when referring to blood vessel walls the term atherosclerosis describes

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. When referring to blood vessel walls, the term 'atherosclerosis' describes:

A. The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.
B. The inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels.
C. The dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall (aneurysm).
D. The normal process of blood vessel wall thickening with age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

2. What is a contraceptive method that uses hormones to prevent ovulation?

A. Spermicide
B. Barrier method (condom, diaphragm)
C. Combined oral contraceptive pill
D. Intrauterine device (IUD)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Combined oral contraceptive pill (C). This method contains hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent ovulation, making it an effective contraceptive. Spermicide (A) is a substance that kills sperm and does not use hormones to prevent ovulation. Barrier methods (B) like condoms and diaphragms physically block sperm but do not involve hormone-induced prevention of ovulation. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) (D) prevent pregnancy through different mechanisms, such as altering the uterine environment and preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg, not by hormone-induced prevention of ovulation.

3. What happens to the diaphragm during inspiration?

A. It moves upward
B. It moves downward
C. It expands
D. It contracts and moves downward

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward. This action increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, which lowers the air pressure inside the lungs, allowing air to flow in. The downward movement and contraction of the diaphragm create the necessary space for the lungs to expand and fill with air. Choice A, 'It moves upward,' is incorrect as the diaphragm moves downward. Choice B, 'It moves downward,' is partially correct but misses the contraction aspect. Choice C, 'It expands,' is incorrect as the diaphragm itself does not expand during inspiration. Therefore, choice D, 'It contracts and moves downward,' is the most accurate description of the diaphragm's action during inspiration.

4. Which of the following blood vessels carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart?

A. Pulmonary artery
B. Pulmonary vein
C. Aorta
D. Inferior vena cava

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary vein. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart. This oxygenated blood is then pumped out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery, choice A, carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The aorta, choice C, is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body's tissues. Choice D, the inferior vena cava, transports deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic system?

A. Removing substances from the blood.
B. Releasing hormones.
C. Combating disease.
D. Maintaining tissue fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Releasing hormones is not a function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays crucial roles in removing substances from the blood, combating disease through the production of immune cells, and maintaining tissue fluid balance by circulating lymph. Releasing hormones is primarily the function of endocrine glands, not the lymphatic system.