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 is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

A. Made up of cells
B. Able to reproduce
C. Require energy
D. Non-motile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Made up of cells: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, a fundamental characteristic of life as defined by cell theory. B) Able to reproduce: Reproduction is a key characteristic of living organisms to pass on genetic information. C) Require energy: Energy is essential for carrying out life processes like growth and maintenance of homeostasis. D) Non-motile: While some living organisms are non-motile, movement is common in many organisms for survival activities like finding food, escaping predators, and responding to the environment. Therefore, being non-motile is not a universal characteristic of living organisms, making it the correct answer in this context.

3. Which of the following glands is NOT directly controlled by the pituitary gland?

A. Thyroid gland
B. Adrenal glands
C. Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)
D. Parathyroid glands

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, regulates various endocrine glands by releasing specific hormones. The thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands are directly controlled by the pituitary gland through hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) respectively. However, the pancreas, particularly the Islets of Langerhans, is not directly influenced by the pituitary gland. The pancreas is mainly governed by blood glucose levels and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A, the thyroid gland, is controlled by the pituitary gland through TSH. Choice B, the adrenal glands, are regulated by the pituitary gland via ACTH. Choice D, the parathyroid glands, are under the direct control of the pituitary gland through PTH.

4. How is the density of a substance calculated?

A. Mass / Volume
B. Volume / Mass
C. Mass x Volume
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The density of a substance is calculated by dividing the mass of the substance by its volume. The formula for density is Density = Mass / Volume. This calculation allows us to determine how much mass is present in a given volume of a substance, making option A the correct choice. Choice B (Volume / Mass) is incorrect because density is defined as mass per unit volume, so mass should be the numerator. Choice C (Mass x Volume) is incorrect as this would result in a different unit of measurement and not represent density. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as there is a specific formula for calculating density, which is mass divided by volume.

5. What is the primary organ responsible for filtering urine?

A. Kidneys
B. Bladder
C. Ureters
D. Urethra

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for filtering urine. They filter waste products and excess substances from the blood to produce urine. Subsequently, urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. The bladder temporarily stores urine until it is expelled from the body through the urethra. The bladder's function is storage, the ureters transport urine, and the urethra is the exit pathway for urine expulsion. Therefore, the kidneys play a vital role in the filtration and production of urine within the urinary system.