which of the following is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which of the following is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body?

A. Brainstem
B. Hypothalamus
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Cerebrum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus (choice B). The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating various bodily functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sleep cycles. While the brainstem (choice A) is involved in basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, it is not primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The medulla oblongata (choice C) is part of the brainstem and controls vital autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate, but it is not the main regulator of homeostasis. The cerebrum (choice D) is responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking, memory, and voluntary movement, but it is not directly involved in maintaining overall bodily balance or homeostasis.

2. What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

A. To provide structural support for the cell
B. To transport substances in and out of the cell
C. To synthesize proteins and lipids
D. To store genetic material

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of a physiological structure?

A. The trachea connects the throat and the stomach.
B. The esophagus joins the larynx with the lungs.
C. The diaphragm controls the height of the thoracic cavity.
D. The epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. This action helps direct food into the esophagus, ensuring proper passage into the digestive system and avoiding potential choking or aspiration into the lungs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the trachea connects the larynx to the bronchi, the esophagus connects the throat to the stomach, and the diaphragm is a muscle that plays a vital role in breathing by separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities, aiding in respiration.

4. What is the main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists?

A. Predation
B. Availability of resources
C. Competition
D. Disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: K-strategists are species with a low reproductive rate that invest more resources in raising fewer offspring. These species typically live in stable environments with limited resources. The main factor limiting population growth in K-strategists is the availability of resources such as food, shelter, and space. When resources are scarce, K-strategists may struggle to find enough to support their population size, leading to reduced reproductive success and population growth. While predation, competition, and disease can also impact population growth, the primary limiting factor for K-strategists is the availability of resources.

5. Which of the following are properties of a liquid?

A. High atomic attraction
B. Fixed volume
C. Low pressure
D. Takes shape of container

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Takes shape of container.' Liquids exhibit the property of taking the shape of their container while maintaining a fixed volume. This is due to the ability of liquid particles to flow and move freely within the container. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A, 'High atomic attraction,' is not a general property of liquids as the level of attraction between liquid particles can vary. Choice B, 'Fixed volume,' is partially correct as liquids do have a fixed volume, but they do not have a fixed shape. Choice C, 'Low pressure,' is not a defining property of liquids.