what is the function of the adrenal glands

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. What is the function of the adrenal glands?

A. To regulate metabolism
B. To produce bile
C. To produce red blood cells
D. To regulate blood glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To regulate blood glucose. The adrenal glands play a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels and the body's response to stress. Choice A, 'To regulate metabolism,' is incorrect as the primary role of the adrenal glands is not directly related to metabolism regulation. Choice B, 'To produce bile,' is incorrect because bile is produced by the liver, not the adrenal glands. Choice C, 'To produce red blood cells,' is also incorrect as the production of red blood cells primarily occurs in the bone marrow, not the adrenal glands.

2. How many neurons typically comprise a sensory pathway?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sensory pathway generally consists of three neurons: a first-order neuron, a second-order neuron, and a third-order neuron. The first-order neuron carries sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord or brainstem. The second-order neuron then transmits this information to the thalamus or cerebellum. Finally, the third-order neuron projects the sensory input to the cerebral cortex for processing and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical structure of a sensory pathway involving three neurons.

3. Which statement accurately describes the electron cloud model of the atom?

A. Electrons precisely orbit the nucleus in defined paths.
B. Electrons occupy specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities.
C. Electrons are clustered tightly within the nucleus.
D. Electrons move randomly throughout the entire atom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The electron cloud model of the atom describes electrons as occupying specific energy levels around the nucleus with varying probabilities. This model does not suggest that electrons precisely orbit in defined paths as stated in option A. It acknowledges the wave-like behavior of electrons and their uncertainty in position, which is not accounted for in options C and D. Option C is incorrect as electrons are not clustered tightly within the nucleus but exist in the space surrounding the nucleus. Option D is incorrect as electrons do not move randomly throughout the entire atom but have specific probabilities of being found in different regions based on their energy levels. Therefore, option B is the most accurate description of the electron cloud model of the atom.

4. When water boils, it changes from a liquid to a gas. This is an example of a:

A. Chemical reaction
B. Physical change
C. Nuclear reaction
D. Biological process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This is a physical change because boiling water involves a change in state from liquid to gas without altering the chemical composition of the water molecules. In a chemical reaction, new substances are formed by breaking and forming chemical bonds, which is not the case during boiling. A nuclear reaction involves changes in atomic nuclei, which are not occurring during boiling. A biological process refers to activities related to living organisms, which is not applicable to the change from liquid to gas in boiling water.

5. Which of the following nucleic acids carries the genetic information copied from DNA to the ribosomes?

A. DNA
B. mRNA
C. rRNA
D. tRNA

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mRNA. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for carrying the genetic information copied from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis. mRNA serves as a temporary copy of the genetic instructions stored in DNA and acts as a messenger between the nucleus and ribosomes in the cytoplasm where protein synthesis occurs. While rRNA (ribosomal RNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA) play essential roles in the process of translation at the ribosomes, mRNA is the nucleic acid directly involved in carrying the genetic code for protein synthesis. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as DNA is the original genetic material, rRNA is a component of the ribosomes, and tRNA carries amino acids during protein synthesis, respectively.