which of the following organs is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. Which of the following organs is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces?

A. Esophagus
B. Stomach
C. Small intestine
D. Mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mouth. The mouth is responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva. This process is essential for breaking down food into smaller, more digestible pieces before swallowing. The esophagus (choice A) is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not participate in the mechanical breakdown of food. The stomach (choice B) primarily functions to further break down food using acids and enzymes, rather than mechanical means. The small intestine (choice C) is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the digested food, not for the mechanical breakdown of food.

2. Consider the graph representing a botanist's data on root growth. What is the independent variable?

A. Temperature
B. Root tissue
C. Light exposure
D. Root length

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The independent variable is the factor that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the researcher. In this case, light exposure is the independent variable because it is being controlled and tested to observe its effect on root growth. Choices A, B, and D are not the independent variable in this scenario. Temperature, root tissue, and root length are likely dependent variables that could be influenced by the changes in light exposure.

3. What is the normal (complete) flow of blood through the heart?

A. Right atrium → lungs → left atrium → body
B. Left atrium → left ventricle → body → right atrium
C. Right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → body
D. Right ventricle → left ventricle → body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct flow of blood through the heart starts with the right atrium receiving deoxygenated blood from the body, followed by the right ventricle pumping blood to the lungs for oxygenation. Oxygenated blood then returns to the heart through the left atrium, then passes to the left ventricle which pumps it out to the body through the aorta. This flow ensures that blood is properly oxygenated before circulating through the body. Choice A is incorrect as the blood does not go directly from the left atrium to the body, skipping the left ventricle. Choice B is incorrect as it does not follow the correct flow sequence in the heart. Choice D is incorrect as it does not include the full pathway of blood through the heart.

4. How can a concave mirror be used?

A. Focus light to a single point
B. Create only virtual images
C. Always magnify objects
D. Scatter light

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A concave mirror can be used to focus light to a single point. This property is known as converging light rays to a focal point. When light rays parallel to the principal axis strike a concave mirror, they converge at a specific point called the focal point. This ability to focus light makes concave mirrors useful in applications such as reflecting telescopes and shaving mirrors. Choice B is incorrect because concave mirrors can create both real and virtual images, depending on the object's position relative to the mirror. Choice C is incorrect as concave mirrors can magnify, reduce, or maintain the size of objects, depending on the object's position and the distance from the mirror. Choice D is incorrect as concave mirrors do not scatter light but instead have the ability to reflect and focus light to produce clear images.

5. What is the medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid?

A. Dysphagia
B. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
C. Peptic ulcer
D. Ulcerative colitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not specifically related to heartburn. B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term for heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. C) Peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, and it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, not specifically heartburn. D) Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, and it does not typically cause heartburn.