aseptic meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges caused by

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?

A. Bacteria
B. Viruses
C. Fungi
D. Parasites

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.

2. Which of the following statements regarding the microscopic anatomy of heart muscle is correct?

A. Cardiac muscle is striated, short, fat, branched, and interconnected
B. Intercalated discs anchor cardiac cells together and allow the free passage of ions
C. The connective tissue endomysium acts as both tendon and insertion
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Cardiac muscle is indeed striated, short, fat, branched, and interconnected. Intercalated discs are responsible for anchoring cardiac cells together and allowing the free passage of ions. Additionally, the connective tissue endomysium provides structural support and acts as a tendon-like structure attaching muscle fibers to each other. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are accurate when describing the microscopic anatomy of heart muscle. Choices A, B, and C individually represent different aspects of the structural features of cardiac muscle, making choice D the most comprehensive and correct answer.

3. Which of the following describes the general function of cytokines in the immune system?

A. They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.
B. They inhibit blood clotting during inflammation responses.
C. They bind to specific pathogens to increase pathogen mass.
D. They transport pathogens trapped in mucus to be destroyed in the stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They communicate between cells to instigate an immune response.' Cytokines are signaling molecules that act as messengers between cells in the immune system, playing a vital role in coordinating and regulating immune responses. They communicate with various immune cells to initiate appropriate responses against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because cytokines do not inhibit blood clotting but rather regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect as cytokines do not bind to specific pathogens to increase their mass; instead, they regulate the immune response. Choice D is also incorrect because cytokines do not transport pathogens trapped in mucus to the stomach for destruction; they primarily function as signaling molecules within the immune system.

4. Which part of the cell is responsible for storing genetic information?

A. Ribosome
B. Mitochondrion
C. Nucleus
D. Cytoplasm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Nucleus. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information in the form of DNA. The DNA within the nucleus controls the activities of the cell by directing the synthesis of proteins and regulating gene expression. Choices A, Ribosome, B, Mitochondrion, and D, Cytoplasm, do not store genetic information. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, mitochondria produce energy for the cell, and cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that houses organelles and where many cellular activities occur.

5. Which of these organisms belongs to the kingdom Protista?

A. Coral
B. Yeast
C. Euglena
D. Mushroom

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Coral belongs to the kingdom Animalia, specifically in the phylum Cnidaria. B) Yeast belongs to the kingdom Fungi. C) Euglena is a unicellular organism that belongs to the kingdom Protista. It is a type of protist that has characteristics of both plants and animals. D) Mushroom belongs to the kingdom Fungi. Therefore, among the options provided, only Euglena belongs to the kingdom Protista.