat on water. Choice A is incorrect because hydrogen bonds are polar and can attract polar and other charged molecules. Choice B is incorrect as hydrogen bonds make ice less dense than liquid water, which is a unique property. Choice D is incorrect as the ability of water to act as a good solvent is primarily due to its polarity, not just hydrogen bonding.

5. The number of protons in an atom determines its:

A. Mass number
B. Atomic number
C. Atomic weight
D. Valence electron count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The number of protons in an atom is known as the atomic number. The atomic number uniquely identifies an element and determines its position on the periodic table. It is a fundamental property of an element and directly influences its chemical behavior and interactions. The mass number, on the other hand, is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom, not just protons. Atomic weight is the average mass of an element's isotopes considering their relative abundance, not solely based on the number of protons. Valence electron count refers to the number of electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom, influencing its ability to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions, but it is not determined by the number of protons in the atom.