what is a major structure of the limbic system

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. What is a major structure of the limbic system?

A. Brainstem
B. Spinal cord
C. Hypothalamus
D. Cerebral cortex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a significant structure of the limbic system responsible for regulating various functions such as emotions, autonomic functions, and hormone production. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and orchestrating responses to stress and emotional stimuli. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The brainstem, although a vital part of the brain, is not a major structure of the limbic system. The spinal cord is not part of the limbic system; it is primarily involved in transmitting sensory and motor information between the brain and the rest of the body. The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions but is not a major structure within the limbic system.

2. Which of the following is part of the central nervous system?

A. Spinal cord
B. Peripheral nerves
C. Brainstem
D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting information between the brain and the body. Choices B, C, and D are not part of the central nervous system. Peripheral nerves belong to the peripheral nervous system, whereas the brainstem and cerebellum are components of the brain, distinct from the central nervous system.

3. A spring with a spring constant of 100 N/m is stretched 0.2 m from its equilibrium position. What is the potential energy stored in the spring?

A. 2 J
B. 4 J
C. 8 J
D. 20 J

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The potential energy stored in a spring is given by the formula $PE = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$, where $k$ is the spring constant and $x$ is the displacement from the equilibrium position. Substituting the given values, we get $PE = \frac{1}{2} \times 100 \times (0.2)^2 = 8$ J.

4. When testing how quickly a rat dies based on the amount of poison it eats, which of the following is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable?

A. How quickly the rat dies is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.
B. The amount of poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
C. Whether the rat eats the poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
D. The cage the rat is kept in is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this experiment, the independent variable is the amount of poison because it is what is being manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is how quickly the rat dies, as it is the outcome that is being measured based on the different amounts of poison administered. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable should be what is being manipulated or changed, which is the amount of poison in this case. Choice C is incorrect because whether the rat eats the poison is not being varied or controlled by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect because the cage the rat is kept in is not relevant to the relationship being studied between the amount of poison and the rat's survival time.

5. The above experimental design description is an example of which of the following types of experiments?

A. field experiment
B. natural experiment
C. controlled experiment
D. observational study

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The above experimental design description involves the manipulation of an independent variable (light exposure) to observe its effects on the dependent variable (plant growth) under controlled conditions. In a controlled experiment, researchers actively manipulate one or more variables while keeping all other variables constant to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Choice A, a field experiment, typically takes place in a real-world setting but still involves manipulation and control of variables. Choice B, a natural experiment, involves observing naturally occurring differences in variables without researcher intervention. Choice D, an observational study, does not involve manipulation of variables, making it different from the described experimental design.