which is true of the process of digestion

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. Which statement is true regarding the process of digestion?

A. Digestion of starch begins in the mouth.
B. Amylase is produced by the stomach to help break down food in the upper intestine.
C. The di- and tri-saccharides produced in early digestion are absorbed through the intestinal wall.
D. Proteases are responsible for breaking down starches.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement 'Digestion of starch begins in the mouth' is correct. Salivary amylase, an enzyme produced in the salivary glands, initiates the breakdown of starch into simpler sugars like maltose in the mouth before further digestion in the stomach. This initial breakdown of starch is crucial in the digestion of carbohydrates, marking the beginning of the digestive process. Choice B is incorrect because amylase is produced in the salivary glands, not the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because di- and tri-saccharides are further broken down into monosaccharides before absorption. Choice D is incorrect because proteases are enzymes that break down proteins, not starches.

2. Which muscles play a significant role in the process of forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume?

A. Diaphragm
B. External intercostal muscles
C. Internal intercostal muscles
D. Abdominal muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abdominal muscles play a significant role in forced exhalation by contracting to reduce the thoracic cavity volume. When these muscles contract, the pressure within the thoracic cavity increases, assisting in the expulsion of air from the lungs. This action helps to compress the abdomen and push the diaphragm upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and aiding in the exhalation process. The diaphragm (Choice A) is mainly involved in inhalation by contracting and moving downward to increase thoracic cavity volume. External intercostal muscles (Choice B) and internal intercostal muscles (Choice C) are primarily involved in the process of inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity during normal breathing, rather than forced exhalation.

3. During nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create:

A. A heavier isotope of the same element
B. A lighter isotope of the same element
C. An entirely new element
D. A chain reaction of nuclear fission

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During nuclear transmutation, a target nucleus is bombarded with a particle to create an entirely new element. This process involves changing the number of protons in the nucleus, resulting in the creation of a different element. Options A and B are incorrect because nuclear transmutation leads to the formation of a new element, not a heavier or lighter isotope of the same element. Option D, a chain reaction of nuclear fission, is incorrect as nuclear transmutation involves the direct conversion of one element into another through bombardment with particles, not the initiation of a fission chain reaction.

4. Which of the following blood vessels carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

A. Pulmonary vein
B. Pulmonary artery
C. Aorta
D. Vena cava

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary vein. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. It is essential to distinguish between the pulmonary vein (A) and the pulmonary artery (B) in this context. The pulmonary vein transports oxygenated blood, while the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The aorta (C) functions as the main artery that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the body's tissues, while the vena cava (D) returns deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart.

5. What is the scientific term for scar tissue?

A. Epithelial tissue
B. Fibrous connective tissue
C. Cartilage
D. Adipose tissue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct scientific term for scar tissue is fibrous connective tissue. Scar tissue is primarily composed of fibrous connective tissue, which forms as part of the body's natural healing process in response to injury or trauma. Epithelial tissue, cartilage, and adipose tissue are not typically involved in scar formation. Therefore, the correct answer is fibrous connective tissue, as it is the specific type of tissue that makes up scar tissue.