What is the primary physiological function of erythrocytes in the human circulatory system?
A. Facilitation of gas exchange in the alveoli
B. Regulation of blood pH through the release of bicarbonate ions
C. Transportation of oxygen to body tissues
D. Synthesis of clotting factors in response to vascular injury
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in the circulatory system, primarily by facilitating the transportation of oxygen to body tissues. The other choices are also explained below:
A. Facilitation of gas exchange in the alveoli: While gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, it is primarily carried out by the respiratory system and involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood. Red blood cells do not directly participate in this process.
B. Regulation of blood pH through the release of bicarbonate ions: The regulation of blood pH is mainly maintained by the bicarbonate buffering system, which involves the action of the respiratory and renal systems. Red blood cells do play a minor role in transporting carbon dioxide, which can indirectly influence pH, but it's not their primary function.
D. Synthesis of clotting factors in response to vascular injury: Clotting factors are primarily produced by the liver and are involved in the blood clotting process to prevent excessive bleeding. Red blood cells are not directly responsible for synthesizing these factors.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.
More Questions on TEAS 7 Science
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Q #1: What is the molecular geometry of a molecule of sulphur dioxide (SO2)?
A. Linear
B. Trigonal planar
C. Bent
D. Tetrahedral
Answer Explanation
The molecular geometry of a molecule of sulphur dioxide (SO2) is bent or V-shaped. This is because of the presence of two lone pairs on the sulfur atom, which cause repulsion and distort the bond angles in the molecule.
SO2 has a central sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms by double bonds. The two double bonds and the two lone pairs of electrons on sulfur result in a trigonal planar arrangement of electron pairs around the sulfur atom. However, the repulsion between the lone pairs causes the two oxygen atoms to be pulled closer together, resulting in a bent or V-shaped molecular geometry.
The bent molecular geometry of SO2 affects its properties, such as its polarity and reactivity. SO2 is a polar molecule due to the asymmetric distribution of electrons, which results in a partial positive charge on the sulfur atom and partial negative charges on the oxygen atoms. This polarity makes SO2 a good solvent and reactant in chemical reactions, as well as a contributor to air pollution and acid rain.
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Q #2: Which of the following is a function of the respiratory system?
A. Transport of nutrients to the body
B. Pumping of blood to the lungs
C. Exchange of gases between the body and the environment
D. Digeson of food in the stomach
Answer Explanation
One of the main funcons of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. During inhalaon, air enters the lungs and oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream. During exhalaon, carbon dioxide is removed from the body and expelled into the environment.
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Q #3: What are the five regions of the vertebral column, starting from the top and moving downwards?
A. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal
B. Thoracic, cervical, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal
C. Lumbar, thoracic, cervical, coccygeal, sacral
D. Sacral, lumbar, cervical, thoracic, coccygeal
Answer Explanation
The vertebral column, also known as the spine or spinal column, is a series of bones called vertebrae that extend from the skull to the pelvis. It provides support for the body and protects the spinal cord. The five regions of the vertebral column, starting from the top and moving downwards, are:
- Cervical: This region is made up of seven vertebrae and is located in the neck. The first two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and the axis, are specialized to allow for head movement.
2. Thoracic: This region is made up of twelve vertebrae and is located in the upper and middle back. The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical vertebrae and articulate with the ribs.
3. Lumbar: This region is made up of five vertebrae and is located in the lower back. The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest of the vertebrae.
4. Sacral: This region is made up of five fused vertebrae and is located in the pelvis. The sacrum forms the posterior wall of the pelvis and articulates with the hip bones.
5. Coccygeal: This region is made up of four fused vertebrae and is located at the base of the vertebral column. The coccyx, or tailbone, provides atachment points for muscles and ligaments.
