Nokea
What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?
- A. digestion
- B. deglutition
- C. defecation
- D. peristalsis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection?
- A. mucus membranes
- B. stomach acid
- C. skin
- D. urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: skin.' The skin is the primary physical barrier the body uses to prevent infection. It acts as a protective shield that prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the body. The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, acts as a tough physical barrier that blocks the entry of pathogens. Additionally, the skin has special immune cells that can help fight off invaders that manage to breach the physical barrier. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While mucous membranes, stomach acid, and urine play important roles in the body's defense against pathogens, the primary physical barrier is the skin, which covers the entire body and provides a robust protective barrier.
Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?
- A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
- B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
- C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
- D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
- A. to create sound and speech
- B. to take oxygen into the body while removing carbon dioxide
- C. to transport nutrients to the cells and tissue of the body
- D. to act as a barrier between the body's organs and outside influences
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to take oxygen into the body through inhalation and remove carbon dioxide through exhalation. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration and energy production, while carbon dioxide is a waste product that needs to be expelled from the body. This process is vital for the functioning of the body's cells and tissues. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because sound and speech production, nutrient transport, and acting as a barrier against outside influences are not the primary functions of the respiratory system. While the respiratory system is involved in speech production to some extent, its primary role is in gas exchange for respiration.
What is the initial step of the scientific method?
- A. construct a hypothesis
- B. make observations
- C. analyze data
- D. form a question
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step of the scientific method is to make observations. This involves collecting data and information about a specific phenomenon or problem. Observations serve as the basis for developing a question to be explored further. Forming a hypothesis (Choice A) comes after making observations, as the hypothesis is an educated guess to explain the observations. Analyzing data (Choice C) occurs later in the scientific method after data has been collected and experiments conducted. Forming a question (Choice D) is a crucial step but typically follows observations in the scientific process.
Which of the following describes the path through which air moves during inhalation?
- A. mouth/nose > pharynx > larynx > trachea > bronchi > bronchioles > alveoli
- B. bronchioles > alveoli > bronchi > larynx > pharynx > lungs
- C. mouth/nose > bronchi > bronchioles > alveoli > lungs > trachea
- D. alveoli > bronchioles > lungs > bronchi > trachea > larynx > pharynx > mouth/nose
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct path through which air moves during inhalation is from the mouth/nose > pharynx > larynx > trachea > bronchi > bronchioles > alveoli. This sequence accurately represents the typical route air takes as it travels from the external environment into the lungs to facilitate gas exchange in the alveoli. Choice B is incorrect as it reverses the order of bronchioles and alveoli. Choice C is incorrect as it starts with mouth/nose but then incorrectly lists lungs before trachea. Choice D is incorrect as it reverses the entire sequence of the respiratory pathway, starting with alveoli instead of mouth/nose.