homeostasis is the

ATI RN

ATI Anatomy and Physiology Online Practice

1. What is homeostasis?

A. The inability to keep body weight within normal limits.
B. Room temperature decreasing because a window is open.
C. Ingestion of more food than needed.
D. The tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A describes obesity, choice B describes a specific scenario with room temperature, and choice C refers to overeating, which is not related to homeostasis.

2. Most of the terminology to name and describe body parts and their functions comes from

A. Latin and Greek.
B. English and Italian.
C. Pictures drawn on the cave walls of our ancestors.
D. The language of hunter-gatherers.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Latin and Greek. Medical terminology is largely derived from Latin and Greek roots. These languages have been foundational in the development of medical terminology due to the precision and descriptive nature of their vocabulary. Choice B, English and Italian, is incorrect because while some medical terms may have originated from these languages, the majority come from Latin and Greek. Choices C and D, pictures drawn on the cave walls of our ancestors and the language of hunter-gatherers, are both incorrect as they do not align with the historical origins of medical terminology.

3. Why are anatomy and physiology difficult to separate?

A. Physiological functions depend on anatomical structures.
B. Physiological functions in an organism are ongoing.
C. Body parts provide structural support.
D. Our understanding of physiology is changing more than our understanding of anatomy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Anatomy and physiology are difficult to separate because physiological functions depend on anatomical structures. The correct answer highlights the interdependence between the two disciplines; physiological functions are carried out by anatomical structures. Choice B is incorrect as it only states a characteristic of physiological functions without addressing the relationship with anatomy. Choice C is incorrect as it talks about body parts providing structural support, which is not directly related to the interdependence of anatomy and physiology. Choice D is incorrect because the rate of change in understanding does not necessarily dictate the difficulty of separating the two disciplines.

4. Which of the following illustrates a positive feedback mechanism?

A. Maintaining blood pressure
B. Uterine contractions during childbirth
C. Body temperature control
D. Control of blood sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is uterine contractions during childbirth. This is an example of a positive feedback mechanism where the initial stimulus (contractions) leads to an increase in intensity and frequency, ultimately resulting in childbirth. In contrast, choices A, C, and D (maintaining blood pressure, body temperature control, and control of blood sugar) are examples of negative feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms work to maintain stability by counteracting any deviations from the set point, rather than amplifying the response like in a positive feedback mechanism.

5. Which of the following electrolytes plays an essential role in the clotting of blood?

A. sodium
B. magnesium
C. calcium
D. potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calcium plays an essential role in the clotting of blood by being involved in several steps of the coagulation process. It is necessary for the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which is a crucial step in forming blood clots. Sodium, magnesium, and potassium do not directly participate in the clotting cascade and are not associated with the coagulation process. Therefore, the correct answer is calcium.