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.

Q #1: The alimentary canal, or digestive tract, is made up of the:

A. pancreas, liver, and gallbladder

B. esophagus, stomach, and intestines

C. colon, rectum, and anus

D. mouth, esophagus, and stomach

Answer Explanation

b. esophagus, stomach, and intestines

- Correct: The alimentary canal, or digestive tract, is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines (both small and large). These organs form a continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food and the elimination of waste. The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach through peristaltic contractions, while the stomach and intestines further digest food and absorb nutrients.

a. pancreas, liver, and gallbladder

- Incorrect: While the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are important accessory organs that produce digestive enzymes and substances involved in digestion (such as bile), they are not part of the alimentary canal itself. Instead, they secrete their products into the alimentary canal to aid in digestion.

c. colon, rectum, and anus

- Incorrect: The colon, rectum, and anus are parts of the large intestine, which is a component of the alimentary canal. However, the alimentary canal is not solely composed of these organs; it also includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

d. mouth, esophagus, and stomach

- Incorrect: While the mouth, esophagus, and stomach are indeed part of the alimentary canal, they do not represent the entirety of it. The alimentary canal includes additional organs such as the small and large intestines, which are also involved in the digestion and absorption of food.
Q #2: Which of these cells secrete hormones?

A. parietal cells

B. mucous neck cells

C. enteroendocrine cells

D. chief cells

Answer Explanation

c) enteroendocrine cells

- Correct: Enteroendocrine cells are specialized cells located in the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract that secrete hormones. These hormones play various roles in the regulation of digestion, nutrient absorption, and other physiological processes. Examples of hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells include gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin.

a) parietal cells

- Incorrect: Parietal cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor, but they do not secrete hormones.

b) mucous neck cells

- Incorrect: Mucous neck cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete mucus, which helps protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment, but they do not secrete hormones.

d) chief cells

- Incorrect: Chief cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach and secrete pepsinogen, the precursor to the enzyme pepsin, which plays a role in protein digestion. Chief cells do not secrete hormones.
Q #3: Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

A. manufacturing red blood cells

B. producing chemical compounds known as auxins

C. storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

D. synthesizing the hormone insulin

Answer Explanation

C) storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen

- Correct: One of the functions of the liver in human adults is storing the carbohydrate reserve glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the body. When blood glucose levels are high, such as after a meal, the liver takes up excess glucose and converts it into glycogen for storage. When blood glucose levels drop, such as between meals or during fasting, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.

A) manufacturing red blood cells

- Incorrect: The primary site of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) in adults is the bone marrow, not the liver. While the liver is involved in the production of blood proteins and components, such as albumin, clotting factors, and plasma proteins, it is not responsible for manufacturing red blood cells.

B) producing chemical compounds known as auxins

- Incorrect: Auxins are a class of plant hormones involved in various physiological processes, such as cell elongation, apical dominance, and root development. They are not produced by the liver in human adults.

D) synthesizing the hormone insulin

- Incorrect: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, not the liver. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production or storage. While the liver responds to insulin by regulating glucose metabolism and storage, it does not synthesize insulin itself.

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Which of these statements about the pharynx is true?

More Questions on TEAS 7 Science

Q #1: The alimentary canal, or digestive tract, is made up of the:

Answer Explanation

Q #2: Which of these cells secrete hormones?

Answer Explanation

Q #3: Which is a function of the liver in human adults?

Answer Explanation

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