Practice TEAS Science Test

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pyruvic acid. In glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvic acid. This process involves a series of enzymatic reactions that result in the production of pyruvic acid, which is a crucial intermediate in cellular respiration. Pyruvic acid can then enter the citric acid cycle to further extract energy in the form of ATP. Rationale for other choices: A: ATP is produced during glycolysis, but it is not the end product. B: NADPH is not the end product of glucose breakdown in glycolysis; it is a reducing agent used in various metabolic pathways. D: Oxygen is not directly produced as a result of glucose breakdown in glycolysis; oxygen is utilized in later stages of cellular respiration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space between the lungs that contains vital structures such as the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, and trachea. It separates the lungs into right and left compartments. The pericardial cavity (B) is the space that surrounds the heart within the mediastinum. The pleural cavity (C) is the space between the lungs and the chest wall, not between the lungs themselves. Thoracic space (D) is a vague term and does not specifically refer to the space between the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To filter waste from the blood. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream to form urine. This process helps maintain the body's overall balance of fluids and electrolytes. Regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the skin and sweat glands, not the kidneys (choice A). While the kidneys do produce hormones like erythropoietin and renin, their primary function is waste filtration, not hormone production (choice C). Transporting oxygen is primarily the role of the respiratory and circulatory systems, not the kidneys (choice D).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Bile plays a crucial role in digestion by emulsifying fats. It breaks down large fat molecules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to digest fats. This process aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as bile does not directly break down carbohydrates, neutralize stomach acid, or absorb proteins in digestion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water to form solid waste (A). It also houses beneficial bacteria that produce vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health (B). Additionally, the large intestine is involved in the absorption of some vitamin B compounds produced by gut bacteria (C). Thus, all the functions listed (A, B, C) are carried out by the large intestine. Other choices are incorrect because they do not encompass all the functions performed by the large intestine.