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. The tonsils and adenoids, located in the throat, are part of the:

A. Lymphatic system
B. Endocrine system
C. Respiratory system
D. Digestive system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, not the respiratory, endocrine, or digestive systems. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and diseases by producing white blood cells and lymphatic fluid, which help in filtering harmful substances. The respiratory system is primarily responsible for breathing and gas exchange in the body, the endocrine system regulates hormones, and the digestive system is involved in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food. Therefore, the correct answer is the lymphatic system.

3. How does the structure of centromeres contribute to chromosome movement during mitosis?

A. The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, allowing chromosomes to be attached and manipulated.
B. The centromere serves as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase.
C. The centromere maintains chromosome stability by preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements.
D. The centromere plays a role in DNA replication, ensuring accurate copying of the genetic material.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A) The centromere provides a binding site for spindle fibers, which are microtubules that help move chromosomes during cell division. This attachment allows the chromosomes to be pulled towards opposite poles of the cell during mitosis. Therefore, the structure of centromeres directly contributes to chromosome movement during mitosis by facilitating the attachment and manipulation of chromosomes by the spindle fibers. B) While the centromere does serve as a dividing point between sister chromatids, ensuring their separation during anaphase, this function is more related to the segregation of chromosomes rather than their movement. C) The centromere does play a role in maintaining chromosome stability by ensuring proper chromosome segregation, but it is not primarily responsible for preventing chromosomal breaks and rearrangements. D) The centromere is not directly involved in DNA replication. Its main function is

4. What is the largest bone in the human body?

A. Femur (thigh bone)
B. Tibia (shin bone)
C. Humerus (upper arm bone)
D. Scapula (shoulder blade)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The femur, also known as the thigh bone, holds the title of the largest bone in the human body. Situated in the upper leg, the femur plays a vital role in supporting the body's weight and enabling movement. While the tibia (shin bone), humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade) are all essential bones, none of them match the femur in terms of size and importance. The tibia, humerus, and scapula are comparatively smaller bones with specific functions in their respective areas of the body, but they do not surpass the femur in size or significance.

5. Long bones are one of the five major types of bones in the human body. Which of the following bones are long bones?

A. Sacrum
B. Clavicle
C. Patella
D. Ulna, Fibula, Humerus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Long bones are characterized by their elongated shape and include bones like the ulna, fibula, and humerus. These bones are crucial for providing support, structure, and facilitating movement in the human body. The sacrum, clavicle, and patella are not classified as long bones. The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, the clavicle is a collarbone, and the patella is the kneecap. While these bones have important functions, they do not fit the definition of long bones due to their shape and structure.