which of the following causes varicose veins to occur

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. What causes varicose veins to occur?

A. Atherosclerosis.
B. Incompetent valves.
C. Loss of skin turgor.
D. Loss of blood vessel elasticity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Varicose veins occur when the valves within the veins become incompetent, leading to blood pooling in the veins instead of being efficiently pumped back to the heart. This causes the veins to become enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin. Factors such as genetics, aging, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to the development of incompetent valves and the resulting varicose veins. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, not veins, and does not directly cause varicose veins. Loss of skin turgor is related to skin elasticity and not a direct cause of varicose veins. Loss of blood vessel elasticity is a general term and does not specifically address the mechanism behind varicose veins, which is primarily due to incompetent valves.

2. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.

3. Which type of blood cell is responsible for carrying oxygen?

A. White blood cell
B. Red blood cell
C. Platelet
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Red blood cell. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body. White blood cells (Choice A) are part of the immune system and help fight infections, not involved in carrying oxygen. Platelets (Choice C) are responsible for blood clotting, not oxygen transport. Plasma (Choice D) is the liquid component of blood that carries various substances like nutrients and waste products, but it does not directly carry oxygen.

4. Which statement about white blood cells is true?

A. B cells are responsible for antibody production.
B. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream.
C. Platelets, a specialized class of blood cells, function to clot blood and stop bleeding.
D. The majority of white blood cells are active throughout life, providing immunity across all age groups.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: B cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for producing antibodies in response to pathogens. Antibodies play a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria and viruses in the body, aiding in the immune response and protecting against infections. This function is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. White blood cells, including B cells, are produced in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream. Platelets, not white blood cells, are a specialized class of blood cells that function to clot blood and stop bleeding. While white blood cells provide immunity, not all of them are active throughout life as some have specific lifespans and functions.

5. Which of the following best describes one of the roles of RNA?

A. Manufacturing the proteins needed from DNA
B. Creating the bonds between the elements that make up DNA
C. Sending messages about the correct sequence of proteins in DNA
D. Forming the identifiable double helix shape of DNA

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. RNA serves as a messenger that carries instructions from DNA for protein synthesis. It does not manufacture proteins directly from DNA (choice A), create bonds within DNA (choice B), or form the double helix structure of DNA (choice D). Therefore, the primary role of RNA is to convey information about the correct sequence of proteins to be synthesized based on the DNA sequences it receives.