what is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher functions like thinking memory and learning

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice questions

1. What is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and learning?

A. Brainstem
B. Cerebellum
C. Cerebrum
D. Thalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The cerebrum is the correct answer. It is the largest part of the brain and is responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and learning. The brainstem (option A) is responsible for basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, not higher cognitive functions. The cerebellum (option B) is responsible for coordination and balance, not higher cognitive functions. The thalamus (option D) acts as a relay station for sensory information, but it is not the largest part of the brain nor responsible for higher cognitive functions.

2. Which of the following has a smaller genetic scale than a chromosome?

A. Genome
B. Gene
C. DNA
D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Gene.' A gene is a segment of DNA and is smaller in scale than a chromosome. Genes are the fundamental units of heredity, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. While a chromosome is a larger structure that carries many genes, each gene is a specific segment of DNA responsible for encoding a particular protein or RNA molecule. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The 'Genome' (Choice A) refers to the complete set of an organism's genetic material, including all of its genes, while 'DNA' (Choice C) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions. 'All of the above' (Choice D) is incorrect because not all options have a smaller genetic scale than a chromosome.

3. Which organ produces bile to aid in digestion?

A. Pancreas
B. Liver
C. Gallbladder
D. Stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, not bile. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it. The stomach produces gastric juices, not bile, to aid in digestion.

4. What is the function of valves in arteries?

A. To maintain high blood pressure for the proper diffusion of nutrients in capillaries.
B. To prevent backflow of blood due to high pressure away from the heart.
C. As a vestigial trait from evolution, like the appendix, that serves no purpose.
D. Valves are absent in arteries but present in veins.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Valves in arteries serve the crucial function of preventing backflow of blood. Arteries carry blood at high pressure away from the heart, and the valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, towards the capillaries, to maintain efficient circulation. Without these valves, there would be a risk of blood flowing backward, compromising the effectiveness of blood circulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A incorrectly suggests that valves maintain high blood pressure for nutrient diffusion in capillaries, which is not their function. Choice C inaccurately compares valves to vestigial traits, like the appendix, implying they serve no purpose, which is untrue. Choice D is incorrect as valves are indeed present in arteries to regulate blood flow, not just in veins.

5. A car skids on a wet road. What is the main force preventing the car from stopping?

A. Friction
B. Gravitational force
C. Normal force from the road
D. Air resistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Friction. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of the car on the wet road surface, making it harder for the car to stop. When the car skids, the friction between the tires and the wet road surface is reduced, leading to a loss of traction and making it challenging for the car to come to a halt. Gravitational force (choice B) is the force that pulls objects toward each other due to gravity and does not directly impact the car's ability to stop on a wet road. The normal force from the road (choice C) is the force exerted by the road surface perpendicular to the car's tires and does not play a significant role in stopping the car. Air resistance (choice D) is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air, but it is not the main force preventing the car from stopping on a wet road.