ATI TEAS Practice Test Science

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. One of the key hormones produced by the thyroid gland is thyroxine, which directly influences the body's metabolic rate. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland. The adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline, which are associated with the stress response and not primarily metabolic regulation. The pituitary gland regulates various other hormones but is not primarily responsible for metabolic regulation. The liver has a role in metabolism, mainly in processes like detoxification and nutrient storage, but it is not a gland that primarily produces hormones for metabolic regulation, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ball-and-socket joint. A ball-and-socket joint, like the ones found at the shoulder and hip, allows for a wide range of motion. These joints provide multidirectional movement due to the rounded end of one bone fitting into the cup-like socket of another bone, enabling flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Choice A, Hinge joint, is incorrect because hinge joints allow movement in one plane, like a door hinge, and do not provide the wide range of motion seen at the shoulder and hip. Choice C, Pivot joint, is incorrect because pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis, such as the neck, and do not provide the same range of motion as ball-and-socket joints. Choice D, Saddle joint, is incorrect as saddle joints allow movement in multiple directions but are not as versatile or allow as wide a range of motion as ball-and-socket joints.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol, the liquid component of the cytoplasm, not in the nucleus, mitochondria, or endoplasmic reticulum. It is the initial step in cellular respiration and involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid. The process takes place in the cytosol as it does not require membrane-bound organelles like the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum for its completion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To break down proteins.' The primary function of the stomach in the digestive system is to break down proteins using gastric acid and enzymes. The stomach's acidic environment aids in protein digestion and prepares food for further processing in the small intestine. Choice A is incorrect because nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the stomach actually produces stomach acid to aid in digestion, not to neutralize it. Choice D is incorrect because regulating body temperature is not a primary function of the stomach within the digestive system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The cerebellum is the correct answer as it is the part of the brain responsible for controlling balance and coordination in the body. It receives input from various parts of the brain, spinal cord, and sensory systems to help coordinate voluntary movements. The cerebrum (choice A) is mainly involved in higher brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and voluntary movements but not specifically balance and coordination. The medulla (choice C) is essential for functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation but not primarily for balance and coordination. The thalamus (choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for balance and coordination.