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Which of these statements about the pharynx is true?

A. It extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus anteriorly.

B. The oropharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasopharynx.

C. The nasopharynx is involved in digestion.

D. The laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage.

Answer Explanation:

d) The laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage.

- True: The statement that the laryngopharynx is composed partially of cartilage is true. The pharynx, commonly known as the throat, is a muscular tube that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. It serves as a passageway for both air and food. The pharynx is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

a) It extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus anteriorly.

- False: The pharynx extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus and larynx inferiorly, not anteriorly.

b) The oropharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasopharynx.

- False: The oropharynx is continuous inferiorly with the oral cavity, not superiorly with the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is continuous superiorly with the nasal cavity.

c) The nasopharynx is involved in digestion.

- False: The nasopharynx is primarily involved in respiration and the passage of air. It contains the openings of the auditory tubes and tonsils but is not directly involved in digestion.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

  • Q #1: Which structure is located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm?

    A. esophageal hiatus

    B. cardiac orifice

    C. upper esophageal sphincter

    D. lower esophageal sphincter

    Answer Explanation

    a) esophageal hiatus

    - Correct: The structure located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm is called the esophageal hiatus. The esophagus passes through an opening in the diaphragm known as the esophageal hiatus as it descends from the thoracic cavity into the abdominal cavity. This hiatus allows the esophagus to connect the pharynx to the stomach.

    b) cardiac orifice

    - Incorrect: The cardiac orifice is the opening of the stomach into the esophagus. It is located at the superior portion of the stomach and is surrounded by the lower esophageal sphincter. It is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.

    c) upper esophageal sphincter

    - Incorrect: The upper esophageal sphincter is a muscular ring located at the upper end of the esophagus, where it meets the pharynx. It controls the passage of food from the pharynx into the esophagus but is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.

    d) lower esophageal sphincter

    - Incorrect: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), also known as the cardiac sphincter, is a muscular ring located at the lower end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. It controls the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach but is not located where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm.

  • Q #2: Which of these is involved in the chemical digestion of protein?

    A. pancreatic amylase

    B. trypsin

    C. sucrase

    D. pancreatic nuclease

    Answer Explanation

    b) trypsin

    - Correct: Trypsin is an enzyme involved in the chemical digestion of protein. It is secreted as trypsinogen by the pancreas and activated to its active form, trypsin, by enterokinase in the duodenum. Trypsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by cleaving peptide bonds between specific amino acids.

    a) pancreatic amylase

    - Incorrect: Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates (starches). It breaks down starch molecules into maltose and other simpler sugars.

    c) sucrase

    - Incorrect: Sucrase is an enzyme involved in the digestion of disaccharide sugars, specifically sucrose. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose into its constituent monosaccharides, glucose, and fructose.

    d) pancreatic nuclease

    - Incorrect: Pancreatic nuclease is an enzyme involved in the digestion of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It breaks down nucleic acid molecules into their component nucleotides.

  • Q #3: Which of the following membranes covers the stomach?

    A. falciform ligament

    B. mesocolon

    C. parietal peritoneum

    D. visceral peritoneum

    Answer Explanation

    d) visceral peritoneum

    - Correct: The visceral peritoneum covers the stomach. The peritoneum is a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most of the abdominal organs. The portion of the peritoneum that directly covers the surface of an organ is called the visceral peritoneum. In the case of the stomach, the visceral peritoneum covers its outer surface, providing a protective and lubricating layer.

    a) falciform ligament

    - Incorrect: The falciform ligament is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm. It does not cover the stomach.

    b) mesocolon

    - Incorrect: The mesocolon is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the colon to the posterior abdominal wall. It does not cover the stomach.

    c) parietal peritoneum

    - Incorrect: The parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity but does not cover individual organs. It forms the outer layer of the peritoneum and is not directly associated with covering the stomach.