which nervous system controls voluntary motor movement

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. Which nervous system controls voluntary motor movement?

A. Parasympathetic
B. Sympathetic
C. Autonomic
D. Somatic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Somatic. The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary motor movements. It includes the motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles and allows us to consciously control our movements. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are components of the autonomic nervous system and are not primarily responsible for voluntary motor movements.

2. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population that is:

A. Undergoing rapid evolution due to strong directional selection.
B. Not evolving and at genetic equilibrium with stable allele frequencies.
C. Experiencing a founder effect leading to a reduction in genetic diversity.
D. Dominated by a single homozygous genotype that eliminates all variation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical population in which allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation, indicating that the population is not evolving. This equilibrium occurs under specific conditions: no mutation, no gene flow, random mating, a large population size, and no natural selection. In this scenario, all genotypes are in proportion to the allele frequencies, and genetic diversity is maintained. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option A suggests rapid evolution due to strong directional selection, which would disrupt the equilibrium. Option C mentions a founder effect, which can reduce genetic diversity but is not a characteristic of a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Option D describes a population dominated by a single homozygous genotype, which also does not align with the genetic diversity seen in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

3. What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?

A. digestion
B. deglutition
C. defecation
D. peristalsis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

4. At the peak of its trajectory, what force is acting on a ball thrown upwards?

A. Gravity only
B. Gravity and air resistance only
C. Neither gravity nor air resistance
D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: At the peak of its trajectory, the ball momentarily stops moving upwards before it starts to fall back down. At this point, the only force acting on the ball is gravity, pulling it back towards the ground. Air resistance is negligible at the peak of the trajectory as the ball is momentarily stationary. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Gravity only.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B is incorrect because air resistance is minimal when the ball is at its highest point and its velocity is nearly zero. Option C is incorrect as gravity is the only significant force acting on the ball at that instant. Option D is incorrect since air resistance is not a significant factor at the peak of the trajectory.

5. Which compound is a component of baking soda and is important for maintaining pH balance in the body?

A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a compound that plays a crucial role in maintaining pH balance in the body. When ingested, sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer, helping to regulate the body's pH levels. It is essential for various physiological functions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Potassium, calcium, and sodium are important minerals in the body but are not components of baking soda or directly responsible for maintaining pH balance in the same way as sodium bicarbonate.