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. Identify the function NOT attributed to the lymphatic system.

A. Fluid drainage from tissues
B. Immune response via white blood cell production
C. Nutrient transport throughout the body
D. Waste removal through lymph nodes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Fluid drainage from tissues: This function is attributed to the lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid from tissues and return it to the bloodstream. B) Immune response via white blood cell production: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by producing and transporting white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which help fight infections. C) Nutrient transport throughout the body: Nutrient transport is primarily carried out by the circulatory system (blood vessels), not the lymphatic system. The circulatory system transports nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells and removes waste products. D) Waste removal through lymph nodes: The lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the body by filtering lymph through lymph nodes, where harmful substances are trapped and destroyed by immune cells. Therefore, the function NOT attributed to the lymphatic system is C) Nutrient transport throughout the body.

3. Where does mRNA translation typically occur?

A. On the ribosome
B. In the nucleus
C. In the cytoplasm
D. On the smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: mRNA translation typically occurs on the ribosome. Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. They read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain during translation. The correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The nucleus is where mRNA is transcribed from DNA, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein processing and transport but not in mRNA translation.

4. Which of the following is an example of a decomposition reaction?

A. 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
B. CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
C. 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl
D. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances. In option B, CaCO3 breaks down into CaO and CO2, making it an example of a decomposition reaction. Options A, C, and D involve different types of chemical reactions such as synthesis, combination, and combustion, respectively. Option A represents a synthesis reaction, where two elements combine to form a compound. Option C demonstrates a combination reaction, where two elements combine to form a compound. Option D is an example of a synthesis reaction, where two reactants combine to form a single compound. It is important to recognize the specific characteristics of each type of chemical reaction to identify the correct example of decomposition reaction, where a compound breaks down into simpler products.

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

A. absorbing digested material into the blood
B. nutrient processing and metabolizing
C. absorbing water and compacting material into solid waste
D. bile production and storage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from undigested food remnants and compact them into solid waste (feces). This process helps regulate hydration levels in the body and aids in waste elimination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Absorbing digested material into the blood is mainly done in the small intestine, nutrient processing and metabolizing occur in various parts of the digestive system, and bile production and storage are functions of the liver and gallbladder, not the large intestine.