which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Science Test

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This region of the brain is located in the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The Cerebellum (Choice A) is primarily involved in coordination and balance. The Cerebrum (Choice C) is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movement. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate.

2. What is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood?

A. Ureter
B. Nephron
C. Renal pelvis
D. Bladder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nephron is the correct answer as it is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood. It is composed of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and a renal tubule. The other options, such as (A) Ureter, (C) Renal pelvis, and (D) Bladder, do not play a role in filtering blood within the kidney. The ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The renal pelvis is a part of the kidney where urine collects before entering the ureter. The bladder is an organ that stores urine until it is excreted from the body.

3. What ethical considerations are associated with the potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in humans?

A. Concerns about unintended consequences on the genome and potential off-target effects.
B. Debates on modifying the human germline and potential eugenic implications.
C. Accessibility and affordability of the technology, ensuring equitable access to benefits.
D. Risks associated with CRISPR-Cas9 editing germline cells and potential long-term impacts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows precise editing of germline cells, raising ethical concerns about modifying the human gene pool. This includes potential eugenic implications, debates on altering future generations, and the moral implications of such genetic modifications. Choice A discusses unintended consequences and off-target effects, but the primary ethical consideration with CRISPR-Cas9 technology relates to altering the human germline. Choices C and D, while important factors, are not the central ethical dilemmas associated with using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in humans.

4. What is the study of fungi known as?

A. Virology
B. Mycology
C. Bacteriology
D. Parasitology

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mycology is the correct answer. Mycology is the branch of biology that specifically deals with the study of fungi. Fungi constitute a separate kingdom of organisms that include various forms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Virology (A) is the study of viruses, while Bacteriology (C) focuses on bacteria. Parasitology (D) is the study of parasites, which may include protozoa, helminths, and some fungi, but it is not solely dedicated to fungi.

5. What is the unit of measurement for power?

A. Joule (J)
B. Newton (N)
C. Watt (W)
D. Kilogram-meter (kg·m)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. The unit of measurement for power is the watt (W), named after James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. The watt is defined as one joule per second, where a joule (J) is the unit of energy. Choice A, Joule (J), is incorrect because a joule is a unit of energy, not power. Choice B, Newton (N), is incorrect as a Newton is a unit of force, not power. Choice D, Kilogram-meter (kg·m), is incorrect as it represents a unit of torque, not power. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Watt (W).