TEAS Practice Test Science

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The rib cage protects the vital organs such as the lungs and heart by providing a sturdy barrier against external impact. The ribs act as a shield, preventing injuries to these crucial organs. Additionally, the rib cage also aids in the process of respiration by expanding and contracting to allow the lungs to inflate and deflate during breathing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary function of the rib cage is to protect the lungs and heart, not the digestive organs, support movement, or regulate body temperature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To control body movement and coordination. The nervous system is responsible for receiving sensory input, processing information, and sending signals to control muscle movement and coordination. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Choice A is incorrect as the immune system fights infection. Choice C is incorrect as metabolism is regulated by the endocrine system. Choice D is incorrect as oxygen transportation is the function of the circulatory system, not the nervous system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thymus. The thymus is responsible for maturing T cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune responses. The thymus is where immature T cells develop into functional T cells through a process called thymic education. The other choices are incorrect because the hypothalamus (A) is involved in regulating hormones, the pineal gland (B) regulates sleep-wake cycles, and the thyroid (D) produces hormones that regulate metabolism. These structures do not have a direct role in maturing T cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Osmosis is the process where water molecules move from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration through a selectively permeable membrane. This is driven by the concentration gradient of water molecules. Choice A is incorrect because osmosis does not involve movement against the concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect as osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water molecules, not solutes. Choice D is incorrect as osmosis involves the movement of water molecules, not large molecules.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Vital capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air a person can exhale after maximum inhalation, including tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume. Tidal volume (A) is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing, not maximum inhalation. Total lung capacity (B) is the total volume of air the lungs can hold at maximum inflation, including residual volume. Ventilation rate (C) refers to the number of breaths taken per minute, not the volume of air that can be expelled after maximum inhalation. In summary, vital capacity is the correct choice as it specifically represents the maximum volume of air that can be expelled from the lungs after maximum inhalation.