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. Which of the following is a special property of water?

A. Water does not easily flow through phospholipid bilayers.
B. A water molecule's oxygen atom does not allow fish to breathe.
C. Water is highly cohesive, which explains its high melting point.
D. Water cannot self-hydrolyze and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water is highly cohesive, meaning it is attracted to itself due to its hydrogen bonding properties. This cohesion is the reason why water has a high melting point compared to other liquids of similar molecular weight. It is crucial for the existence of life on Earth as it allows water to remain a liquid within a wide range of temperatures, providing a stable environment for biological processes to occur. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Water's cohesive property does not directly relate to its ability to flow through phospholipid bilayers, assist fish in breathing, or self-hydrolyze into hydrogen and oxygen.

3. What property of a wave represents the distance between two successive identical points on a wave?

A. Wavelength
B. Amplitude
C. Frequency
D. Period

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The wavelength of a wave represents the distance between two successive identical points on a wave, such as two crests or two troughs. It is typically measured in meters and is a fundamental characteristic of a wave, influencing its properties and behavior. Wavelength is crucial in wave physics, affecting phenomena like interference, diffraction, and the wave's speed in a medium. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position, frequency is the number of complete oscillations a wave makes in a given time, and period is the time it takes for a wave to complete one full cycle. These properties are different from wavelength and serve distinct purposes in describing waves.

4. What is the primary function of the circulatory system?

A. To regulate body temperature
B. To transport oxygen and nutrients
C. To fight infection
D. To break down waste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To transport oxygen and nutrients. The primary function of the circulatory system is to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to cells throughout the body and remove waste products like carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect as regulating body temperature is primarily the function of the body's thermoregulatory system. Choice C is incorrect as fighting infection is mainly the role of the immune system. Choice D is incorrect as breaking down waste is primarily handled by the digestive system.

5. 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.