which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Thalamus
D. Cerebellum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebrum (Choice A) is primarily associated with higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements, not with regulating basic bodily functions like breathing and heart rate. The thalamus (Choice C) serves as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in controlling breathing and heart rate. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and balance, not in regulating respiratory and cardiac functions.

2. The spleen, a large lymphatic organ, is located in the:

A. Chest
B. Abdomen
C. Pelvis
D. Head and neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The spleen is located in the abdomen, specifically in the upper left part of the abdomen, under the ribcage and above the stomach. It is an important organ in the lymphatic system responsible for filtering blood, storing blood cells, and fighting infection. It is not located in the chest, pelvis, or head and neck regions. Therefore, the correct answer is 'B: Abdomen.' Choices 'A: Chest,' 'C: Pelvis,' and 'D: Head and neck' are incorrect as the spleen is not situated in these anatomical areas.

3. What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.

4. What two factors enable some intercellular chemical signals to diffuse across cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors?

A. They are small and soluble.
B. They are large and soluble.
C. They are small and insoluble.
D. They are large and insoluble.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are small and soluble.' Small and soluble molecules can easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors. Being small allows them to pass through the membrane, while being soluble enables them to dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell. Choice B is incorrect because large molecules typically cannot pass through the cell membrane easily. Choices C and D are incorrect because insoluble molecules would not dissolve in the aqueous environment inside the cell, hindering their ability to bind to intracellular receptors.

5. Which of the following glands produces growth hormone?

A. Pituitary
B. Thyroid
C. Adrenal
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pituitary. The pituitary gland, also known as the master gland, produces growth hormone, which plays a crucial role in stimulating growth and cell reproduction. Choice B, the thyroid gland, primarily produces hormones that regulate metabolism, not growth hormone. Choice C, the adrenal glands, produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, but not growth hormone. Choice D, the pancreas, produces insulin and glucagon for regulating blood sugar levels, not growth hormone.