Question

4
read the definition of the word certain.
certain adj. v. 1. confident 2. guaranteed 3. particular 4. constant
then read this sentence from paragraph 1.
each loop of soft tissue within the semicircular canals gives a certain piece of information about the bodys movement.
what definition best matches the meaning of certain as it is used in the sentence?
confident
guaranteed
particular
constant
5
what happens when the cilia move?
the head turns.
the inner ear changes shape.
a nerve signal is sent to the brain.
air moves through the loops of the semicircular canals.
6
what would most likely signal a problem with a persons semicircular canals?
the persons outer ear is swollen.
the person feels unsteady when moving.
the person cannot turn his or her head.
the person yawns frequently.

Explanation:

Question 4

In the sentence “Each loop of soft tissue within the semicircular canals gives a certain piece of information about the body’s movement,” “certain” is used to mean a specific or particular piece of information. “Confident” refers to a state of mind, “guaranteed” means assured, and “constant” means unchanging. None of these fit as well as “particular” in the context of specifying a specific type of information.

When cilia (hair - like structures) move in the inner ear (related to the semicircular canals which are part of the balance - sensing mechanism), they send a nerve signal to the brain. The head turning is a cause of cilia movement (due to body movement), the inner ear does not change shape in the way described for this function, and air movement through the loops is not the direct result of cilia movement.

The semicircular canals are responsible for balance. If a person feels unsteady when moving, it is likely related to a problem with the semicircular canals (which sense movement and help maintain balance). The outer ear being swollen is related to a different part of the ear (not the balance - sensing semicircular canals), inability to turn the head is a muscular or skeletal issue, and frequent yawning is not related to the function of the semicircular canals.

Answer:

C. particular

Question 5