which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which of the following structures prevents food from entering the windpipe?

A. Pharynx
B. Esophagus
C. Larynx
D. Epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the windpipe by covering the trachea during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the opening of the trachea to ensure that food goes down the esophagus and not into the airway. The pharynx is a shared pathway for both food and air, leading to the esophagus and larynx respectively. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The larynx is responsible for producing sound and protecting the airway during swallowing, but the epiglottis is specifically designed to prevent food from entering the windpipe.

2. Which part of the brainstem controls heart rate and breathing?

A. Medulla oblongata
B. Pons
C. Midbrain
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is a critical part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It houses centers that oversee these involuntary processes, making it the correct answer. The pons, midbrain, and thalamus do not primarily control heart rate and breathing, thus making them incorrect choices for this question.

3. What is the initial step of the scientific method?

A. construct a hypothesis
B. make observations
C. analyze data
D. form a question

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first step of the scientific method is to make observations. This involves collecting data and information about a specific phenomenon or problem. Observations serve as the basis for developing a question to be explored further. Forming a hypothesis (Choice A) comes after making observations, as the hypothesis is an educated guess to explain the observations. Analyzing data (Choice C) occurs later in the scientific method after data has been collected and experiments conducted. Forming a question (Choice D) is a crucial step but typically follows observations in the scientific process.

4. What is the difference between heat and temperature?

A. They are the same thing.
B. Heat is a form of energy, while temperature measures the average kinetic energy of particles.
C. Heat flows from cold to hot, while temperature flows from hot to cold.
D. Heat is measured in Celsius, while temperature is measured in Joules.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heat and temperature are distinct concepts. Heat is a form of energy that transfers from a higher temperature object to a lower temperature object, while temperature represents the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Heat is quantified in units like Joules or calories, whereas temperature is typically gauged in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. Therefore, choice B correctly distinguishes between heat and temperature, making it the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately define the difference between heat and temperature. Choice A erroneously suggests they are the same, choice C confuses the direction of heat and temperature flow, and choice D provides inaccurate units for measuring heat and temperature.

5. What is the primary function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in gene editing?

A. To amplify specific DNA sequences.
B. To cut DNA at specific locations.
C. To deliver genes into cells.
D. To sequence entire genomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful tool used in gene editing to precisely target and cut DNA at specific locations within the genome. This system consists of a guide RNA that directs the Cas9 enzyme to the desired DNA sequence, where it creates a double-strand break. This break can then be repaired by the cell's natural DNA repair mechanisms, allowing for the introduction of specific genetic modifications. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the primary function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in gene editing. Amplifying DNA sequences, delivering genes into cells, and sequencing entire genomes are not the main functions of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is primarily focused on precise DNA cutting for targeted genetic modifications.