TEAS Practice Test Science

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To secrete digestive enzymes. The pancreas secretes enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. This process is crucial for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choice A is incorrect because the pancreas does not secrete bile, which is produced by the liver. Choice C is incorrect because the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the pancreas. Choice D is incorrect as waste transportation is mainly handled by the intestines and kidneys, not the pancreas.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The bladder. The bladder is located in the pelvic cavity, specifically in the lower part of the abdomen. It is a hollow organ that stores urine before it is expelled from the body. The kidneys (A) are located in the upper abdominal area, the colon (B) is part of the large intestine and extends from the cecum to the rectum, and the rectum (D) is the final part of the large intestine before the anus. Therefore, the bladder is the only structure among the choices that is specifically located in the pelvic cavity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To exchange gases. The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and our blood. This process is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because digestion of food is primarily handled by the digestive system, nutrient transportation is mainly done by the circulatory system, and regulation of body temperature is primarily controlled by the integumentary and nervous systems.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicase. Helicase is responsible for unwinding the double-stranded DNA during replication by breaking the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. This allows the DNA strands to separate and serve as templates for the synthesis of new DNA strands by DNA polymerase. Ligase is responsible for joining the DNA fragments together, nuclease is involved in DNA repair by cutting out damaged DNA, and polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands based on the template strands. Therefore, only helicase directly unwinds the double-stranded DNA during replication.