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

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

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

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The cerebrum, although the largest part of the brain, is primarily responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movements. The cerebellum is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly responsible for regulating involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata.

2. What is the end product of glycolysis?

A. Lactic acid
B. ATP
C. NADPH
D. Pyruvic acid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pyruvic acid. The end product of glycolysis is pyruvic acid, not lactic acid, ATP, or NADPH. Pyruvic acid is a key intermediary in cellular respiration and can be further metabolized to produce energy through processes like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Lactic acid is produced in the absence of oxygen during fermentation, ATP is a product of cellular respiration but not the direct end product of glycolysis, and NADPH is generated in other metabolic pathways such as the pentose phosphate pathway, not in glycolysis.

3. A student hypothesizes that higher sugar consumption negatively impacts test scores. To investigate this, the student recruits participants to consume varying amounts of sugar, wait for one hour, and then complete an aptitude test. The student will record both the amount of sugar consumed and the test scores to analyze the relationship. What is the best experimental approach?

A. Conduct one round of testing where each participant consumes a different amount of sugar.
B. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, they consume the same amount of sugar as they did in the first round.
C. Conduct two rounds of testing: In the first round, participants consume varying amounts of sugar; in the second round, participants consume no sugar.
D. Conduct one round of testing where all participants consume the same amount of sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C provides the most thorough experimental design by including a control group. In the first round, varying sugar intake levels help explore the relationship between sugar consumption and test scores. In the second round, by having participants consume no sugar, the student can compare results to observe any changes due to sugar intake. This approach enhances the validity of the findings by accounting for potential confounding factors and better identifying causal relationships. Choice A is not ideal as it lacks a control group and does not compare the impact of sugar consumption. Choice B does not explore the effects of sugar consumption adequately as it does not include a group without sugar. Choice D does not allow for comparison between different sugar consumption levels, limiting the ability to draw meaningful conclusions.

4. What is the primary function of the coronary arteries in the cardiovascular system?

A. Carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle
B. Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle
C. Pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation
D. Regulate blood pressure in the systemic circulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the coronary arteries is to carry oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Oxygenated blood is crucial for providing nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle cells, enabling the heart to work efficiently. Without this oxygenated blood supply, the heart muscle may not receive the required nutrients and oxygen, potentially resulting in heart damage or dysfunction. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as coronary arteries do not carry deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle, pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation, or regulate blood pressure in the systemic circulation. The coronary arteries specifically supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle to support its function and vitality.

5. What does potency refer to in regards to cells?

A. The cell's ability to survive
B. The cell's ability to move
C. The cell's ability to divide rapidly
D. The cell's ability to differentiate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Potency refers to a cell's potential to differentiate into different cell types. It is not related to the cell's ability to survive (Choice A), move (Choice B), or divide rapidly (Choice C). Stem cells, for example, exhibit varying degrees of potency based on their capacity to give rise to various cell types. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it accurately defines the concept of potency in cells.