autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues what is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. What is a potential cause of autoimmune diseases?

A. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals
B. Exposure to environmental toxins
C. Breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms
D. All of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmune diseases result from a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms, leading to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. While deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals or exposure to environmental toxins can impact overall health, they are not direct causes of autoimmune diseases. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals may weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to various health issues but does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger immune responses, but autoimmune diseases specifically stem from the breakdown of self-tolerance mechanisms within immune cells. Therefore, the correct answer is a breakdown in immune cell self-tolerance mechanisms.

2. Which structure controls the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Adrenal gland
C. Testes
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It acts as a master regulator of the endocrine system by producing releasing and inhibiting hormones that influence the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Choice B, the Adrenal gland, is incorrect because while it plays a role in hormone production, it is not responsible for controlling the pituitary gland's hormones. Choice C, the Testes, and Choice D, the Pancreas, are also incorrect as they are not directly involved in controlling the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

3. What is the formula for calculating density?

A. Density = Volume / Mass
B. Density = Mass × Volume
C. Density = Mass / Volume
D. Density = Volume - Mass

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Density is defined as the amount of mass in a given volume. The formula for calculating density is Density = Mass / Volume. This means that you divide the mass of an object by its volume to determine its density. Therefore, the correct formula for calculating density is Density = Volume / Mass. Choice A is correct because density is calculated by dividing the volume by the mass. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the correct relationship between mass and volume in calculating density.

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding a supersaturated solution?

A. It is unstable and tends to crystallize
B. It contains more solute than it could dissolve
C. It has a higher concentration than a saturated solution
D. It is rarely encountered in everyday solutions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A supersaturated solution is unstable and tends to crystallize because it contains more solute than it could dissolve at a given temperature. This excess solute is in a metastable state and can precipitate out if disturbed, leading to the formation of crystals. Option B is incorrect because a supersaturated solution does contain more solute than it could normally dissolve, but it becomes unstable due to this excess solute. Option C is incorrect because while a supersaturated solution does have a higher concentration than a saturated solution, the defining characteristic related to its instability is the excess solute. Option D is incorrect as supersaturated solutions can be encountered in various everyday scenarios, such as certain sugar solutions used in cooking or rock candy production.

5. What is the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells?

A. To carry carbon dioxide to the lungs
B. To carry oxygen from the lungs to the body
C. To regulate blood pressure
D. To produce white blood cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hemoglobin in red blood cells functions to carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body. It binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the body's cells, ensuring they have an adequate oxygen supply for metabolic processes. Choice A is incorrect because hemoglobin primarily carries oxygen, not carbon dioxide. Choice C is incorrect because hemoglobin's role is not related to blood pressure regulation. Choice D is incorrect because hemoglobin is not involved in the production of white blood cells.