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. Which type of waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate?

A. Transverse waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Electromagnetic waves
D. Surface waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Longitudinal waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate because the particles in the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave. As a result, they rely on the medium for transmission. Transverse waves, on the contrary, do not need a medium and can travel through a vacuum, making choice A incorrect. Electromagnetic waves, represented by choice C, do not require a medium as they consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that can propagate through a vacuum. Surface waves, the option in D, involve a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motion and do require a medium to travel, but longitudinal waves are the ones that strictly depend on a medium for propagation.

3. What is the medical term for heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid?

A. Dysphagia
B. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
C. Peptic ulcer
D. Ulcerative colitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing and is not specifically related to heartburn. B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the medical term for heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. C) Peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, and it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, not specifically heartburn. D) Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum, and it does not typically cause heartburn.

4. Identify the correct sequence of the 3 primary body planes as numbered 1, 2, and 3 in the above image.

A. Plane 1 is coronal, plane 2 is sagittal, and plane 3 is transverse.
B. Plane 1 is sagittal, plane 2 is coronal, and plane 3 is medial.
C. Plane 1 is coronal, plane 2 is sagittal, and plane 3 is medial.
D. Plane 1 is sagittal, plane 2 is coronal, and plane 3 is transverse.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the standard anatomical position, plane 1 (coronal/frontal plane) divides the body into anterior and posterior portions, plane 2 (sagittal plane) divides the body into left and right portions, and plane 3 (transverse/horizontal plane) divides the body into superior and inferior portions. Therefore, the correct sequence is Plane 1 as coronal, Plane 2 as sagittal, and Plane 3 as transverse, which corresponds to Choice A. Choice B is incorrect as it misidentifies the planes. Plane 2 cannot be coronal as it specifically divides the body into left and right portions. Choice C is incorrect as it misidentifies Plane 2 as sagittal when it should be coronal. Choice D is incorrect as it incorrectly designates Plane 2 as coronal when it should be sagittal, leading to an inaccurate sequence of the primary body planes.

5. Dense irregular connective tissue, found in tendons and ligaments, provides:

A. Flexibility
B. Lubrication
C. Insulation
D. Tensile strength

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dense irregular connective tissue, found in tendons and ligaments, provides tensile strength. Tendons and ligaments need to withstand tension and forces acting upon them, and the dense irregular connective tissue helps provide this strength and support. Choice A, flexibility, is incorrect because tendons and ligaments primarily provide support and stability rather than flexibility. Choice B, lubrication, is not the main function of dense irregular connective tissue in tendons and ligaments. Choice C, insulation, is also incorrect as this tissue type is not primarily involved in providing insulation.