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 respiratory structure is responsible for vocalization and sound production?

A. Trachea
B. Larynx
C. Bronchi
D. Alveoli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Larynx. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is the respiratory structure responsible for vocalization and sound production. It contains the vocal cords, which vibrate as air passes through, producing sound. The trachea (A) connects the larynx to the bronchi. While the trachea serves as the windpipe, it is not directly involved in sound production. Bronchi (C) are airway passages that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs, but they are not responsible for vocalization. Alveoli (D) are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, but they are not involved in sound production.

3. Which digestive enzyme is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins?

A. Pepsin
B. Lipase
C. Amylase
D. Maltase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pepsin. Pepsin is primarily responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach. It is produced in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which becomes activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. Pepsin functions by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, which are further digested by other enzymes in the small intestine. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats, amylase for carbohydrates, and maltase for converting maltose into glucose. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are associated with breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and converting maltose, respectively, not proteins.

4. Which macromolecule will always contain nitrogen?

A. Fatty acid
B. Protein
C. Lipid
D. Carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein. Proteins always contain nitrogen, as it is a key element in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Fatty acids (choice A), lipids (choice C), and carbohydrates (choice D) do not always contain nitrogen. Fatty acids consist of long chains of hydrocarbons, lipids are mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as well, but not nitrogen.

5. What is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself?

A. Degeneration
B. Regeneration
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Regeneration is the correct answer. It is the process by which damaged muscle tissue repairs and rebuilds itself. New muscle cells are formed during regeneration to replace the damaged ones, allowing the muscle to heal and regain its function. Degeneration refers to tissue breakdown, hyperplasia is the increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, and metaplasia is the transformation of one type of tissue into another.