which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Practice Science Test

1. Which of the following is a characteristic of an interneuron?

A. Forms neural circuits
B. Interacts with effectors
C. Sends impulses to the CNS
D. Functions as an efferent nerve cell

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristic of an interneuron is that it forms neural circuits, connecting sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. Interneurons facilitate communication between different neurons in the central nervous system, helping in the processing and integration of signals. Choice B is incorrect as interneurons primarily interact with other neurons, not effectors. Choice C is incorrect as interneurons typically do not send impulses to the CNS; they operate within the CNS. Choice D is incorrect as interneurons are not efferent nerve cells; they are mainly involved in processing signals within the CNS rather than transmitting signals to effectors.

2. The average life expectancy at birth in the United States at the beginning of the 21st century was about 75 years. The average life expectancy at birth in the middle of the 19th century was only about 40 years. Which of the following factors are likely to have contributed to the longer life expectancy in the 21st century? (Select the one that does not apply)

A. The human body has evolved to become more resilient to its environment.
B. There have been numerous advances in medical technology and treatments.
C. Higher standards of basic cleanliness have helped people avoid illness.
D. The creation of vaccines has nearly eliminated certain diseases that were once deadly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Medical advances, higher standards of cleanliness, and the creation of vaccines have all significantly contributed to the increase in life expectancy over time. While human evolution plays a role in adaptation to the environment over millennia, it is not a primary factor that has led to the substantial increase in life expectancy within a few centuries. The human body's evolution is a slow process that occurs over generations, while the advancements in medical technology, cleanliness, and vaccines have had a more immediate and direct impact on improving life expectancy.

3. What is the main function of the nervous system?

A. To fight infection
B. To control body movement and coordination
C. To regulate metabolism
D. To transport oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the nervous system is to control body movement and coordination by transmitting signals between different parts of the body. Choice A is incorrect because the immune system, not the nervous system, is primarily responsible for fighting infections. Choice C is incorrect as regulating metabolism is primarily handled by the endocrine system. Choice D is incorrect because the transportation of oxygen is mainly the function of the circulatory system, specifically the blood.

4. Which property of a wave remains constant when the wave enters a different medium?

A. Frequency
B. Wavelength
C. Amplitude
D. Speed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a wave enters a different medium, its frequency remains constant. Frequency is an intrinsic property of the wave determined by its source, and it does not change when transitioning between different mediums. On the other hand, wavelength, amplitude, and speed of the wave can all be altered when the wave moves from one medium to another. Wavelength is dependent on the speed of the wave and can change when entering a different medium due to differences in propagation speed. Amplitude can also change as it is influenced by factors like energy loss or gain at the boundary of the mediums. Speed, determined by the medium's properties, typically changes when a wave transitions between different mediums due to variations in the medium's density and elasticity.

5. What happens to the kinetic energy of an object when its velocity is doubled?

A. Kinetic energy remains the same
B. Kinetic energy is halved
C. Kinetic energy doubles
D. Kinetic energy quadruples

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity of an object according to the kinetic energy formula (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2). When the velocity is doubled, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four (2^2), which means it doubles. Therefore, when the velocity of an object is doubled, its kinetic energy also doubles. Choice A is incorrect because kinetic energy is not constant but dependent on velocity. Choice B is incorrect because halving the velocity would result in 1/4 of the original kinetic energy. Choice D is incorrect as quadrupling the kinetic energy would occur if the velocity is squared, not the kinetic energy.