how do efferent fibers exit the spinal cord

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. How do efferent fibers exit the spinal cord?

A. Through the anterior aspect
B. Through the dorsal aspect
C. Through the ventral aspect
D. Through the lateral aspect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Efferent fibers, which carry motor commands, exit the spinal cord through the ventral aspect, also known as the anterior aspect. The correct answer is C, 'Through the ventral aspect.' Efferent fibers exiting through the ventral aspect are responsible for carrying motor commands from the spinal cord to the muscles and glands. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Efferent fibers do not exit through the dorsal, lateral, or anterior aspects of the spinal cord.

2. What happens when an atom loses an electron?

A. It forms a molecule.
B. It gains a positive charge and becomes an ion.
C. It alters its elemental identity.
D. No change occurs; it remains neutral.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an atom loses an electron, it gains a positive charge and becomes an ion. This occurs because the number of protons in the atom exceeds the number of electrons, leading to a positive charge. Therefore, the atom undergoes a transformation into an ion by losing an electron. Choice A is incorrect because losing an electron does not result in the formation of a molecule, as molecules are made up of bonded atoms. Choice C is incorrect because losing an electron does not change the fundamental identity of the atom; it only changes its charge. Choice D is incorrect because losing an electron causes the atom to become positively charged, altering its neutrality.

3. Which of the following hormones helps regulate blood pressure by affecting kidney function?

A. Insulin
B. Testosterone
C. Renin
D. Estrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Renin is the hormone that helps regulate blood pressure by affecting kidney function. It is released by the kidneys in response to low blood pressure or low blood volume. Renin plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Insulin, testosterone, and estrogen do not directly impact blood pressure regulation through kidney function. Insulin is involved in regulating glucose metabolism, testosterone is a male sex hormone, and estrogen is a female sex hormone. Therefore, the correct answer is Renin (Choice C) because of its specific role in blood pressure regulation through kidney function.

4. Which of the following is NOT a recognized mode of natural selection?

A. Directional selection (favoring one extreme trait value on a spectrum)
B. Disruptive selection (favoring both extreme trait values on a spectrum)
C. Stabilizing selection (favoring the average trait value on a spectrum)
D. Sexual selection (selection based on mate choice that influences reproductive success)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Directional selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where one extreme trait value on a spectrum is favored over others, leading to a shift in the average trait value over time. B) Disruptive selection is a recognized mode of natural selection where both extreme trait values on a spectrum are favored over the average trait value, potentially causing the population to split into distinct groups. C) Stabilizing selection is a recognized mode of natural selection favoring the average trait value on a spectrum over extreme values, resulting in reduced genetic diversity. D) Sexual selection differs from traditional natural selection modes as it involves mate choice and competition for mates, not direct selection pressure on traits affecting survival and reproduction in the environment. Sexual selection can drive the evolution of traits enhancing an individual's attractiveness for mating purposes.

5. Which of the following is part of the central nervous system?

A. Spinal cord
B. Peripheral nerves
C. Brainstem
D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting information between the brain and the body. Choices B, C, and D are not part of the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves belong to the peripheral nervous system, whereas the brainstem and cerebellum are components of the brain, distinct from the central nervous system.