what is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. What is the role of surfactant in the respiratory system?

A. To trap dust particles
B. To increase lung compliance
C. To produce mucus
D. To generate oxygen during respiration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To increase lung compliance. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension helps to increase lung compliance, making it easier for the lungs to expand and contract during breathing. Improved lung compliance is essential for efficient gas exchange in the respiratory system, facilitating oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant does not trap dust particles, produce mucus, or generate oxygen during respiration. Instead, its primary function lies in reducing surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse and improve lung compliance for optimal gas exchange.

2. When ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium metal (Na), what is the product?

A. Ethene (C₂H₄)
B. Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa)
C. Ethane (C₂H₆)
D. Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium metal (Na), the product formed is Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa). This reaction is a classic example of a metal displacing hydrogen in an alcohol to form an alkoxide. In this specific case, sodium replaces the hydrogen in ethanol, resulting in the formation of sodium ethoxide. Choice A, Ethene (C₂H₄), is incorrect as it is a different compound formed from the dehydration of ethanol, not its reaction with sodium. Choice C, Ethane (C₂H₆), is incorrect as it is a saturated hydrocarbon, not the product of the reaction of ethanol with sodium metal. Choice D, Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), is incorrect as it involves acetic acid, not ethanol, reacting with sodium to form the salt sodium acetate.

3. Which human body system is correctly matched with its function?

A. Respiratory system; exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
B. Circulatory system; transports oxygen to cells and removes carbon dioxide.
C. Lymphatic system; produces antibodies that destroy virally affected or foreign cells.
D. Endocrine system; regulates hormones controlling bodily functions and metabolism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The circulatory system is responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to all the body's cells and tissues, as well as removing carbon dioxide from the cells and transporting it back to the lungs to be exhaled. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and the exchange of gases necessary for bodily functions. Choice B accurately matches the role of the circulatory system by describing its function of transporting oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide, which is essential for maintaining proper cellular activities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately match the body system with its function. The respiratory system primarily involves the exchange of gases in the lungs, not transportation to cells; the lymphatic system deals with immunity through the production of antibodies, not gas exchange; and the endocrine system's main function is hormone regulation, not the transport of gases.

4. Where does the nerve impulses send neurotransmitters across a synapse to a muscle cell to stimulate muscle contraction?

A. sarcomere
B. tendon
C. myelin sheath
D. neuromuscular junction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The neuromuscular junction is the specific area where nerve impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic gap to bind to receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This binding initiates muscle contraction by stimulating the muscle cell. The sarcomere is the basic contractile unit in a muscle fiber, not the location where nerve impulses communicate with muscle cells. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscles to bones and are not involved in transmitting nerve impulses. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around nerve fibers but is not directly involved in transmitting neurotransmitters to muscle cells for muscle contraction.

5. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize a key property of positrons for medical imaging. What is this property?

A. High mass
B. Positive charge
C. Extreme stability
D. Identical behavior to electrons

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize the property of positrons having a positive charge. Positrons are the antimatter counterpart of electrons, having the same mass but opposite charge. When a positron collides with an electron, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner to create images of the body's internal structures and functions. Choice A is incorrect because positrons have the same mass as electrons. Choice C is incorrect as positrons are not extremely stable due to their tendency to annihilate when they encounter electrons. Choice D is incorrect as positrons exhibit different behavior than electrons due to their opposite charges.