which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate?

A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebrum
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This region of the brain is located in the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The Cerebellum (Choice A) is primarily involved in coordination and balance. The Cerebrum (Choice C) is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movement. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate.

2. What is the technical term for the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

A. Segmentation
B. Peristalsis
C. Chylification
D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the term used to describe the involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract. This process involves rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the muscles in the digestive system, which help propel food from the esophagus to the stomach and through the intestines for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation refers to the mixing movements in the intestines that aid in the absorption of nutrients but is not the term for the movement of food through the digestive tract. Chylification is not a recognized term in digestive physiology. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract.

3. Which two types of elements are most likely to form an ionic bond?

A. Two elements that are in the same period.
B. Two elements that are non-metals and have p orbitals.
C. One element that is a transition metal with d orbitals and one element that is a metal with s orbitals.
D. One element that is a metal with s orbitals and one element that is a nonmetal with p orbitals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ionic bonds typically form between a metal, which donates electrons from its s orbital, and a nonmetal, which accepts electrons into its p orbital. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Choice A is incorrect as elements in the same period may vary significantly in their properties. Choice B is incorrect because ionic bonds are usually formed between a metal and a nonmetal, not two nonmetals. Choice C is incorrect because transition metals generally form complex ions through the sharing of electrons, not typical ionic bonds.

4. How does sunscreen protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays?

A. By reflecting UV rays away from the skin
B. By absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat
C. By blocking UV rays completely
D. By stimulating melanin production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat. This mechanism helps to prevent the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage such as sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Reflecting UV rays away from the skin (option A) is not the primary function of sunscreen. While sunscreen does block UV rays, it does not do so completely (option C) as some UV rays may still penetrate the skin. Sunscreen does not stimulate melanin production (option D) as a means of protecting the skin from UV rays.

5. Which of the following glands helps regulate calcium levels?

A. Osteotoid gland
B. Pineal gland
C. Parathyroid glands
D. Thymus gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control calcium levels in the blood by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines. The other options, such as the osteotoid gland, pineal gland, and thymus gland, do not play a significant role in calcium regulation. The osteotoid gland is a fictitious term, the pineal gland is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and producing melatonin, and the thymus gland is part of the immune system and plays a role in T-cell maturation.