which structure serves as the electrical stimulator of the cardiac muscle

ATI TEAS 7

Science TEAS Practice Test

1. Which structure serves as the electrical stimulator of the cardiac muscle?

A. The sinoatrial node
B. The left ventricle
C. The aorta
D. The tricuspid valve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the sinoatrial node. This node, also referred to as the pacemaker of the heart, is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that stimulate cardiac muscle contractions. It plays a crucial role in setting the pace and rhythm of the heart's contractions. Choices B, C, and D (the left ventricle, the aorta, and the tricuspid valve, respectively) do not serve as the primary electrical stimulator of the cardiac muscle. While the left ventricle is a chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the body, the aorta is the main artery that carries blood away from the heart, and the tricuspid valve is a one-way valve that ensures blood flows properly through the heart, none of these structures initiate the electrical impulses that cause the cardiac muscle to contract.

2. Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Which hormone plays a key role in bone health and is often affected in osteoporosis?

A. Estrogen
B. Testosterone
C. Thyroid hormone
D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. In postmenopausal women, estrogen levels decrease, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis due to accelerated bone loss. This hormonal imbalance contributes to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. Testosterone and thyroid hormone do play roles in bone health, but estrogen has a more significant impact. Testosterone is more commonly associated with muscle mass and strength, while thyroid hormone regulates metabolism. Insulin is not directly involved in bone health and is not typically affected in osteoporosis.

3. Which of the following vessels is responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the lungs?

A. Pulmonary vein
B. Pulmonary artery
C. Aorta
D. Superior vena cava

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart's right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. This blood then undergoes the gas exchange process in the lungs, where carbon dioxide is removed, and oxygen is absorbed. The pulmonary vein, identified in choice A, carries oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart, which is the opposite direction of the blood flow specified in the question. Choice C, Aorta, is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart's left ventricle to the rest of the body, not to the lungs. Choice D, Superior vena cava, returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart's right atrium, but it does not transport blood specifically to the lungs as requested in the question.

4. What is the function of fascia in muscle tissue?

A. to enclose, protect, support, and separate muscle tissue
B. to connect muscle tissue to bone
C. to serve as the contractile unit of muscle
D. to slide past the actin protein cells in muscle to create contraction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'to enclose, protect, support, and separate muscle tissue.' Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, providing structural support, protecting them from friction and injury, and helping in movement. Choice B is incorrect as tendons are responsible for connecting muscle tissue to bone. Choice C is incorrect as the contractile unit of muscle is the sarcomere, not fascia. Choice D is incorrect as the process described relates to muscle contraction mechanisms involving actin and myosin, not the function of fascia.

5. Which kingdom primarily consists of multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose?

A. Animalia
B. Fungi
C. Plantae
D. Protista

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A) Animalia consists of multicellular organisms that lack cell walls and are heterotrophic. Therefore, it does not primarily consist of photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose. B) Fungi are multicellular organisms with cell walls made of chitin and are heterotrophic, so they do not fit the description. C) Plantae primarily consists of multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose. This accurately describes plants. D) Protista is a diverse kingdom that includes unicellular and multicellular organisms with varying characteristics, but it does not primarily consist of multicellular, photosynthetic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose.