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. What is the function of arrector pili muscles?

A. To control sweat production
B. To contract and cause goosebumps
C. To produce sebum
D. To sense touch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct function of arrector pili muscles is to contract and cause goosebumps. These small muscles are attached to hair follicles in mammals. When they contract, they cause the hair to stand on end, resulting in goosebumps. This physiological response is often triggered by cold temperatures or emotional states like fear, helping mammals conserve heat or appear larger in threatening situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Arrector pili muscles are not involved in controlling sweat production (Choice A), producing sebum (Choice C), or sensing touch (Choice D).

3. Which statement is true about the pH of a solution?

A. A solution cannot have a pH less than 0.
B. A solution always has a pH of 7.
C. A solution's pH is not influenced by its chemical composition.
D. A solution with a pH of 14 is considered acidic.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 neutral, and 14 the most basic. A solution with a pH less than 0 would be outside the defined pH range, as 0 is the lower limit. Therefore, a solution cannot have a pH less than 0. Choice B is incorrect because a pH of 7 is considered neutral, not always the pH of a solution. Choice C is incorrect because a solution's pH is influenced by its chemical composition. Choice D is incorrect as a solution with a pH of 14 is considered highly basic, not acidic.

4. What is the term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

A. Segmentation
B. Peristalsis
C. Chyme
D. Emulsification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. These contractions help push food along the digestive system, facilitating digestion and absorption of nutrients. Segmentation, on the other hand, refers to the mixing and breaking down of food in the intestines, not the movement of food. Chyme is the semi-fluid mass of partially digested food in the stomach and small intestine, not the muscle contractions. Emulsification is the process of breaking down fat globules into smaller droplets to aid in digestion, not the movement of food through the digestive tract. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term for this function.

5. What breaks down into glucose to provide energy?

A. Lipids
B. Proteins
C. Carbohydrates
D. Nucleic acids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion, providing energy for cellular processes through glycolysis and cellular respiration. Glucose is a primary source of energy for cells, and its breakdown is essential for powering various cellular activities. Lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, not glucose. Proteins are broken down into amino acids and are not a direct source of glucose. Nucleic acids are not broken down into glucose for energy production.