What is the function of the adrenal glands?

Questions 38

HESI A2

HESI A2 Test Bank

Quizlet HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Questions

Question 1 of 9

What is the function of the adrenal glands?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The adrenal glands function to produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, the correct answer is that the adrenal glands produce hormones. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as regulating blood sugar is primarily done by the pancreas, producing red blood cells is the function of the bone marrow, and filtering blood is carried out by the kidneys, not the adrenal glands.

Question 2 of 9

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary function of the nervous system is to transmit signals and coordinate body activities. It controls and regulates body functions by sending and receiving signals between different parts of the body, enabling responses to internal and external stimuli. This intricate network allows for communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, ultimately facilitating movement, sensation, thoughts, and various bodily functions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary function of the nervous system. Fighting infections is primarily the role of the immune system, producing hormones is the function of the endocrine system, and regulating body temperature involves mechanisms of thermoregulation within the body, not directly controlled by the nervous system.

Question 3 of 9

Which gland produces melatonin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pineal gland. This gland is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels typically rising in the evening to promote sleep and falling in the morning to aid wakefulness. The Thyroid gland (choice B) produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the Adrenal gland (choice C) produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and the Pituitary gland (choice D) controls several other glands in the endocrine system.

Question 4 of 9

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases. It transports oxygen from the air into the bloodstream, which is crucial for cellular respiration and providing energy to the cells. Additionally, it removes carbon dioxide, which is a waste product that needs to be eliminated. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while the respiratory system does remove carbon dioxide, its primary role is oxygen transport, not nutrient delivery, sound, or speech production.

Question 5 of 9

Nerve tissue is composed of neurons and connective tissue cells that are referred to as which of the following?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Neuroglia are specialized connective tissue cells that provide support and protection to neurons in the nervous system. They assist in the proper functioning of neurons and are essential for maintaining the overall health of nerve tissue. Therefore, in the context of nerve tissue composition, neuroglia are the connective tissue cells associated with neurons. The other choices, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and arterioles, are not the correct types of connective tissue cells found in nerve tissue. Osteoblasts are involved in bone formation, osteocytes are mature bone cells, and arterioles are small blood vessels that supply blood to tissues.

Question 6 of 9

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in the blood?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transporting oxygen. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen in the blood. It binds to oxygen in the lungs forming oxyhemoglobin and carries it to tissues and organs throughout the body. Once at the destination, hemoglobin releases the oxygen for cellular respiration, providing energy for various physiological processes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as hemoglobin's primary function is not carrying nutrients, clotting blood, or removing carbon dioxide. These functions are carried out by other components in the blood such as plasma proteins, platelets, and red blood cells, respectively.

Question 7 of 9

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the process through which cells generate energy. Carbon dioxide is a waste product expelled during this process. Choice A, 'To transport nutrients,' is incorrect as the respiratory system is not primarily responsible for transporting nutrients. Choice B, 'To regulate body temperature,' is incorrect as the respiratory system's main role is not temperature regulation. Choice D, 'To produce energy,' is incorrect because while oxygen obtained through respiration is used in the energy production process, the respiratory system itself does not directly produce energy.

Question 8 of 9

What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remove carbon dioxide from the body. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to return excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and assist in the body's defense against infections by filtering out harmful pathogens and foreign particles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because transporting oxygen to cells is mainly done by the circulatory system, hormone production is primarily carried out by endocrine glands, and nutrient transport is also a function of the circulatory system and the digestive system, not the lymphatic system.

Question 9 of 9

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are responsible for clotting blood. When there is an injury, platelets help form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding. This function is crucial in maintaining hemostasis and preventing hemorrhage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Platelets do not transport oxygen, fight infection, or transport nutrients in the blood.

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