which part of the nervous system controls the fight or flight response

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which part of the nervous system controls the 'fight or flight' response?

A. Central nervous system
B. Peripheral nervous system
C. Autonomic nervous system
D. Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

2. What is the term for the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, often causing wheezing and difficulty breathing?

A. Pneumonia
B. Emphysema
C. Asthma
D. Pleurisy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and a chronic cough. Pleurisy, on the other hand, is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, causing chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Therefore, the correct term for the inflammation of the airways in the lungs with symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing is Asthma.

3. What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

A. Transporting nutrients throughout the body
B. Removing excess fluids and waste products from tissues
C. Producing red blood cells
D. Regulating body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to remove excess fluids, waste products, and toxins from tissues. It maintains fluid balance and supports the immune system by transporting lymph, which contains white blood cells, throughout the body. Choice A is incorrect as nutrient transport is primarily handled by the circulatory system. Choice C is incorrect because red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, not the lymphatic system. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of body temperature is mainly controlled by the endocrine system and thermoregulatory mechanisms in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

4. In the cardiovascular system, what does the term 'double circulation' refer to?

A. The separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flow within the heart.
B. The regulation of blood pressure through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
C. The cyclic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.
D. The existence of two separate circulatory pathways, one for the lungs and one for the body.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The term 'double circulation' in the cardiovascular system refers to the existence of two separate circulatory pathways, one for the lungs (pulmonary circulation) and one for the body (systemic circulation). Oxygen-poor blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation, and then oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the lungs back to the heart to be circulated to the rest of the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the concept of 'double circulation.' Choice A refers to the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart, choice B relates to blood pressure regulation mechanisms, and choice C describes the cardiac muscle's contraction and relaxation, none of which define 'double circulation' in the context of the cardiovascular system.

5. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

A. Cramp
B. Spasm
C. Tic
D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.