what is the function of the epiglottis

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the function of the epiglottis?

A. Produces saliva
B. Senses taste
C. Prevents food from entering the windpipe
D. Filters blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action ensures that food and liquids are directed to the esophagus and down into the stomach, rather than entering the respiratory system, which could lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they describe functions of other structures in the body that are not related to the role of the epiglottis.

2. What is the term for the division of the cytoplasm?

A. Cytokinesis
B. Mitosis
C. Meiosis
D. Apoptosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cytokinesis is the correct term for the division of the cytoplasm during cell division. It is the final stage of cell division, following either mitosis or meiosis, where the cytoplasm of a parent cell is divided into two daughter cells. Mitosis is the process of nuclear division, while meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Apoptosis, on the other hand, is programmed cell death and not the division of the cytoplasm.

3. What is the main function of the kidneys?

A. To filter waste products from the blood
B. To produce urine
C. To regulate blood pressure
D. To produce hormones that help control blood sugar levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste products, excess ions, and water from the bloodstream to form urine, which is then excreted from the body. This process helps maintain the body's internal environment by regulating the balance of electrolytes, fluid volume, and pH levels. While the kidneys do produce urine as a result of filtering the blood, their primary function is to filter waste products rather than solely producing urine. Although the kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by controlling blood volume and electrolyte concentration, their main function is waste filtration. While the kidneys do produce hormones like erythropoietin and renin that regulate physiological processes, such as red blood cell production and blood pressure, the main role of the kidneys is waste filtration.

4. The brain is part of which system?

A. Integumentary system
B. Nervous system
C. Endocrine system
D. Respiratory system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The brain is a crucial organ that serves as the command center of the body, making it a key component of the nervous system. It processes sensory information, coordinates movements, and regulates various bodily functions. Therefore, the brain is correctly categorized as part of the nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the integumentary system pertains to the skin, the endocrine system involves hormone regulation, and the respiratory system is responsible for breathing. These systems do not encompass the brain's functions or structure.

5. Which nervous system controls the involuntary 'fight-or-flight' response?

A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Enteric nervous system
D. Sensory nervous system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the body's response to stress or danger, leading to the 'fight-or-flight' response. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. Choice B, the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for the body's 'rest-and-digest' activities, which are opposite to the 'fight-or-flight' response. Choice C, the enteric nervous system, primarily regulates the gastrointestinal system and is not directly involved in the 'fight-or-flight' response. Choice D, the sensory nervous system, transmits sensory information from the body to the central nervous system and is not responsible for the physiological changes associated with the 'fight-or-flight' response.