which structure in the skin is responsible for producing melanin

ATI TEAS 7

Practice Science TEAS Test

1. Which structure in the skin is responsible for producing melanin?

A. Sudoriferous gland
B. Melanocyte
C. Sebaceous gland
D. Hair follicle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Melanocyte. Melanocytes in the skin are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and provides protection against harmful UV radiation. Sudoriferous glands produce sweat, sebaceous glands produce sebum (oil), and hair follicles are associated with hair growth. However, the specific function of producing melanin is attributed to melanocytes, making them the correct answer in this context.

2. In endocrine regulation, the feedback loop is a critical concept. In a negative feedback loop, high levels of a hormone can result in:

A. Further stimulating the release of the same hormone
B. Inhibiting the release of the hormone or its production
C. Having no effect on the hormone's regulation
D. Increasing the need for another hormone entirely

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a negative feedback loop, high levels of a hormone will inhibit the release of the hormone or its production. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining homeostasis by preventing excessive levels of hormones in the body. When a hormone reaches a certain concentration, it triggers the body to decrease its production or release, thereby ensuring a balance within the system. Choice A is incorrect because a negative feedback loop aims to counteract high hormone levels, not further stimulate them. Choice C is incorrect as high hormone levels do have an effect by triggering the feedback loop. Choice D is incorrect as the negative feedback loop operates within the same hormone system rather than increasing the need for an entirely different hormone.

3. Which statement below correctly describes the movement of molecules in the body and in relation to the external environment?

A. Osmosis is the movement of a solution from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
B. Diffusion is the process in which oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream.
C. Dissipation is the transport of molecules across a semipermeable membrane from low to high concentration.
D. Reverse osmosis is the movement of molecules in a solution from high concentration to low concentration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Diffusion is the process where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the context of the lungs, oxygen moves from the alveoli in the lungs to the bloodstream through diffusion. Choice A is incorrect as osmosis involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Choice C is incorrect because dissipation does not refer to a specific biological process related to molecule movement. Choice D is incorrect as reverse osmosis is a process where solvent moves from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration, not the movement of molecules within a solution.

4. What makes bone resistant to shattering?

A. The calcium salts deposited in the bone
B. The collagen fibers
C. The bone marrow and network of blood vessels
D. The intricate balance of minerals and collagen fibers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bone is resistant to shattering due to the intricate balance of minerals and collagen fibers. The minerals provide strength to the bone, while the collagen fibers offer flexibility. This combination ensures that bone is a robust and resilient tissue. Choice A (The calcium salts deposited in the bone) is incorrect as calcium salts alone do not provide the necessary flexibility for bone to withstand shattering. Choice B (The collagen fibers) is partially correct as collagen fibers contribute to the flexibility of bone but alone are not sufficient for resistance to shattering. Choice C (The bone marrow and network of blood vessels) is incorrect as they do not directly contribute to the physical resistance of bone to shattering.

5. Which part of the brain is responsible for balance and coordination?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control. It integrates sensory information from the vestibular system in the inner ear and proprioceptive information from muscles and joints to coordinate voluntary movements. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and decision-making. The medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate. The thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information before sending it to the cerebral cortex for further processing.