how are the motor pathways of the ans arranged

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. How are the motor pathways of the ANS arranged?

A. Single neuron from CNS to target organ
B. Two neurons, a pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic neuron
C. Multiple neurons from CNS to target organ
D. Single neuron from CNS to peripheral ganglia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The motor pathways of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are organized with two neurons: a pre-ganglionic neuron that transmits the signal from the central nervous system (CNS) to a ganglion, and a post-ganglionic neuron that conveys the signal from the ganglion to the target organ. This dual-neuron pathway enables the integration and modulation of signals before reaching the target organ, allowing for a more sophisticated and adaptable control system. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a single neuron pathway, which is not characteristic of ANS motor pathways. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests multiple neurons from the CNS to the target organ, which is not the typical arrangement. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a single neuron pathway from the CNS to peripheral ganglia, which does not account for the ganglionic transmission in ANS motor pathways.

2. What is the function of arrector pili muscles?

A. To control sweat production
B. To contract and cause goosebumps
C. To produce sebum
D. To sense touch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of arrector pili muscles is to contract and cause goosebumps. These small muscles are attached to hair follicles in mammals. When they contract, they cause the hair to stand on end, resulting in goosebumps. This physiological response is often triggered by cold temperatures or emotional states like fear, helping mammals conserve heat or appear larger in threatening situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Arrector pili muscles are not involved in controlling sweat production (Choice A), producing sebum (Choice C), or sensing touch (Choice D).

3. What does the phrase 'survival of the fittest' refer to?

A. Organisms with the most complex anatomical structures are more likely to survive and reproduce.
B. Organisms that demonstrate the best adaptations to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
C. All organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success regardless of their traits.
D. Only the strongest and most aggressive individuals within a population will survive and reproduce.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The phrase 'survival of the fittest' is often associated with the concept of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin. Natural selection is the process by which organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process does not necessarily favor the most complex anatomical structures (option A) or the strongest and most aggressive individuals (option D). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of adaptations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Option C is incorrect because natural selection results in differential reproductive success based on an organism's traits, meaning that not all organisms have an equal probability of survival and reproductive success.

4. Which structure do cells rely on for movement?

A. Flagellum
B. Microtubule
C. Pili
D. Vesicle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flagellum. Cells rely on flagella for movement, which are whip-like structures that propel the cell forward through their whipping motion. Flagella provide motility to single-celled organisms and certain cells in multicellular organisms. Microtubules, on the other hand, provide structural support to the cell and play a role in intracellular transport. Pili are short, hair-like structures used for attachment to surfaces or other cells, not for movement. Vesicles are membrane-bound sacs involved in intracellular transport, aiding in the movement of substances within the cell, but not in the movement of the cell itself.

5. What property of a substance refers to its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances with different properties?

A. Density
B. Mass
C. Reactivity
D. Volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Reactivity is the property of a substance that describes its ability to undergo a chemical change and form new substances with different properties. Density (A), mass (B), and volume (D) are physical properties of a substance and do not directly relate to its ability to undergo chemical changes. Density is mass per unit volume, mass is the amount of matter in a substance, and volume is the space occupied by a substance.