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 property best describes the characteristic that nuclear forces are much stronger than electromagnetic forces at the nuclear level?

A. Short-range interaction
B. Long-range interaction
C. Repulsive force
D. Dependent on charge only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Short-range interaction. Nuclear forces are much stronger than electromagnetic forces at the nuclear level because they are short-range interactions that act over distances on the order of the size of an atomic nucleus. This short-range nature of nuclear forces allows them to be much stronger than the long-range electromagnetic forces, which weaken with distance according to the inverse square law. Choice B, long-range interaction, is incorrect because nuclear forces are short-range. Choice C, repulsive force, is incorrect as nuclear forces include both attractive and repulsive components. Choice D, dependent on charge only, is incorrect because nuclear forces are not solely determined by charge but also involve other factors like spin and isospin.

3. What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

A. To transport oxygen and nutrients
B. To regulate blood pressure
C. To digest food
D. To filter waste products

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the cardiovascular system is indeed to transport oxygen and nutrients to various tissues in the body. Choice B, 'To regulate blood pressure,' is incorrect as blood pressure regulation is one of the functions of the cardiovascular system but not its primary function. Choice C, 'To digest food,' is incorrect as digestion is primarily a function of the digestive system, not the cardiovascular system. Choice D, 'To filter waste products,' is incorrect as waste product filtration is primarily carried out by the kidneys and liver, not the cardiovascular system.

4. What is one feature that both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have in common?

A. A plasma membrane
B. A nucleus enclosed by a membrane
C. Organelles
D. A nucleoid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A plasma membrane. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes share the characteristic of having a plasma membrane that surrounds the cell. While eukaryotes also possess a nucleus enclosed by a membrane and various organelles, prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The plasma membrane, however, is a universal feature found in all cells, regardless of their classification as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Choice B is incorrect because only eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotes have limited organelles compared to eukaryotes. Choice D is incorrect as a nucleoid is a region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is located, not a common feature shared with eukaryotes.

5. What is a benefit of a taxonomic system?

A. Researchers can describe how living things behave.
B. Researchers can develop names for new organisms.
C. Living things can be distinguished from nonliving things.
D. Living things can be classified based on their molecular traits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A taxonomic system allows scientists to classify living organisms based on their molecular and genetic traits. This classification helps in understanding the relationships and evolutionary history of different organisms, providing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to the primary purpose and benefit of a taxonomic system, which is the systematic classification of organisms.