which of the following describes the primary function of the pyloric sphincter

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 Science Practice Test

1. What is the primary function of the pyloric sphincter?

A. to regulate the movement of food material from the stomach to the duodenum
B. to neutralize stomach acid
C. to prevent digested food materials and stomach acid from entering the esophagus
D. to begin the process of chemical digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the pyloric sphincter is to regulate the flow of partially digested food material (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. This control is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because neutralizing stomach acid is primarily the function of the stomach lining and antacid mechanisms. Choice C is incorrect because preventing the backflow of digested food materials and stomach acid into the esophagus is mainly the role of the lower esophageal sphincter. Choice D is incorrect because the chemical digestion process primarily starts in the stomach through the action of gastric juices, not the pyloric sphincter.

2. What are the primary processes involved in breathing?

A. Inspiration and Expiration
B. Inhalation and Exhalation
C. Respiration and Circulation
D. Inspiration and Respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary processes involved in breathing are inspiration (inhaling air) and expiration (exhaling air). Inspiration is the process of taking air into the lungs, while expiration is the process of expelling air from the lungs. These two phases are crucial for gas exchange, where oxygen is taken in during inspiration and carbon dioxide is expelled during expiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they either combine inspiration with respiration or include unrelated processes like respiration and circulation. Therefore, the correct pair of processes involved in breathing is A, inspiration and expiration.

3. What occurs in each of the three phases of the uterine cycle?

A. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens
B. Secretory: ovulation occurs
C. Menstrual: uterine lining sheds
D. Proliferative: uterine lining thickens

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. Ovulation occurs around day 14 of the cycle. The menstrual phase is when the uterine lining sheds if pregnancy has not occurred. Choice A is a duplicate of the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect as ovulation occurs during the mid-cycle, which is the ovulatory phase, not the secretory phase. Choice C is incorrect because the uterine lining sheds during the menstrual phase, not the secretory phase.

4. What is the difference between a real image and a virtual image formed by a lens?

A. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.
B. Real images are always upright, while virtual images can be inverted.
C. Real images are formed by converging lenses, while virtual images are formed by diverging lenses.
D. All of the above are true.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Real images can be projected onto a screen because they are formed by the actual convergence of light rays, while virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen as they appear to diverge from a point behind the lens. Real and virtual images do not have a consistent orientation (upright or inverted), so option B is incorrect. Real images are formed by both converging and diverging lenses depending on the specific scenario, so option C is not a definitive distinction. Option D is incorrect as not all the statements are true. Therefore, the only accurate general distinction between real and virtual images is that real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.

5. Which hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, including the regulation of salt and water balance?

A. Aldosterone
B. Epinephrine
C. Cortisol
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aldosterone is the correct answer. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by regulating salt and water balance. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain blood pressure and electrolyte balance during stressful situations. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and cortisol are other hormones produced by the adrenal glands, but they have different functions in the stress response. Epinephrine primarily acts to increase heart rate and blood flow in response to stress, while cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. Insulin, on the other hand, is produced by the pancreas and is involved in regulating blood sugar levels, not salt and water balance.