which of the following describes the primary function of the pyloric sphincter

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. What is the primary function of the pyloric sphincter?

A. to regulate the movement of food material from the stomach to the duodenum
B. to neutralize stomach acid
C. to prevent digested food materials and stomach acid from entering the esophagus
D. to begin the process of chemical digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the pyloric sphincter is to regulate the flow of partially digested food material (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. This control is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because neutralizing stomach acid is primarily the function of the stomach lining and antacid mechanisms. Choice C is incorrect because preventing the backflow of digested food materials and stomach acid into the esophagus is mainly the role of the lower esophageal sphincter. Choice D is incorrect because the chemical digestion process primarily starts in the stomach through the action of gastric juices, not the pyloric sphincter.

2. Which of the following describes a reflex arc?

A. The storage and recall of memory
B. The maintenance of visual and auditory acuity
C. The autoregulation of heart rate and blood pressure
D. A stimulus and response controlled by the spinal cord

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D correctly describes a reflex arc. A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex action. It involves a specific sequence of events that occur in response to a stimulus, which is rapidly and involuntarily processed by the spinal cord. The spinal cord coordinates the quick processing of sensory input and the generation of a motor response without involving the brain, allowing for rapid protective responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe a reflex arc. A reflex arc is specifically related to the rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus through neural pathways involving the spinal cord, not memory storage, visual and auditory acuity maintenance, or heart rate and blood pressure autoregulation.

3. Which of the following statements regarding the working of the heart is not correct?

A. The atria contract, and the valves open to allow blood into the ventricles.
B. The heartbeat begins when the heart muscles relax, and blood flows into the atria.
C. The valves close to stop blood from flowing backward.
D. The ventricles contract, forcing blood to leave the heart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the heartbeat actually begins when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. The contraction phase follows, which propels blood out of the heart. The other statements are accurate in describing the normal sequence of events in the heart's functioning: the atria contract to push blood into the ventricles, the valves close to prevent backflow of blood, and the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart.

4. Which of the following does not describe a general trait of macromolecules?

A. They can exist as single chains.
B. They can be branched.
C. They all contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus.
D. They are all used by the body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. While many macromolecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus, not all of them do. For example, lipids, a type of macromolecule, may not contain phosphorus. Choice A and B describe structural features that macromolecules can exhibit, whether as single chains or branched forms. Choice D is incorrect as not all macromolecules are used by the body, such as synthetic polymers or certain non-digestible fibers.

5. What is the formula for calculating molarity?

A. M = n/V
B. M = n/L
C. M = mol/L
D. M = mol/dm³

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct formula for calculating molarity is M = n/V. In this formula, 'M' represents molarity, 'n' represents the number of moles of solute, and 'V' represents the volume of the solution in liters. Molarity is defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution, hence the ratio of moles to volume. Choice B, 'M = n/L', is incorrect because 'L' should represent liters instead of the number of moles. Choice C, 'M = mol/L', is incorrect as it does not include the representation of the number of moles 'n'. Choice D, 'M = mol/dm³', is incorrect because 'dm³' is a volume unit equal to a liter, but the correct representation should be in terms of the volume of the solution in liters. Therefore, the correct answer is M = n/V.