which plane divides the body into superior top and inferior bottom halves

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Practice Test

1. Which plane divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves?

A. Sagittal/Median Plane
B. Frontal/Coronal Plane
C. Transverse/Cross-Section Plane
D. Horizontal Plane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Transverse or Cross-Section Plane is the correct answer as it divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves. This plane runs horizontally across the body, perpendicular to the long axis, separating the body into upper and lower sections. Choice A, the Sagittal/Median Plane, divides the body into left and right halves, not superior and inferior halves. Choice B, the Frontal/Coronal Plane, divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves. Choice D, the Horizontal Plane, is not a standard anatomical plane used to divide the body into specific sections.

2. What is the primary function of the large intestine?

A. Digesting and absorbing nutrients
B. Storing and mixing food
C. Breaking down carbohydrates
D. Absorbing water and electrolytes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This absorption process aids in the formation of solid waste (feces) before it is excreted from the body. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the large intestine does not primarily digest and absorb nutrients, store and mix food, or break down carbohydrates. These functions are primarily carried out by the small intestine.

3. Which of the following is NOT a function of the forebrain?

A. To regulate blood pressure and heart rate
B. To perceive and interpret emotional responses like fear and anger
C. To perceive and interpret visual input from the eyes
D. To integrate voluntary movement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The forebrain is primarily responsible for higher cognitive functions such as perception, interpretation, and integration of sensory information, emotional responses, and voluntary movements. Functions like regulating blood pressure and heart rate are mainly controlled by various structures in the brainstem, such as the medulla oblongata and the pons. Choices B, C, and D are all functions associated with the forebrain. Choice B relates to the limbic system, which is part of the forebrain responsible for emotional responses. Choice C corresponds to the occipital lobe in the forebrain, involved in processing visual information. Choice D involves the motor cortex and other areas in the forebrain that coordinate voluntary movements.

4. Which statement most accurately compares and contrasts the structures of DNA and RNA?

A. Both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases. Three of the bases are the same, but the fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.
B. Both DNA and RNA have the same 4 nucleotide bases. However, the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA.
C. Both DNA and RNA have different numbers of nucleotide bases. DNA is a double helix while RNA is a single strand.
D. Both DNA and RNA have a double helix structure. However, DNA contains 6 nucleotide bases and RNA contains 4 nucleotide bases.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because DNA and RNA both consist of 4 nucleotide bases, namely adenine, cytosine, and guanine, which are common in both. The key difference lies in the fourth base, which is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. This distinction is fundamental in understanding the structural variances between DNA and RNA. Choice B is incorrect as it incorrectly states that the nucleotides bond differently in DNA compared to RNA without specifying the crucial base differences. Choice C is inaccurate as it misrepresents the numbers of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA, and incorrectly describes DNA as a double helix and RNA as a single strand, which is not related to the difference in bases. Choice D is incorrect as it inaccurately portrays DNA with 6 nucleotide bases and RNA with 4, which is not true; both DNA and RNA have 4 nucleotide bases, but with differences in one of the bases.

5. What is the term for a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness?

A. Cramp
B. Spasm
C. Tic
D. Fibrosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A spasm is a repetitive, involuntary muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness. While cramps are a type of spasm, not all spasms are cramps. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds made involuntarily. Fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue as part of a reparative or reactive process. In this context, a spasm best fits the description provided, making it the correct answer. Cramp, although related to spasms, is more specific and not the general term being sought. Tic does not describe a muscle contraction but rather sudden movements or sounds. Fibrosis does not directly relate to muscle contractions but rather to the formation of excess fibrous tissue in organs or tissues.